Designers Part Two

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DESIGNERS >creating proposals for healing architecture volume II -- part two



>foreword The studio project explores the relationships between human well-being and architecture through design of a facility, the purpose of which is to support the rehabilitation of torture survivors. The process of designing such a building spans many topics related to both architecture and other fields. Each proposal focuses on a different therapy method or user group, allowing the body of knowledge of the class to encompass many facets regarding healing environments that positively support refugees. Through many long hours, reviews, iterations, and much collaboration, the studio has accomplished an incredible amount of work and has set out to document the process that led to their final proposals. The process has just as much importance as the final scheme itself, as the story of how the building came to be is visible in the details of each project.



TABLE OF CONTENTS volume II -- part two CHAPTER VII _ reflect _ sarah kershner _ meditation & mindfulness CHAPTER VIII _ children _ shruti kumar _ play & animal therapy CHAPTER IX _ purpose _ ethan moulder _ horticultural & animal therapy CHAPTER X _ strength _ sydell paul _ physiotherapy & ecotherapy CHAPTER XI _ play _ blake wilson _ play & social therapy

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REFLECT

>meditation & mindfulness through healing architecture chapter VII



>foreword The studio project will explore the relationships between human well-being and architecture through design of a facility, the purpose of which is to support the rehabilitation of torture survivors. Survivors persevere. Meditation and mindfulness practices provide survivors with the increased ability to engage, prepare, accept, and persevere through the process of healing. Reflecting and contemplating are important in achieving and maintaining wellness. The architecture of the California Center for Torture Survivors should create a safe environment, a sanctuary, that provides space for users to confront their past, understand their emotions, and connect to a supportive community. Light, nature, and social interaction meet to create a center that encourages healing.



THE AUTHOR chapter VII >sarah kershner As my graduate school experience in the Master’s of Architecture program at Kansas State University comes to a close, it has been incredible to look back and see how far I have come. This studio has been an ideal end to my academic career, allowing me to head into professional practice with a focus on occupant wellbeing and meaningful architecture that can help people heal. As I move forward into the field, I am so excited to be able to apply all of the lessons I have learned at school and in this studio. Working together as a group in order to create a body of research that can so positively influence people’s daily lives has been such a worthwhile endeavor. I look forward to seeing how this project continues to help people grow - both directly and indirect. Thank you for taking the time to share in this research. Sincerely yours,

Sarah Kershner



TABLE OF CONTENTS chapter VII SECTION I _ preliminary research _ healing trauma _ case studies SECTION II _ site selection _ building placement SECTION III _ program & analysis _ the building _ avatars SECTION IV _ design proposals _ preliminary design review _ schematic design review BIBLIOGRAPHY

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>preliminary research The California Center for Torture Survivors should promote a sense of healing, reflection, and empowerment. Through the creation of a sanctuary for those affected by political torture, the Center can help to reduce the impact of torture, as well as help individuals re-integrate into the community. The first step in the design process of a facility that aims to accomplish these goals was understanding the devastating results of torture, as well as methods of treatment. This also included research regarding practices and methods of creating healing architecture.


SECTION I >preliminary research


healing trauma preliminary research >the impact of meditation & mindfulness In addition to the research performed by the studio as a whole in Volume I of this project, more individualized information was analyzed to determine how best to approach the design of a facility such as the California Center for Torture Survivors. This includes looking into torture and its effects on survivors as well as the process of therapy and the healing process. A portion of the research also focused on healing architecture and humancentered design. This research can then be used to inform a design that aims to help alleviate the symptoms of survivors of political torture. Healing architecture and a variety of other related architectural concepts were studied, as well as relevant architectural examples. This led to the development of a vision that includes the goal of the Center itself, as well as an architectural idea for the building.

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>torture & its effects Torture aims to harm all parts of an individual, breaking down survivors physically, mentally, and emotionally. Often, the effects of torture are persisting, causing survivors to continue to suffer from their trauma long after the act of torture has ended.

