Rain Rejuvenating Community Centre: A Neuroarchitecture Approach for Health Brain Aging in Taiping

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Thesis submitted to the school of Graduate Studies, University Putra Malaysia, in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Architecture

Rainfall Rejuvenating Community Centre

A Neuro-architecture Approach for Healthy Brain Aging in Taiping

S5

57 86

BY

SI EN CHUAH

ABSTRACT

Society and media nowadays tends to relate the term aging to the elderly community. However, it is important to apprend the fact that everyone of us is aging since day one when we were born. While we can’t do much on physical aging, fortunately, brain aging can be delay by boosting up the brain neurotrophic factors (BDNF). Hence, the objective of this thesis is to redefine community spaces through integration of of neuroarchitecture to promote healthy brain aging. In conjunction with Taiping’s mission to become a more age friendly city with WHO since 2019, the project is locate at Taiping as it has set up a strong potential base for this thesis .

Insipired by the ‘Rain Town’ scenario where 78% along the year is raining in Taiping, the design concept is to turn the disadvantage into advatage. The design strategy is to create a multisensory journey, by injecting the rain rejuvenating experience during, before and after rainy day within the stages of Brain Training Program that are incorporated into spaces. In summary, Rain Rejuvenating Community Centre stimulates healthy brain development of the users unconsciously, as it creates new experience, induces feelings, ensuring users at all age brings home unforgetable memories and return again as an everyday routine.

Keywords - Neuroarchitecture/ Healthy Brain Aging

SI EN CHUAH

2

CONTENT

ABSTRACT

2

content

3

CHAPTER 1 - IDEATION & STUDY

4-13

CHAPTER 2 - precedent studies

14-45

CHAPTER 3 - SITE & CONTEXTUAL RESPONSE

46-57

CHAPter 4 - DESIGN GENERATOR & strategies

58-65

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

66-101

chapter 6 - conclusion

102- 106

3

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY • • • • • • • • • 4

BACKGROUND THESIS STATEMENT & OBJECTIVES PROBLEM STATEMENT UNDERSTANDING AGING Why apply neuroarchitecture TO TACKLE AGING ISSUE? WHAT IS NEUROARCHITECTURE? COMPONENTS AND ASPECTS IN NEUROARCHITECTURE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK SUMMARY OF NABC

BACKGROUND

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY

Society and media nowadays tend to portray the term ‘aging’ to the elderly community.

For example, statistics of Current Population Estimates, Malaysia is projected to become an ageing nation by 2030 whereby 15% of our population is over sixty years old.

According to Hagestad, G. O., & Uhlenberg, P. (2005), age segregation is accepted as “natural” within the society as people tend to categorize people according to chronological orders. According to Henderson, E. (1957), aging is the progressive accumulation of changes with time, which means everyone is aging! Hence it is important to change the perception on the term ‘aging’ and apprehend the

fact that every one of us is aging since day 1 when we are born.

5

THESIS STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY 6

Thesis Statement

Redefining community space through applying edge in architecture design process to promote

Thesis Objectives

neuroscience health brain

knowlaging..

1. To apply neuroscience knowledge in architecture design process to promote healthy brain aging 2. To redefine community space from neuroarchitecture approach to boost up BDNF for delaying brain aging 3. To elevate the users experience & journey through the sensory aspects in relation to neuroarchitecture aspects.edge in architecture design process to promote health brain aging..

PROBLEM STATEMENT

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY

There is a need to redefine community space through integrating neuroscience architecture for healthy brain aging at all life stage Nowadays, architecture developments in built environment are mostly economic and monetary driven. Designing and building with minimum cost to gain the high return of investment (ROI). Eventually, the health and well-being of people are neglected in present design. Based on Andréa de Paiva(2018) and de Paiva, A., & Jedon, R. (2019), as people spend most of their time within a built environment, the experience will lead to a direct impact on the brain as they age. In this era, media always portrays ‘aging’ as ‘old’ or referred to the elderly community precisely those who are 60 years old and above in Malaysia. As long as the elderly person is relatively healthy and physically independent, the best thing for him/her is to remain integrated in the community- but the community must have facilities to accommodate their needs (The Star, 2020). To further support that, Jenkins, J. A. (2016) highlighted that livable community should not just accommodating to older people but make life better for everyone. According to Ritchie, I. (2020), there is now concrete evidence that one of the properties of the human brain is ‘neural plasticity’ – which our brains change as we learn – and that the brain changes partly in response to our environment. As a result, ‘Architecture is imagined and, when built, shapes us.’

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UNDERSTANDING AGING

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY

There is currently growing trend towards “Disrupt Aging”, after a publication of book

by Jenkins, J. A. (2016) highlights on embracing opportunity and change the ways society looks at getting older. The definition of disrupt aging here is to redefine what it means to age: It is not about aging, it is about living. In addition, Jenkins, J,A(2016) emphasized in her book that, “ I decide then and there I wouldn’t be defined by my age more than I would be defined by my race, sex or income. I want people to define me by who I am, not how old I am, and I refuse to allow the old expectation of what should or should not do at a certain age define what I am going to do”. This is the important mindset for the community when we talk about aging from something we fear to something we look forward to. As Martha Graham said, “Age is the acceptance of a term of years. But maturity if the glory of years.” In brief, people should begin to alter the mindset of ‘aging’ towards positive growth to understand the needs and expand the possibilities in every life stages, hence achieving a seamless aging community.

There are two types of scenario happening as we are aging: Physical aging and brain aging. Physical aging are unavoidable as our body system starts to deteriorate as we age. While brain aging happens in 3 steps: Physical change in brain volume, mechanism change and cognitive change. Fortunately, brain aging can

be improved! According to Larkin, E., Kaplan, M. S., & Rushton, S. (2010), brain plasticity (BDNF) can be improved through enriched environment stimulation as well as activities such as cognitive social engagement, learning and sharing, healthy lifestyle and play.

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Why apply neuroarchitecture TO TACKLE AGING ISSUE?

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY

“Neuroarchitecture can change our brain and behavior. “ - president fred According to Salk Institute for Biological Studies, President Fred have highlighted that Neuroarchitecture can change our brain and behavior. In addition, based on Architect Ian Ritchie, there is now concrete evidence that one of the properties of the human brain is ‘ neural plasticity- that our brain change as we learn- and that the brain changes partly in response to our environment. Architecture is imagined and when built, shapes us. Therefore, this thesis foresees that with the integration of neuroarchitecture in built environment, healthy brain aging can be fostered at all life stages through enriched environment stimulation.

9

WHAT IS NEUROARCHITECTURE?

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY

Recent research and studies has proven that neuroscience can be useful to architecture. Neuroscience architecture is the integration of two interdisciplinary fields.

