What can I get from the literature review and exploratory stage for the final design?

From the literature review, the goal of the design was to create a positive experience in the ‘in-between’ spaces to permeate an affective recovery atmosphere such as warmth, welcoming, relaxing and friendly. It is gained through activating the atmosphere generator to afford curiosity. Furthermore, from the exploratory stage, I found that the atmosphere generator not only defined the spatial qualities. Hence, it also generates the affordance for the user to occupy the space based on the designer scenario. It can be approached by implementing the next findings of spatial strategies. It consist of pausing the moment, tilting the physical element, using a curve boundary, and using a spatial keyword: expand. These can be applied to develop the design, especially in the ‘in-between space’, to activate the atmosphere generators

I wondered if this was the right direction to go with. As this is generated from a personal experiment, I have a case study in mind that want to investigate these strategies. I also want to rethink how these related to the idea of inclusivity, atmosphere, and affordance to support wellbeing.

From the literature of Affecting care: Maggie’s Centres And The Orchestration Of Architectural Atmospheres by Daryl Martin, Sarah Nettleton, and Christina Buse, they concluded that the most influential element to create the Healing Atmosphere in the Maggie’s Centre was materiality, colour, light, shapes, and form building in particular. These are the atmosphere generator in Maggie’s Centre37.

The other findings was about the user experience scenario. It should consider the user profile such as age group, gender, and special needs to make sure creating the respected environment. I could be from the accessibility and circulation to ensure the design inclusive for every user. Therefore, it would affect much on the layout of the design.

The atmosphere of Maggie’s Centre was a healing architecture intended to be a safe space for people with cancer. The program included a nonformal table talk, consultation with a psychologist, a workshop, and finding support to combat cancer. “Maggie’s transformed what seemed totally overwhelming into something manageable.” Just how finding someone to talk to. The atmosphere creates the affecting care and offers warmth and welcome. It was surrounded by a relaxing atmosphere with a garden and kitchen at the heart of it.

Programming / Layout Kitchen as the heart Friendly Engaging Social connection (Conversation)

Participatory design

(The visitor was encouraged to bring and decorate the space with their own things) Inclusivity,

Programming / Layout Kitchen as the heart Friendly Engaging Social connection (Conversation)

Multi-sensory Visual scenery to the greenery Exploration Interest

Material Wood, stone, concrete Warmth, homey, relaxing

Programming / Layout Kitchen as the heart Friendly Engaging Social connection (Conversation)

Color & Lighting

Natural material, natural daylight, and soft warm white Warmth, homey, and relaxing

Image : Qualities and Atmospher Generator in Maggie’s Centre Leeds

Image source from Archdaily, “Maggie’s Leeds Centre / by Heatherwick Studio