_ post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) Torture may result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD may cause intrusive thoughts, disrupted sleep, avoidance, and hyper-arousal. This typically results in a significant loss of function in portions of the survivor’s life (Hauksson, Pomfrey). Approximately 7.7 million adults suffer from PTSD. The impacts of PTSD may also manifest themselves as physical symptoms, including digestion disorders, headaches, chest pains, and dizziness (Pomfrey). These symptoms may be managed through medication or other treatment types, but in order for symptoms to dramatically reduce or disappear, the cause of the symptoms must be addressed. The most commonly used treatment methods include psychotherapy and medication. Therapy often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods of treatment, which involves anywhere from 3 months to several years of sessions (Pomfrey).

_ ptsd & the brain Trauma may impact the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the pre-frontal cortex in the brain. The amygdala is in the part of the brain that controls emotions, including the processing of potential threats and the initiation of the fight-or-flight response.

Neuro-imaging techniques have shown that the amygdala may remain alert in non-threatening environments. This causes the brain to have trouble making decisions about approaching threats and the body’s danger response. (Wolkin). The hippocampus controls memories in the brain, which includes interacting with the amygdala. MRI scans of some patients’ brains show smaller than average hippocampi, which may manifest as intrusive memories and flashbacks. In addition to causing these issues, which may provoke feelings of fear or distress, this may further falsely provoke the amygdala into an unnecessary fight-orflight response (Wolkin). The pre-frontal cortex regulates behavior, emotions, and fear responses. Neuroimaging shows less active pre-frontal cortexes in some patients with PTSD. This results in its inability to override the hippocampus’ memories or shut off the amygdala’s response to falsely perceived danger (Wolkin). These three regions of the brain, in conjunction with one another, contribute to PTSD sufferers’ inability to process and react to potential dangerous stimuli. In order to begin the process of healing, it is important to learn to productively manage these processes in order to treat the underlying cause of the symptoms of the condition. Learning to regulate these processes can help users to better engage in their therapy and other treatments, encouraging whole body healing.

>healing trauma The central focus of the facility is creating a healing environment for survivors of torture through use of meditation and mindfulness practices, in combination with a variety of other related services. The intention is that these services, 17


in conjunction, provide users with an opportunity to achieve wellness, as well as connect with their local community. While much of the literature documents the effectiveness of meditation and mindfulness practices on veterans with PTSD, the same logic can be applied to survivors of torture with PTSD and severe trauma as well.

figure 1. an individual practicing meditation

_ meditation and mindfulness

_ therapy

The practice of mindfulness is “commonly conceptualized as involving attention to and awareness of the present moment, and nonjudgmental acceptance� (Vujanovic). It focuses on thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Mindfulness has been found to increase the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and prolonged exposure therapy, two common evidencebased methods for treatment of PTSD and other symptoms commonly exhibited by survivors of torture.

The California Center for Torture Survivors, in addition to its meditation and mindfulness spaces, will have facilities for therapeutic treatment for symptoms such as PTSD, depression, substance abuse, as well as others. By allowing users access to these facilities and services, the Center provides a space where users can utilize meditation practices to enhance their treatment, giving them a way to cope with emotions and memories that may surface throughout their treatment. Therapy methods range from cognitive behavioral therapy to prolonged exposure therapy.

Meditation has been shown to aid in: _ engaging -- may help to prepare patients to interact with therapists _ preparing: -- may help with emotions that surface during therapy _ not ruminating -- create a sense of acceptance rather than avoidance, creating distance from trauma-related thoughts and emotions _ complying -- patients may be more willing to persevere through trauma processing (Vujanovic). The management of PTSD requires respect, sensitivity, and skill. Meditation heals the part of the brain where traumatic memories and emotions are stored, allowing survivors to take control of their lives. Mindfulness and meditation practices have been shown to potentially increase pre-frontal cortex and hippocampal activity and increase amygdala function (Wolkin). 18

_ nutrition An important aspect of wholeness and well-being is a nutritional and wholesome diet. Food allows users to connect with one another through the acts of cooking and eating and encourages healing of the whole body, rather than the standalone treatment of PTSD symptoms. A healthy diet can help to enhance treatment by improve the overall health of the patient. Nutritionists on staff can assist patients with dietary plans and provide instruction in the kitchen and provide cooking and nutrition classes and events.