In simple terms Arbib, M.A. (2014) explained that neuro architecture refers to the different responses produced by the brains of users during their presence of receiving different stimuli in a certain built environment According to Ritchie, I. (2020), Neuroscience is beginning to provide us with an understanding of how the brain controls our bodily activities, affecting how we think, move, perceive, learn and remember. Kayan, C (2011) highlighted that built environment design with principles of neuroscience, encourage memory, improve cognitive abilities, avoid stress and/or stimulate brain. The combination of neuroscience and architecture can be a great tool to help decipher some aspects of the relation between brain and space (Andréa de Paiva, 2018). In relation with this, this research foresees that neuroscience in architecture design as the ongoing famous trend in architecture research field to meet the needs among users at all life stages.

Neuroscience architecture made an important position in the field when the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) established in 2002 with its stated mission to promote and advance knowledge linking neuroscience research to a growing understanding of human responses to the built environment. As Eberhard, J. P. (2009) said, although is it challenging to integrate these to disparate disciplinarians, but once we expand the horizon for neuroscience, it will result in new knowledge base of architecture field. Hence, the architects must have the sensible ability to interpret and analyses the needs of different users as a unique individual, in order to apply this knowledge to the fullest in the design process.

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COMPONENTS AND ASPECTS IN NEUROARCHITECTURE

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY

according to the book : Designing with the mind in mind by Architect Ian Ritchie,

This thesis have sorted out a list of components and aspects in neuroarchitecture according to his discussion. The list includes:1- Interaction with space 2- Understanding brain architecture 3- Resonant Bodies in Immersive Space 4- Embodied Meaning & Memory in space 5- Building Materiality and Nature context 6- Multisensorial space

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY 12

The conceptual framework of this thesis arise from the redefining the term ‘aging’ through understanding the current issues with aging society. After studying on how neuroarchitecture can tacking on the aging issue, the thesis anticipate to propose a neuroarchitecture approach to create an enrich environment stimulation. With this, brain aging can be delayed by boosting the BDNF brain plasticity with the addition proposed activities such as cognitive social engagement, learning and sharing, healthy lifestyle and play. As a result, this thesis aim to foster health brain aging for all ages.

SUMAMRY OF NABC

CHAPTER 1 -IDEATION AND STUDY

In short, the summary of NABC for this thesis is as below:1. Needs- Healthy brain aging. There is a need of new architecture approach to understand the brain behavior in order to delay brain aging process.

2. Approach- To apply understanding on neuroscience architecture programming and spatial quality.

3. Benefit- Healthy brain aging society at all life stages 4. Competition- Develop further from the current stereotype single approach which induce age segregation towards the mission of integrating neuroscience architecture into built environment for healthy brain aging

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CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES • • • • •

RATIONALE OF SELECTING PRECEDENT STUDIES PRECEDENT 1: SAINSBURY WELCOME CENTRE PRECEDENT 2: PHILLIPS PAVILLION PRECEDENT 3: THERME VAL BATH PRECEDENT 4: THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL • PRECEDENT 5: CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL • COMPARITIVE TABLE ON SELECTED PRECEDENTS STUDIEs

14

rationale of selecting precedent studies

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

rationale of selecting precedent studies

As the architecture projects in Malaysia with the integration of neuroarchitecture knowledge are not as much, all of the precedent studies chosen for this research are foreign projects. In relation to that, the precedent studies are evaluated and analysed through online journals, articles, books and video to attain better understanding of each precedent in depth from various sources. Furthermore, this research study is designed with linking table to theoretical position as shown below to ensure that the analysis and findings are executing the series of research questions and theoretical proposition.

Theoretical Proposition

Theoretical

Precedent Studies

What to collect

Expected

Construct

Result

Design Approach This study anticipate that neuroscience architecture

Spatial Planning & should

design measure

process for

be

Organization

during

implemented

as

a

Building Program

delaying

brain aging for all ages to

Ways to elevate users’ experience

Types of Design

through neuroarchitecture approach

Approach

Factors affecting spatial planning

Factors

1. Sainsbury Welcome Centre

impacting spatial

2. Phillips Pavilion

organization

3. Therme Val Bath

List of programs that contribute to

Type

4. The Royal Children’s Hospital

seamless aging

training program

of

brain

5. Cardboard Cathedral

enhance the quality built

Building Occupant

environment

Study

`

List

of

studies

to

understand

occupants’ behavior

Types practice

of for

users at all age Special

Design

Spatial Experience

Ways to enhance spatial experience

Character

for all age

space/built environment

Table 4.1: Linking table to theoretical position (Source: Author)

of

PRECEDENT 1: SAINSBURY WELCOME CENTRE

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

INTRODUCTION Introduction Sainsbury Welcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University College London is one of the world’s first building that designed with mind in mind.

Brief Information Architects : Ian Ritchie Architect Building Type : Research Centre (Educational Architecture) Location : London, England Completion Year : 2016

(Source: Ritchie, I., 2020)

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PRECEDENT 1: SAINSBURY WELCOME CENTRE

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Architect’s Design Approach “The design team worked directly with neuroscientists for over 4 years. We have been learning from each other, architects from scientists and scientists from architects, we have all become neural architects so to speak” - By Professor John O’Keefe – SWC Inaugural Director and 2014 Nobel Prize laureate for Medicine or Physiology.

Architect Ian Ritchie started involving in neuroscience architecture since 1994. His architectural project in relation with neuroscience kicked off in the project - Sainsbury Welcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior in University College London. According to Sainsbury Welcome center (2021), this is the first architectural project in the world where two disparate discipline crossover as architects and neuroscientist work together to design based on neuroscience knowledge and it is building specially designated for neuro studies as well. In this project, architect spent whole year meeting neuroscientist worldwide to understand the state of their art and that is why the design process is uniquely ‘inside out’ (Ritchie, I, 2020). In summary, the main design strategy applied in this project is a genuine integration of knowledge across two fields to better understand the fundamental of human brain behavior and needs in relation with spatial influence prior proceeding to the following architectural design process.

(Source: Sainsbury Welcome center, 2021)

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PRECEDENT 1: SAINSBURY WELCOME CENTRE

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Spatial Planning & Organization According to Ritchie, I (2020), the space of the buildings was designed to assist the scientific innovations or discoveries when creative people from different fields study work together and exchange ideas and perspectives, by subtly enabling scientist to meet easily, every day, encouraging conversations and collaborations while still allowing individuals to be private and in control of their own environments. The spatial flow concept drawings uses different color as shown below for different representative space: - turquoise represent lab space, yellow represent write up space, red represent satellite clinical space and purple represent interaction space. In summary, the spatial planning of this project pushes the possibility to create social interaction space within a research based working and study zone while achieving greatest freedom for knowledge to grow beyond. As Albert Bandura (1999) emphasizes the human behavior results from dynamic interaction between people and environment. In long run, social cognitive interactions will eventually affects users’ mental and physical wellbeing.