_ medicine The medical portion of the facility provides access to nurses and nurse practitioners, who can prescribe basic medications


to deal with minor issues relating to the patients’ symptoms, such as pain or sleeplessness. These individuals can work with therapists, nutritionists, primary care physicians, other medical specialists, and the patient to assist with coordinating care, providing patients with control over their treatment plans. According to a study performed on active-duty service members with PTSD, 83.7% of those practicing meditation had stabilized, as well as reduced their use of psychotropic drugs to treat PTSD after one month (Bergland).

Creating a healing natural environment involves a variety of methods and techniques in order to allow users to experience nature throughout their journey through the facility (Gesler). This may include direct access to nature, views to nature, and passive strategies such as daylighting and natural ventilation. Biophilia, humans’ natural affinity for nature, will play an important role in the design of the facility. Landscaping these environments with plants local to the area will connect the facility to its context.

_ nature

_ the built environment

The outdoor portions of the facility provide both staff and clients with access to views and nature. Staff offices, including staff who interact directly with patients, have relevant exterior spaces immediately adjacent for easy access. This allows users to have sessions with their care professionals either outdoors or indoors and provides staff with access to outdoor spaces as well. Other outdoor facilities, such as the reflecting pond as well as group and individual meditation spaces provide quiet places for meditation and mindfulness practices, allowing users to choose where and how they will practice. The community garden allows visitors to the facility the opportunity to learn more about gardening and the practice of cooking and nutrition, while paying homage to the site’s current usage as a community garden and research area.

>architecture as a healing environment Professor Wilbert Gesler proposes that healing places have 4 dimensions: natural, built, symbolic, and social.

_the natural environment

The built environment of the California Center for Torture survivors should encourage a meditative journey for users as they utilize the resources of the building. Spaces should have a wide variety in spatial quality, depending on use. These may include light, volume, height, color, and texture, among other architectural qualities The building should interact with the urban context, frame outdoor spaces and views, and have variations in privacy, providing users with control.

_ the symbolic environment The history associated with trauma and PTSD is vast. According to Judith Herman, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, public interest in psychological trauma occurs in periods throughout history. This began as hysteria, the original term for trauma typically caused by childhood sexual exploitation. Trauma was later studied as combat neurosis, which is now called PTSD. This is part of the most recent push towards the contemporary understanding of the results of sexual and domestic violence (Herman). Through understanding the negative stigma associated with trauma throughout history, architecture can be designed to reduce the symbolic meaning 19


associated with facilities that treated outdated understandings of trauma and focus on creating a more healing architecture. While it is important that healing architecture avoids harmful or stigmatizing symbols, it is equally important to utilize positive symbols. In the case of meditation, this may include water, sacred proportioning and geometry, nature, and specific colors.

_ the social environment The social environment deals with the types of interactions that an environment fosters, with particular importance on establishing a sense of equality between patients and users (Gesler). This can be achieved by not creating visual boundaries between accessible spaces, providing for both groups needs, and allowing both groups a sense of control. It is equally important to create a building that facilitates interaction between users, as well as between users and their community. Through creating spaces that allow for the forming of relationships and collaboration, architecture can create a more healing social environment.

>relevant architectural concepts _ biophilia According to Dr. Roger Ulrich, Professor of Architecture, biophilia can be defined as “the intuitive belief that contact with nature promotes psychological wellbeing and physical health� (Ulrich). In combination with evidence-based design processes, biophilia can be a powerful tool in promoting human well-being through design and its integration with the natural environment. Another powerful application of biophilic 20

theory is in combination with the idea of Christopher Alexander’s pattern language. Research group Terrapin proposes that biophilia can be categorized into a series of patterns. These patterns can then be analyzed through the lens of the evidencebased design process in order to most effectively apply biophilic strategies based on research and precedent use (Browning). These patterns are categorized into three groups: _ nature in the space -- direct application of or access to nature _ natural analogues -- interaction with forms and/or materials from nature _ nature of the space -- concepts relating to the way humans process and interact with the world around them (Browning).

_ rescape california The ReScape California initiative is a third-party rating system that encourages commercial, civil, and multifamily residential projects to design landscape that is sensitive to the local Bay Area ecology and natural systems. The system encourages landscaping locally, conserving water, reducing waste, nurturing the existing soil, protecting water and air quality, conserving energy, and creating and protecting wildlife habitats (ReScape California). By participating in this initiative, the community can be a leader in the community regarding sustainable design and usage practices, as well as further root itself in its context.

_ sustainable design practices It is incredibly important for the Center to utilize sustainable design practices. This includes optimizing the design to receive quality daylight, provide passive heating and cooling, and conserve water. Through adherence to the California Sustainability


The Center provides services to a variety of users in the Bay Area of California. This user base varies greatly, from individual users of the facilities resources regarding trauma and PTSD treatment, to survivor’s support systems, to local community members.

_ trauma services Meditation and mindfulness practices have been shown to aid users in the therapy process, particularly if they are hesitant to begin the therapy process (Vujanovic). In combination with the other types of services provided at the California Center for Torture Survivors, which includes nutrition and medical support, clients can work towards achieving full body wellness. This combination of services allows clients to treat physical, emotional, and mental symptoms, as well as more actively participate in their treatment process.

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Code, energy modeling, and the application of these design principles, the Center can contribute positively to its community.

figure 2.

_ daily users The facility, on an average day, will have 5 general staff members, 6 counselors, 2 nutritionists, 2 nurse practicioners, 2 nurses, and 10 administration staff members, and 5 volunteers. Therapists will typically see 6 clients a day, which amounts to 36 formal visitors per day. Other visitors will use the facility for its meditation spaces, which amounts to 15 average users. Depending on classes being taught at the facility, up to 60 extra users may visit on days where at least 3 classes are taught. There will be an average of 20 volunteers and visitors to the community garden each day.

_ learning services Libraries within each service area of the facility provide formal clients and their support systems, with access to information about their treatment process and options, as well as other resources such as social services and legal assistance.

15 meditation & mindfulness

36

_ community programs

therapy, nutrition, & medicine

Classes, such as yoga, tai chi, and group meditation, in addition to activities and courses taught through nutrition services regarding gardening and cooking, provide clients with outlets to connect to the community of Albany.

administration & support

32 20

outdoor

figure 2. potential daily users

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CASE STUDIES

preliminary research

>relevant design ideas Beyond the initial precedent studies presented in Volume I of this project, more project specific case studies were also analyzed in order to gain insight regarding creating healing and meditative places. These projects have characteristics that relate specifically to the goals that the Center aims to accomplish creating a sanctuary through the use of light, access to nature, and social interaction.

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>windhover contemplative center _ aidlin darling design _ stanford, california _ 4,000 ft2

figure 5. windhover contemplative center plan

figure 3. windhover contemplative center interior

The Windhover Contemplative Center is a single story building located on Stanford University’s campus. Its intent is to provide students and faculty with a ‘spiritual retreat’ from their busy academic life. The building is highly intertwined with the landscape; the garden merges with the interior and the walls themselves are made of rammed earth. The building relies on privacy provided by the shelter of trees and a slightly hidden entry to make the experience of entering the building an intimate moment. The use of colors, materials, light, views, and circulation patterns make this building an example of architecture that aids in the meditation process (“Windhover”).

Perhaps the most applicable lesson to be learned from Windhover in terms of this project is its use of screens both provide privacy, and mimic the rhythm of the exterior landscape. This not only connects the interior to the exterior, but also helps to blur the boundary between the two realms. The use of rammed earth also relates to the scheme, as this material provides a connection to the natural environment as well as the local context. It creates a sense of rootedness and warmth within the building. The plan of the building is simple; a bar scheme sits against one side of the site, turning the remaining land into a meditative garden with a labyrinth, a grove of trees, and a reflecting pond (“Windhover”). The building is then focused on framing views, both of the art and the exterior garden. The building’s elegant form, relationship to the rhythm of the garden, and materials are clearly reflected in the process sketches.