(Source: Ritchie, I., 2020) 18

PRECEDENT 1: SAINSBURY WELCOME CENTRE

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Building Program and Occupants’ Study Brief Information Main Occupants Main Space Other Spaces , Roof Terrace

: Scientists : Laboratories : Lectures, Seminar Facilities, Social Interaction Space

Throughout this project, the daily working routine of scientist was studied and observed. According to Ritchie, I (2020), majority of scientific discoveries happens when innovation individuals from disparate fields gather and have conversation over their thoughts and findings. Hence, this center was designed carefully not just to fulfil the basic requirements of space but to stimulate deeper conversation by providing spaces and circulation that allows the occupants to meet and interact. With extensive insights of the working pattern of the occupants, this project introduce the ‘scale-free networks’ – big nodes interconnected with multitude of different spaces that flow and link with other nodes (Ritchie, I, 2020).

19

PRECEDENT 1: SAINSBURY WELCOME CENTRE

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES 20

Special Design Spatial Experience 1. Undulating Façade

Sainsbury Welcome Centre greets the passer-by on the street with a gentle rhythmic undulating façade. The white, translucent and flowy glass envelope of this building is composed of prefabricated low-iron toughen structural cast glass. (Ritchie, I, 2020).

Beyond its outlook, this envelope also achieve a high thermal performance while allowing natural light diffusion in addition of openable windows to allow natural ventilation. With this, it can help in lowering the lighting cost while allowing good quality of natural light and ventilation for good wellbeing and comfort of the occupants at all time.

Besides, this project has taken intro consideration of the amount of lighting that might be projected to the streetscape at night. To ensure that the light emission from the building at night does not cause disturbing and excessive glare to the passer-by or drivers, the white colour translucent glass is chosen and fabricated with precision so that the reflected light do not create glare.

(Source: David Bleeker, n.d)

PRECEDENT 1: SAINSBURY WELCOME CENTRE

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Special Design Spatial Experience 2. Organic workspace furniture Based on the video from Sainsbury Welcome center (2021), a small design detail – allocation of organic shaped furniture arrangement within workspace was spotted.

This has led to the Hippocampus proposal by Kim, D., & Kampff, A. R. (2020) discoveries have shown that hippocampus is disrupted in trapezoidal spaces. In other words, perhaps ‘thinking outside the box’ is actually easier in a room that is not a box (Kim, D., & Kampff, A. R., 2020).

(Source: Sainsbury Welcome center, 2021)

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PRECEDENT 2: PHILLIPS PAVILLION

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

INTRODUCTION Phillips Pavillion was designed by Le Corbusier and Iannis Xenaki assigned by the artistic director of Phillips Electronic. The structure was showcased at the Expo 58 in Brussel. This research believe that this project is one of the world’s earliest building that was unconsciously designed with the integration of neuroarchitecture principles.

Unfortunately, it was demolished in 1959 due to the concern that the structure might not sustain the rigors of winter.

Brief Information Architects : Le Corbusier and Iannis Xenakis Building Type : Pavilion for Exhibition (Installation Architecture) Location : Brussel, Belgium Completion Year : 1958 (Demolished on 1959) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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PRECEDENT 2: PHILLIPS PAVILLION

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Architect’s Design Approach “I will not make a pavilion for you but an Electronic Poem and a vessel containing the poem; light, color image, rhythm and sound joined together in an organic synthesis” - By Le Corbusier Phillips Pavilion is a masterpiece with the integration of architecture, visual and music (sound). This experiential pavilion was designed with the collaboration of architects, artist, composer and engineer. When Philips electronics company assigned Le Corbusier for designing the pavilion while Le Corbusier replied that he would create an electronic poem in an organic synthesis instead. Then, Le Corbusier worked with his assistant architect Iannis Xenakis who was also a music composer and engineer, to achieve the abstract imagination. Later on, Xenakis took over majority of the design and structure detailing as Le Corbusier was busy with other work. Xenakis’s contribution was then undeniably vital as he solved the mathematical challenge underlying in the hyperbolic structures’ construction, then composed a transitional music piece that lead the visitors into the main space, resulting in an elevated architectural musical integration multi sensorial experiential space.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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PRECEDENT 2: PHILLIPS PAVILLION

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Spatial Planning & Organization Phillips Company predicted the Pavilion’s capacity to be allow 500 spectators enjoy the audio visual projection on the plain vertical surface with acoustics requirement.

The spatial design concept was then developed into creating a journey where 500 spectators are allowed to enter at 10mins intervals. At the initial 2 minutes, the spectators will enter the curved entrance passageway listening to Xenakis’s transitional piece before entering the main core room that lead into darkness. The main core space then hugs the spectators in the space of light and sound for 8 minutes where they can stand, seat or laying down while enjoying the audiovisual showcase by Phillips. Lastly, the spectators would exit through another tunnel while the next group of spectators enter.

(Source: Author)

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PRECEDENT 2: PHILLIPS PAVILLION

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Building Program and Occupants’ Study Brief Information Main Occupants : Visitors/Spectators Main Space : Auditorium-like Pavilion Other Spaces : Entrance Tunnel, Projecting Screen. Seating. Sound system, Exit Pathway The Pavilion was built as a promotional goal for Phillips electronic company to showcase their technology including sound production and lighting. The design team and Phillips Company breakthrough the traditional perception on pavilion design. The building program aim was simply to have an auditorium liked space for the visitors to experience the advance technology that Phillips could offer. Yet, the design team created multisensorial journey from the entry to the main experience space to the exit.

Hence, creating an art piece liked pavilion – Phillips Pavilion with the integration of art, architecture, music and technology.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons) 25

PRECEDENT 2: PHILLIPS PAVILLION

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Special Design Spatial Experience 1. Organic Spatial Planning This project has unconsciously meet the Hippocampus proposal by Kim, D., & Kampff, A. R. (2020) that hippocampus is disrupted in trapezoidal spaces hence adapting to organic spatial planning can be good for brain. However, this research believed that it was not a co-incident as the design process of this pavilion undergoes deep study and experiment to ensure the best audiovisual experience elevating the multisensorial journey from entering to exit of the pavilion. As a result, the floor plan appears to be S shaped organic shape with precise scale and proportion to trigger, anticipation and surprise for the user while allowing smooth journey for users at all age.