figure 4. windhover contemplative center exterior

figure 6. windhover contemplative center process

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>de young museum

>bill & melinda gates foundation

_ herzog & de meuron _ san francisco, california _ 293,000 ft2

_ nbbj _ seattle, washington _ 640,000 ft2

The M.H. de Young Museum is a fine arts museum located in San Francisco. The project does an excellent job of framing outdoor spaces, creating a variety of public and private courtyards. By punching these courtyards out of the floor plan of the building, visitors are more consistently reminded of their exterior surroundings.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation courtyard is an excellent example of an outdoor space designed to promote human interaction. The facility is meant to “create a campus that inspires and creates optimism and hope” (NBBJ). With a goal of encouraging inter-disciplinary interaction, interior and exterior spaces aim to provide areas for this to occur. The buildings subtle curves embrace the courtyard, allowing it to feel more private and enclosed.

figure 7. m.h. de young museum courtyard & corridor

The building also relates to its surrounding natural environment through its use of materials. The copper on the exterior will slowly patina, expressing the weather patterns of the buildings lifespan on its facade. The pattern of the facade is meant to mirror daylight filtering through tree branches, creating a feeling of being enclosed by trees even when several stories from ground level (“M.H. de Young Museum”).

figure 9. nbbj entrance courtyard

The wrapping embrace of the scheme allows the courtyard to feel enclosed and instills a sense of privacy and ownership within users.

figure 10. nbbj site plan

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figure 8. m.h. de young museum plan


>nk’mip desert cultural centre _ hbbh architects _ osoyoos, british columbia, canada _ 17,200 ft2 The Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre is located in a unique climate for Canada a desert. The Centre aims to convey the history of the native aboriginal people, as well as carry their traditions, both old and new, into the future (“Nk’Mip”). This connection to both the region and the history of the community and its people is extremely relevant to building program for the California Center for Torture Survivors.

figure 12. nk’mip desert cultural centre elevation

channel, and the materials and plantings create a natural atmosphere within the site and building. The rammed earth wall at the facility is the longest one in North America at 260 feet (“Nk’Mip”).

figure 13. nk’mip desert cultural centre approach

Sustainable building features include -_ thermal mass rammed earth walls _ use of excess bluestain pine wood _ habitable green roof _ radiant cooling and heating _ water conservation & management (“Nk’Mip”)

figure 11. nk’mip desert cultural centre image

The rammed earth of the facility is in response to the climate and site, as well as the strict environmental regulations placed on the reserve. It allows the building to become an extension of the site itself as it sinks into the ground on one side. The use of the green roof, the water

figure 14. nk’mip desert cultural centre plan

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>site selection Next, the site was analyzed in order to determine the most important elements, whether advantageous or not, and start to understand how this might impact building location and form. The building should ultimately fit into the context of Albany, CA. It is also important the building respects the history of the site as a Native American land, a research field, and as a community garden. The Gill Tract is such an important piece of property in the Bay Area, so the building should improve the site, not remove its best assets.


SECTION II >site selection


building placement site selection >responding to the neighborhood After establishing a framework in which the California Center for Torture Survivors should be designed, it was extremely important to look at the site and better understand how the context of the area might enhance the Center. This includes looking at the urban strategy, most notably the immediate buildings, streets, and current community interaction. This analysis can then be applied in order to establish a building form that responds directly to the surrounding influences, allowing the building to become part of the urban fabric of the Albany area. Once this analysis produces a context-sensitive building form, the site strategy, including parking, circulation of pedestrians and vehicles, interaction with public transit, and outdoor program, can be developed. This strategy should connect with the building’s form, as well as the overall building concept. Once several proposals were developed, taking into account the previous research and site information, one was selected and developed.

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>site strategy Multiple site options, not limited to the ones seen here, were explored. These strategies, in general focused on several objectives --

Adams St

Madison St

>site proposals

ity un s m ce m ur Co eso R

Agriculture (Noise Barrier)

Therapy an an ch Bu St

Entry and Administration

Nutrition Wind

Parking

Marin Ave

Meditation

Ohlone Ave

Meditation Space San Pablo Ave

Medical

>Focuses: _ Intermediate courtyards _ Ease of access _ Centralization Jackson St

Blossom

figure 1. blossom proposal Adams St

Madison St

Tenth St

Monroe Ave

Albany Hill Park

Dartmouth St

Ocean View Elementary School and Park

Public Shaded Courtyard Nutrition

Agriculture

Therapy and Acupuncture

an

an

ch

Bu

(Noise Barrier)