(Source: Atlas of interiors) 26

PRECEDENT 2: PHILLIPS PAVILLION

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Special Design Spatial Experience 2. Beyond typical function of wall and floor This project breaks the typical perception and expectation where wall and floor can just act as structural elements as they should be. Beyond that, this pavilion had showed case to the world that a wall can be a visual projection panel with carefully designed angle and material. While a floor can be an informal yet comfortable spectators ground for seating and laying down to create a ‘home’ feeling. In short, it is user friendly for spectators at all condition and it challenged the spectators to think out of the box by setting up a great example.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 3 : THERME VALS BATH

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

INTRODUCTION Therme Vals Bath is a spa hotel designed by Peter Zumthor. The hotel is located in the mountain of Leis in Vals at Switzerland. The hotel was designed in respect to the existing contour profile of the site, submerging into the the hillside. According to O’Grady, E. (2020), Therme Vals is a hotel and spa in one which combines a complete sensory experience.

Brief Information Architects : Peter Zumthor Building Type : Thermal Spa Hotel (Hospitality Architecture) Location : Vals , Switzerland Completion Year : 1996

(Source: Andrea Ceriani)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 3 : THERME VALS BATH

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Architect’s Design Approach “To me, building can have a beautiful silence that I associate with attributes such as composure, self evidence, durability, presence and integrity, and with warmth and sensuouness as well?”

-By Peter Zumthor The space was designed for luxuriating and rediscovery of the primitive advantages of bathing. Peter Zumthor created the integration of lighting and shading, openness, enclosed spaces and uses linear elements to achieve a highly sensuous and restorative experience. In addition the concept is inspired by the cave and quarry like structure and is used as the finishes for the building

(Source: Andrea Ceriani)

29

PRECEDENT STUDY 3 : THERME VALS BATH

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES 30

Spatial Planning & Organization Therme Vals Bath located in Vals is situated at the base of Swiss Alps. As the building is meant to sit on the hillside, the space within were planned to achieve balance between this manmade structure and the natural element on site. The spatial planning are sensitive enough by using informal layout within the internal space to embrace the natural element including light, water, stone and sound beyond typical conventional method while elevating the senses through view, touch and sound within the environment.

According to study, the project does not emphasize on welcoming and highly visible entrance yet it introduce an access to the bath through a entrance tunnel step ways.

This circulation intended to stimulate the sense of the visitor through exploring the mysterious journey with anticipation and curiosity while heading towards the baths.

(Source: Siddiq Salim)

PRECEDENT STUDY 3 : THERME VALS BATH

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Building Program and Occupants’ Study Brief Information Main Occupants Main Space Other Spaces

: Local Community/ Tourist : Pool : Showers, Changing Room, Terrace, Massage Room

Beyond a typical spa and hotel, Therme Vals Bath promotes the concept and origin of public bath. Hence, the spaces (Figure 4.20) needed to improve from the tradition bath while elevating the bath experience in response to the nature environment are studied throughout the project. As a result, the main space – pool, varies and are located a different leveling (Figure 4.21) to create different experience (Figure 4.22) through openness and closeness of space, inducing human senses in achieving relaxation. Then, other spaces are provided in considering the needs before, during and after enjoying a nice bath.

(Source: Siddiq Salim)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 3 : THERME VALS BATH

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES 32

Special Design Spatial Experience 1. Respect and respond towards existing site and local context With respect to the site location within a hilly context. The building was designed in respect to the existing topography sitting gracefully on the hillside. To address this, flat green roof design is implemented with the plantation of local grass hence allowing the building to integrate into the existing landscape seamlessly. Also, the spaces are orientated to maximize the scenery view of the context with wide openings and windows allowing the visitors to enjoy the beautiful view without obstruction. In addition the architecture language express the strong sense of locality as it introduces a humble linear appearance with the natural touch finishes.

(Source: Andrea Ceriani)

PRECEDENT STUDY 3 : THERME VALS BATH

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Special Design Spatial Experience 2. Inviting Natural Lighting This project cleverly invites beautiful natural lighting effect through the special assembly roof into the building achieving different sensory experience to the interior space.

Also, this project has demonstrate an extensive level of the importance of natural lighting with the assistive artificial lighting to set the mood of the space. The interconnecting pathway and staircase space shows the natural light beam pattern, resulted from the gap allowed in between the roof.

(Source: Siddiq Salim) 33

PRECEDENT STUDY 4 : THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

INTRODUCTION The Royal Children’s Hospital is a new approach hospital project that has won numerous awards. It was a joint venture project by Billard Leece Partnership and Bates Smart appointed by the client Lendlease. This hospital aims to serve beyond the conventional formal medical hospital, by creating a place for family bonding, comfort while overcoming hardships in life together.

Brief Information Architects : Billard Leece Partnership and Bates Smart Building Type : Hospital (Healing Architecture) Location : Melbourne, Australia Completion Year : 2011

(Source: John Gollings)

34

PRECEDENT STUDY 4 : THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Architect’s Design Approach “We convinced doctors to move to an open-plan wing, hence introducing nature nurtures at the Hospital in the Park” - by Kristen Whittle and Ron Billard The architects of this project changes the public’s typical perception of hospital as a scary place into create a relaxing and not stressful ambience for children and the family who are facing hardships in life. The designed built environment incorporate nature journey by creating the hospital in the park to provide an enriching and healing environment for all.

Carrying the core value of the project to create a family-centred hospital, the main strategy is by using evidence based design. A method which study the healthcare practice, workplace patterns, user expectations, community aspirations and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the architects and team has workout series of innovative international health care concepts as follows (Bates Smart, n.d) :1.

Family centric design approach 2.

Sustainable design 3.

Inviting natural lighting and nature into the hospital 4.

Incorporating clinical, research and education facilities into the hospital

(Source: Bales Smart)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 4 : THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES 36

Spatial Planning & Organization As the site is located at a natural bushland context of Royal Park, the concept of inviting nature into the hospital has been proven to have therapeutic and healing effects for the patient children, family and even for the visitors. According to study, the hospital was angled into two blocks with a central street (blue arrow) linking the park space from north wing to the southwest wings. The void spaces within the blocks are then filled with small pocket landscape parks to stimulate the users to have a harmonious relationship with the nature. Not to forget, the building was designed in respect to the natural slope of the site that enables linkages at 3 different levels connecting the hospital to the park context.

Besides, the ideas of having all main spaces located along the central street, has allowed more than 80% of the rooms to have a pleasant view to the park, while some have view towards the internal courtyard. In addition, most of the spaces in the building are able to gain natural lighting.

(Source: Author)

PRECEDENT STUDY 4 : THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Building Program and Occupants’ Study Brief Information Main Occupants : Children, Family, Medical Staff, Visitors Main Space : Patient bedrooms Zones (Clinical, Patient and Family) , the Central Street Other Spaces : Clinic Spaces, Retails, Performance space, Playgrounds, Aquarium, Interactive Video Screens.

Throughout this project, basic necessity of the patient was studied and explored beyond. As a result, the building program are unlikely to be the traditional norms. Firstly, the patient bedrooms are carefully categorized into 3 zones of clinical, patient and family. This is a decision in responding to the different level emotional needs of children, hence to help improve the patient’s experience which eventually affects the recovery rates. Secondly, the medical procedures are conducted out of the rooms if possible to allow the peaceful space for the patient and family time. Thirdly, all these patient bedrooms and clinic spaces are connected by the Central Street which acts as the heart and soul that makes Royal Children Hospital different where it allows all community activities to happen here. Furthermore, the hospital has close partnerships with Melbourne Zoo, Science works Museum and Hoyts Cinema which has created a series of exciting and interesting spaces with variety of programs. The program spaces curated specially including places to meet and eat, performance space, playgrounds, aquarium, artworks space and interactive video screens, creating a campus-like social heart of the hospital for the community that stimulates imagination for the users at all life stages.

(Source: John Gollings)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 4 : THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES 38

Special Design Spatial Experience 1. Tactical Urbanism Concept in Patient’s Bedroom According to Bales Smart. (n.d.), over 85% of the patient bedrooms are designed for single patient occupancy. This is to create a more privacy space for the children patients and their family. Most of the time, the patients tend to feel insecure when admitted to hospital and yet they need to undergo all the treatment and recovery in a tense environment. In contrast, this project aims to enhance the patient’s recovery journey by allowing the children to personalize their own bedroom space. This is a way adapted from the tactical urbanism concept where the users can be involved in creating their own space through their creativity and imagination. By applying this, the users are able to feel a strong sense of community and sense of belonging within the space. This thesis believe that this could be one of the way where space can influence users’ behavior and speed up the recovery.

(Source: John Gollings)

PRECEDENT STUDY 4 : THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Special Design Spatial Experience 2. Great Variety of Colour and Pattern Application Instead of setting a typical formal and profession colour of white, grey, blue like most of the medical centre do, the Royal Children’s Hospital set the mood by having shades of green ‘leaf’ petals fin along the Flemington Road. Besides acting as a protection from sun, it sets an identity for the hospital.

Green is a good choice of colour in relation to the design core of this project as it merge in the whole existing nature context with the “hospital in the park” concept, in addition, green is also often associates with life, renewal, nature and energy. Hence, building elements in these shade of green can also be spotted in the other zone of the hospital such as the facade facing Nature Parkand the interior ceiling decorative elements Furthermore, this project have won several interior design awards and colour awards.

Throughout the study, it is observed that this project has chosen a right series of vibrant colour that brighten up the typical formal and dull hospital vibe, by adding some spice of playfulness as well. These vibrant colours and patterns are found being applied at different areas within the buildings, ranging from the choice of carpet, furniture, sculpture, decorative elements spreading the playful mood on the walls and entrance of a normally scary and depressing medication entry.

(Source: John Gollings)

(Source: Bales Smart) 39

PRECEDENT STUDY 5 : THE CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

INTRODUCTION The Cardboard Cathedral is a beacon of hope for Christchurch’s community after the strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit and caused 185 deaths. This incident was considered as one of the worst catastrophes in New Zealand’s history. Also, it had damaged the famous historical Christchurch Catholic Cathedral of 132 years. Eventually, this project was brought to life when the authorised personnel sent an email to the pioneer of “humanitarian & emergency architect” - Shigeru Bans, describing the disaster and asking if he is willing to help. Without much hesitation, he responded positively and offered the design at no cost.

Brief Information Architects : Shigeru Ban Building Type : Cathedral (Humanitarian/ Emergency Architecture) Location : Christchurch, New Zealand Completion Year : 2013

(Source: Bridgit Anderson) 40

PRECEDENT STUDY 5 : THE CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Architect’s Design Approach “Architects mostly work for privileged people, people who have money and power, Power and money are invisible, so people hire us to visualize their power and money by making monumental architecture. I love to make monuments, too, but I thought perhaps we can use our experience and knowledge more for the general public, even for those who have lost their houses in natural disasters.”

-by Shigeru Ban Shigeru Ban is well known for his innovative use of material and his humanitarian works that helps community in emergency state around the world. In this project, his concept was to build the church with A-frame structure made of paper tubes. The tubes will be coated with waterproof polyurethane and flame retardants for safety measuresmental responsibility.

(Source: Shigeru Ban)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 5 : THE CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Spatial Planning & Organization This projects reinterpreted the old Christchurch cathedral’s golden ratio spatial planning while improvising from it . Hence, Cardboard Cathedral was designed with the spatial arrangement that meet the basic needs of a worship place while flexible for other functions usage. The main space adapted and reinterpreted the old church’s natural lighting which represent the value of sacredness in the Christianity. As a new prototype of church, Cardboard Cathedral not only invite light for the interior. but also allow light emission from the building at night creating a spiritual illumination in the dark.

(Source: Shigeru Ban)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 5 : THE CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Special Design Spatial Experience 1. Challenging Typical Norm

The things can make this project and most of Shigeru Ban’s project different is beyond how well he can make use of unconventional material, but the attitude to challenge typical norm. Below are a few notable statement by Shigeru Ban: a-The Use of Paper as Structure In the olden days, paper are used in traditional buildings just as screen. But now, it can be used as structure. b-Weak vs. Strong People always have the perception that concrete must be stronger than paper. Nevertheless, when natural disaster strikes, a concrete structured building might ruin worse than a paper structured one. c-Permanent vs. Temporary The perception that concrete building must be permanent while paper building must be temporary is challenged. For Shigeru Ban, there is no clear line between both as it all depends on the case. As concrete one might be temporary for the sake of profit while a paper one might stand permanently due to the favor of community.

(Source: Bridgit Anderson)

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PRECEDENT STUDY 5 : THE CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

Special Design Spatial Experience 2. The Introspection with architecture nowadays “People are not killed by earthquakes, they’re killed by collapsing buildings,” claims Ban. “That’s the responsibility of architects, but the architects are not there when people need some temporary structure because we’re too busy working for (the) privileged. Even a temporary structure can become a home”- by Shigeru Ban The above say is mentioned by Shigeru Ban. It is a brutal reality but before thinking what is wrong with architecture industry, it is important to accept the fact that architecture is about privileged people, governments and developers. Due to this, Shigeru Ban have also expressed his disappointment when he first enter the industry. But rather than going with the flow and accept the fact, he tried to looked for opportunities to create shelter for ordinary people and people in needs. After several attempts including the temporary prototype shelter in Rwanda (1994) and Haiti (2010), this Cardboard Cathedral (Figure 4.43).has achieved a turning point in his effort. In the view of the fact that, Cardboard Cathedral is the first project that a humanity disaster relief project turned out to be monumental as well.

It is common that architecture students want to strike be a star architect who creates iconic buildings. Yet, the 2014 Pritzker Prize has marked a starting of the new era when Shigeru Ban won with his total new attitude and humanity approach. Since then, the awakening call was struck in the architecture world. It was a call to start introspecting to the current and future needs and start the effort of solving these issues through creativity architectural solutions that can be enjoyed by everyone.

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(Source: Shigeru Ban)

Expected Result





Needs to stimulation conversation and collaboration among the researchers

Phillips Pavilion



Creating unexpected and surprising showcase before, during and after the audio visual presentation

Multisensorial experiential space

 Pavilion for Exhibition (Installation Architecture)  Integration of architecture, art, music, technology

Understand the  fundamental of human brain behavior in relation with spatial needs and influence

 Research Centre (Educational Architecture)  Integration of architecture and neuroscience

Sainsbury Welcome Centre

  







Terrain site context Strong visual context Stimulating Anticipation and curiosity along the journey

Mysterious, sensuous and restorative experience Embracing natural elements

Thermal Spa Hotel (Hospitality Architecture)

Therme Val Bath



 



 

 

Terrain site context External and interior park connection Different level emotional needs of children and family

Evidence based design Family centric design approach Sustainable design Inviting natural lighting and nature into the hospital Incorporating clinical, research and education facilities into the hospital

 Hospital (Healing Architecture)

The Royal Children’s Hospital

 Reinterpreting old Christchurch cathedral spatial planning golden ratio

 Innovative use of material  Humanitarian approach

 Cathedral (Humanitarian/ Emergency Architecture)

Cardboard Cathedral



Daily working routine of researchers Type of brain training program/space for Social Interaction Unconventional fun and  Mysterious anticipating  Curated program spaces  Level of sacredness and users at all age stimulating spaces surprising entrance tunnel, journey including places to meet, solitude projecting screen, seating eat, perform, play, art and and technology aquarium  Level of serenity created within the space Character of space/built environment  Undulating Façade  Organic Spatial  Respect and respond  Tactical Urbanism Concept  Challenging Typical Norm allowing natural Planning towards existing site and in Patient’s Bedroom  The Humanity Approach lighting into the  Beyond typical function local context  Great Variety of Colour and Architecture building while taking  Sensitive of wall and floor usage of Pattern Application Introspection with  The consideration amount  Hyperbolic natural material Structural architecture nowadays of light emission to the System and  Inviting Natural Lighting street Prefabricated Material with different effect  Double Ceiling Height Visible Space  Organic shaped workspace and furniture

Factors impacting spatial organization

Types of Design Approach

Type of Building

Precedent Study

CHAPTER 2- precedent studIES

COMPARITIVE TABLE ON SELECTED PRECEDENTS STUDIES

4.3 COMPARITIVE TABLE ON SELECTED PRECEDENTS STUDIES

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CHAPTER 2- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE • • • • • • • • •

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INTRODUCTION TO TAIPING Reasons of choosing Taiping SITE SELECTION CASE STUDY: EVALUATION COMPARISON SITE SELECTION CRITERIA PHYSICAL URBAN ANALYSIS TOWNSCAPE ANALYSIS SOCIO ECONOMY ANALYSIS SWOT ANALYSIS SITE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION TO TAIPING

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

Taiping, Perak

is located at the west coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. With a population of 245,182 (in 2013), it is the second largest town in Perak after Ipoh, the state capital. The wettest town in Peninsular Malaysia – Rain Town.

historical timeline of taiping

Below are some of the important events from the historical timelineof Taiping from 1840s.

funfact

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Reasons of choosing Taiping

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

Reasons of choosing Taiping

CHAPTER3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

There are 3 main reasons that this thesis have targeted Taiping as the most suitable context for the neuroarchitecture approach to achieve health brain aging at all life stages are as follows:1. Age Friendly City - WHO statistic 2019 shown that 15% of the population in Taiping is over 60 years old. According to MPT Officer from Unit Warisan (Jabatan Perancangan) - Encik Hasmi (Figure 2,4), Taiping is committed with WHO in the vision of moving towards the age-friendly city.

2. Natural context- Taiping also known as Rain town, is well known for its natural context – Taiping Lake Garden (Figure 2.5) and Maxwell Hill. “Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.” – EO Wilson 3. Old community with rich cultural context -Taiping is a long established township with rich community and culture context. For example, Taiping Market (Figure 2.6) was built 100years ago and it was the first market in Malaysia. Although many years have passed, the community still remain the market culture as their basis

Therefore, Taiping has set up a Strong Potential Base

for this thesis to redefine community center through Neuro-architecture approach that act as a stimulator in a strong the socio-culture based community with the advantages of natural elements for health brain aging in Taiping.

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SITE SELECTION CASE STUDY: EVALUATION COMPARISON

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE 50

There are 3 case studies chosen and tabulated into a comparison evaluation The case studies chosen are City of Culture, Niemeyer Centre and Metropol Parasol. All of the case studies are located at heritage site which is similar as Taiping.

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

Below is the site selection criteria listed by after learning through the case study comparison above.

By using this criteria, three sites are selected within Taiping and evaluated on the criteria above. After comparison, Site 3 appears to be the most suitable site for this thesis project.

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PHYSICAL URBAN ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

Zoning

The selected site is located at the Zon Pembangunan Bercampur, a strategic location in between Zon Pemeliharaan Warisan Pusat Bandar and Taman Warisan

Land Use Planning

The current land use of the site is public open space and commercial. The nearby land use is the mixed of institutional, housing and commercial.

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PHYSICAL URBAN ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

Site Information

The diagram below shows the site map and surrounding context of the site.This owner of the land is UDA Holdings Berhad. The current use of the land is shop lot, open carpark and open laundry. The site is 2.8 acres.

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TOWNSCAPE ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

Legibility

The site is located at the central of most of the landmark and nodes area in Taiping.

vehicular Permeability

It is located around 3 secondary roads – Jalan Maharajalela, Jalan Sultan Adullah and Lorong Taman Tasik, connecting to the 3 primary roads in Taiping including – Jalan Taman Tasik, Jalan Kota and Jalan Tupai.

pedestrian Permeability

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SOCIO ECONOMY ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

adjacent context

The immediate adjacent site is surrounded by shophouses, Taiping Mall, Food Court

Nearby infrastructures

The nearby infrastructures around the site including schools, office buildings and medical amenities.

Nearby Hotels

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SWOT ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

PHYSICAL SWOT ANALYSIS

Socio-economy SWOT ANALYSIS

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site summary

CHAPTER 3- SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSE

in summary..

The site is located at a very strategic location to link the nature and cultural asset in Taiping having a great possibilities to serve a wide range of users in Taiping

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CHAPTER 4- design generator & strategies • rain as The Nutrients for Neuroarchitecture • rain sensory study • 4 main design strategies • sTrategy 1 • sTrategy 2 & 3 • sTrategy 4

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The Nutrients for Neuroarchitecture

CHAPTER 4- design generator

‘rain’ as the nutrients for neuroarchitecture According to Taiping Monthly Climate Averages. (n.d.), annual rainfall in Taiping is 2 times of Peninsular Malaysia. Based on the average rainfall data (Figure 3.1), the lowest average raining days per month is around 18 days while the highest average raining days per month is around 28 days.

In summary, 78% of the days along the year is raining in Taiping.

‘turning disadvantage into advantage”

Therefore, the design generator of this thesis is to turn the disadvantage of Taiping in advantage. As most people thinks that rainy days can be rather troublesome and can only stay at home. However, the thesis design approach aims to celebrate the rain as the significant feature in Taiping by creating a different experience and journey through neuroar-

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rain sensory study

CHAPTER 4- design generator

rain sensory study Rain has also been a vast source of inspiration for artists and architects.

The design generator – Rain is further explored in the poetic and sensorial aspect of sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste.

Also the place where everyone hang around during rainy days in Taiping as listed and tabulated below:

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4 design strategies

CHAPTER 4- design generator

4 design strategies After studying through the book Neuroarchitecture: Designing with the Mind in Mind

by Architect Ian Ritchie, I have sorted out 6 components and aspects in neuroarchitecture. In addition of the case study analysis and understanding on the contextual needs of the site, 4 design strategies are proposed by to relate design generator with the thesis statement mentioned in chapter 1. The strategies are as follows:-

• • • •

STRATEGY 1 - RAIN SENSORIAL JOURNEY STRATEGY 2 - HARMONIZE HARDSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE STRATEGY 3 – ORGANIC SPATIAL PLANNING STRATEGY 4 - INDUCING COGNITIVE SOCIAL SPACE

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strategy 1 - rain sensorial journey

CHAPTER 4- design generator 62

strategy 1 - rain sensorial journey Possibilities on incorporating rain into architecture solutions are explored and generated to enriched the sensorial journey, before, during, after rain within the building.

STRATEGY 2 - HARMONIZE HARDSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE STRATEGY 3 – ORGANIC SPATIAL PLANNING

CHAPTER 4- design generator

design development diagram The design is developed through strategy 2 and 3.

• Minimising building footprint • elevating built uparea to allowing more landscape at ground • incorporating organic ramp up journey throughout the building • adding slanted column to create the lightness and flowiness of the building ( inspired by clothes hanging) • Small space footprint attached along the ramp journey • creating memory point at every entrance

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Strategy 4 - Inducing Cognitive Building Program

CHAPTER 4- design generator 64

Strategy 4 Inducing Cognitive Building Program Building programs are categorised into 5 different groups within the buildings to create a stages of brain training program. The categories are as below: • • • • •

Interactive Zone (Social & Fun) Energetic & Healing Zone Give & Take Zone Serene Zone Solitude Zone

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Strategy 4 - Inducing Cognitive Building Program

CHAPTER 4- design generator

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

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• • • • • • • • • •

GROUND FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS first FLOOR SCHEMATiC DRAWINGS rain chamber detail features second floor SCHEMATiC DRAWINGS third floor SCHEMATiC DRAWINGS forth floor SCHEMATiC DRAWINGS fifth floor SCHEMATiC DRAWINGS elevations SCHEMATiC DRAWINGS sections SCHEMATiC DRAWINGS Video link

GROUND FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

vehicular & pedestrian accesibility The vehicular accessibility point is determined to create less distruption to the pedestrian activities. There are two main points of vehicular access - Basement Carpark Access which face the open carpark and South Entrance Drop off which is shaded allowing visitor to enter the main rain chamber core.

While for the pedestrian accesibility, each entrances are made to have its own identity creating memory point for the users, hence enhancing the sense of legibility of users without the needs to check on directory. This is also one of the way to boost up the BDNF of our brain in built environment.

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GROUND FLOOR drop off area

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

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GROUND FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS 70

the social interactive fun zone Based of the stages of brain training program, ground floor acts as the social interactive fun zone. According to studies, one of the way to keep our brain stimulated and active is by participate in active social interactive within the community. The two main programs here are the rain market and the water recreational park. Within the rain market, rain features design incorporated including the the overhand canopy roof over the market stall accompanied by a series of colourful canopy leading the users to explore the journey from the entrance to the level one. Also, water overflow features are designed in such where the users can experience a mini water fall liked experience along the community secret garden and the rai restaurant. Not to forget, the hideout deck by the water is also designed to allow users to enjoy the sound of the water features surrounded by greens. While for the water recreational park, a shallow depth stream is designed to captured the rain water while allowing users to enjoy a cooling a chilling recreational zone with the inviting smell of antong cafe. The esplande seating is also designed to allow the users to enjoy the performance from

FIRST FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

the linkage To allow better understanding on the levelling, first floor act as the continuous journey linking from the rain market ramp at ground floor up to the first floor. This journey curated to allow users experience a different level of expectations. From the anticipation of unforeseen spaces at the end of the colourful canopy from the rain market. Into the surprising rain chamber features, then into a soothing and calming view of the water recreational park from level 1.

In addition, the first floor is also well connected to the ground floor allowing access to the water recreational park via the ramp and the staircase at the esplanade seating zone.

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rain market journey

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rain market bird eye view

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RAIN CHAMBER DETAIL FEATURES

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THE VERTICAL core - RAIN CHAMBER Rain chamber is a vertical lift core zone with glass bubble lift access to all levels. The bubble lift core is open to weather at the centre surrounded with light water features with landscape at ground floor. This is the area where people can experience the touch, smell, and sight of rain before, during and after. Then the open centre core is surrounded by shaded circular ramps upwards with increasing radius from bottom to the top of the roof. This design allows water collected from the rooftop to flow down via the rain flow ramp right into the water pond at ground floor. This design has elevates the interactions of the users where they can place paper boats to flow down.

In addition, rain hideout cube is attached long the ramp, which acts as a social hub for community to chill and chitchat while enjoy the fresh scent from the rain.

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RAIN CHAMBER DETAIL FEATURES

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

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rain chamber

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

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rain chamber techinical details

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

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second FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS 82

energy & healing zone Based of the stages of brain training program, second floor acts as the energy & healing zone. Energy & Healing Zone is the program that encourages the users to exercise, move and walking around throughout the building. According to studies, exercising contributes to delay in brain aging and promotes health lifestyle at all life stages.

Although the main building program is located at second floor, however this concept is carried through the whole building as the wide and spacious ramp up experience within the rain chamber and throughout the building allows users to move, jog and burn up calories while exploring the building.

Connecting from the ramp from first floor, the main programs here are the foot reflexology zone, par course, monkey bar, jog track and also the interactive sports cubes for pingpong and other exercise.

third FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

give & Take zone Based of the stages of brain training program, third floor acts as the give & take zone.

This zone promotes teaching and learnig program vice versa of users at all age. According to studies, teaching and learning actually changes the physical structure of the brain. Through this process, the brain will be stimulated, it is like a mental exercise for the brain. Not just improving the memory but also promoting healthy brain development at all age.

The main design features is the interactive corridor features located in between the modular cube and cuboid. These modular classroom including community kitchen, IT Lab, learning cube, art and craft workshop are designed in such to maximise the interaction of the community. It is done by the open and welcoming frontage which allows the curiosity of community to watch through the teaching & learning process Also, the modular classroom are all featured with the pitter patter zone which allow the users to listen to the rain fall channelling down the chain downpipe then enjoy a natural podiatry

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modular classroom design features

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pitter patter roof for natural podiatry

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forth FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

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serene zone Serene Zone mainly consists of the water/hydro therapy centre. According to studies, water therapy has many benefits for people at all age physically and mentally.

The journey to this water therapy is designated that the users have to past through a mysterious tunnel ramp and acts as a light shower of soul and gradually creating the feeling of serene. At the end of the ramp, users will reach fifth floor at the registration before heading down to forth floor again for the water therapy session. There are few modes of water therapy based on different needs of the user including the self workout therapy lane, group water therapy aerobic and the private water therapy for specific healing or physio lessons. The water therapy spaces is designed surrounded by natural and natural ventilated allowing the users to enjoy the surrounding views and enjoy the fresh air and smell of rain while doing the therapy.

fifth FLOOR SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

solitude zone Besides acting as the registration zone for water therapy, fifth floor is designed with an outdoor meditation deck that allows the users to enjoy the peace in mind after a nice and comfortable therapy. It is located at the orientation and level that allows a great view towards taiping lake garden.

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mysterious light tunnel

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water therapy int he nature

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meditation deck maximising view towards taiping lake garden

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elevations SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

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sections SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

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video walkthrough

chapter 5 - design RESOLUTIONS

video link Kindly click on this link to enjoy the walkthrough video - https://youtu.be/7miWeSKlXn8

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Kindly click on this link to enjoy the ideation & site context video - https://youtu.be/Tn1RJTmxZ_A

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chapter 6 - conclusion • about neuroarchitect & health brain aging • sustainable approach

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about neuroarchitect & health brain aging

CHAPTER 6- conclusion

the neuroarchitecture approach Ultimately, this thesis inalized a 6 design strategies for integrating neuroscience architecture into built environment as follows:1. Evaluating each project as a unique case 2. Introducing 6 stages of brain training to be planned into building program (Social cognitive, Play, Health & Wellbeing, Teaching & Learning, Meditation, Personal Recharge) 3. Harmonizing hardscape and landscape 4. Customizing spatial planning 5. Elevating intangibles experience: Multisensorial journey, feelings and memories 6. Cross field collaboration to achieve more possibilities

healthy brain aging in built environment In nutshell, this thesis has documented criteria of good quality built environment to promote healthy brain aging as follows:1. Human centric design approach that focus on users’ behavior, practice, needs, activity pattern and expectations 2. Adaptation to site context - Building which sits humbly and harmony in respect with the site context might not be the star iconic project but it can turn out to be iconic for the community 3. No specific function for every spaces as they can be all potentially develop into stimulating(Social cognitive, Play, Health & Wellbeing, Teaching & Learning, Meditation, Personal Recharge) according to users’ need 4. Accommodating more landscape by reducing built up area hence minimizing carbon footprint 5. Non- typical spatial planning and layout to create more significant memory point enhancing the sense of legibility in the building without the needs of excessive signage and directory 6. Achieving beyond typical expectation 7. Leaving great memories with the users

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sustainable approach

CHAPTER 6- conclusion

the sustainable approach Sustainable Design is carried out througout the project in relation to the human centric design approach. Below are the main sustainable features within the building:-

1.

Rain Water Harvesting

2.

Natural Ventilation

3.

Natural Lighting

4.

Maximising landscape area

As rain act as the main nutrients of this project, the rain is also utilised from the technical approach. All the rainwater will be channeled into the rainwater har vesting tank. Then, the water will be distrubuted into two parts. First part is that the rainwater will be channeled into toilets and for irrigation purposes. Second part is that the water will be treated and channeled to all the water features area in the building.

Natural ventilation including cross ventilation and stacked ventilation is implimented at all spaces within the building, while the rainwater features act as a cooling effect of these spaces. Reducing the heat of the spaces leading to a cooling effect in all spaces.

Natural lighting is designated for all the spaces within the building. Considering

the sun orientation, allocating spaces that are most suitable to face each ori

entation. In addition, natural green is also used to reduce the glare into each spaces

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Fullfing the second strategies of neuroarchitecture approach. The built up area of this building this reduce to allow more landscape. Also, the building footprint is elevated to maximise the landscape area at ground floor. With the organic ramp flow above, users are able to enjoy the greenery and trees growing from ground floor to above, enjoying the journey like walking in the forest. In addi tion the spaces above are also incorporated with plants and greens. Therefore the green concept happens throughout the building and not only on ground floor.

summary

CHAPTER 6- conclusion

in summary As a conclusion from this thesis, Neuroarchitecture cannot and does not has a specific guidelines and principles that should be fulfilled by architects and designers. It is a series of concept which involves the tangible components such as the legibility, connectivity, visual aspects and also the intangible components including experience, feelings and memories which act as the nutrients for neuroarchitecture. In short, Neuroarchitecture is an acknowledgement that each and every project in built environment are unique in the way that it should not and cannot be formulated using the typical guidelines like computer programming methodology. Hence, the design strategies recommended can only act as the core values and considerations prior implementing neuroarchitecture into the built environment for the architects and designers. When it comes to implementation, these core values should be in the mind of the designer but the approach will surely differs as each project has its own characteristics, limitations and community etc. to be concerned and considered. In the end, each project will be specially tailored into a better and more suitable experience for the community needs.

SI EN CHUAH

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SI EN CHUAH

Rainfall Rejuvenating Community Centre A Neuro-architecture Approach for Healthy Brain Aging in Taiping

Thesis submitted to the school of Graduate Studies, University Putra Malaysia, in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Architecture All material contained within the thesis, including without limitation text, logos, icons, photographs and all other artwork, is copyright material of Universiti Putra Malaysia unless otherwise stated. Use may be made of any material contained within the thesis for non-commercial purposes from the copyright holder. Commercial use of material may only be made with the express, prior, written permission of Universiti Putra Malaysia. COPYRIGHT © Universiti Putra Malaysia