Community Garden

St

Entry and Administration

Albany Courthouse and Bay Area Marin Ave Cultural Connections

Wind Parking

Ohlone Ave Medical

Meditation

Meditation Space Therapy San Pablo Ave

Private Sunny Courtyard

>Focuses: Clinic and EFT Therapy

Jackson St

_ Protected outdoor spaces _ Community inuences _ Views and connectivity

Stream

figure 2. stream proposal

Tenth St

Adams St

Madison St

Monroe Ave

(Noise Barrier)

St

Community Garden

Dartmouth St

an

an ch

Bu

Nutrition Therapy Medical

ity un s m ce m ur Co eso R

Agriculture

Wind Marin Ave

Parking

Meditation Space Ohlone Sacred Circle

Entry and Administration

>Focuses: _ Site history _ Connections _ Permiability

In the preliminary design proposal, the parking lot, which provides just over 50 spaces, is angled slightly to more closely match the natural topography. This provides a slightly winding path from the parking lot to the main entrance, helping the entry to be more reflective and contemplative than the typical walk from the car. On the east end of the site, the pedestrian path connects the main intersection at San Pablo Avenue and Marin Avenue to the therapy entrance. A curving path that wraps around the community garden becomes a patio towards the kitchen and dining area. In the private courtyard, group meditation will take place in a slightly landscaped courtyard on one side. On the other, a small reflecting pond, surrounded by benches and quiet places to sit, will serve as a place of refuge for users. Next to it will be a painted meditative labyrinth, allowing clients to walk along its path to restore a calm state of mind.

San Pablo Ave

Meditation Ohlone Ave

_ framing outdoor space _ connecting nutrition and group spaces to the community and the public portion of the site _ providing protection for private spaces, including individual meditation spaces, therapy spaces, and medical offices _ using soft-scape and permeable parking as a buffer from the street the the building

Jackson St

Horseshoe

figure 3. horseshoe proposal Tenth St

Monroe Ave

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>site location The Gill Tract, where the building will be located, is the current home to a community garden and agricultural research fields belonging to the University of Berkeley, California. This provides an opportunity for the California Center for Torture Survivors to maintain this important connection with the surrounding community. As Albany is a dense, urban area, the building has the potential to connect to the surrounding urban fabric, while also providing large areas of green space that can be used by members of the community, as well as staff and users of the facility.

>urban strategy The western portion of the site offers the most potential in terms of the ability

interior courtyard spaces created

private courtyard & building sunken into site

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to connect with the surrounding urban context. Jackson Street, which runs along the western edge of the property, is also the end of the residential University Village area. Ocean View Elementary school is also near the northwest corner of the site. The building form should engage this context and establish a buffer between the entrance street and the rest of the site. This portion of the building should serve as the main entrance to the facility.

>contextual parameters Through breaking the building into two pieces, the building towards the south of the site will have more private spaces, while the northern building will be more community oriented. The community space extends into the site through the community garden, which creates a strong relationship between users and Albany.

building split to create entry courtyard

roof pitch changed

figure 4. process diagrams for preliminary design review

portion of private section removed

outdoor space programmed


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figure 8.

>site conditions

figure 5. noise

figure 6. public vs. private

figure 7. vehicle circulation

figure 8. pedestrian circulation

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figure 9. preliminary design review site plan

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figure 10. preliminary design review site section


figure 11. schematic design review site plan

figure 12. schematic design review site section Site

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>program & concept After looking more closely at the site and relevant literature, a building program was written and studied in order to determine how these spaces might interact to create a meditative, contemplative, and reflective environment. This process began to look at how the building would work both functionally and architecturally. Through gaining a better understanding about how the larger program concept should interact with one another, as well as creating a vision and architectural idea for the Center, the building can become an integral part of the healing process. This also includes looking at the various types of user groups and using their potential backgrounds and experiences to craft the architecture of the building.


SECTION III >program & concept


THE BUILDINGprogram & concept >understanding the services Following initial research regarding healing the trauma resulting from torture, a conceptual approach was selected. This approach has become the framework for every aspect of the Center. It eventually led to the development of an architectural idea, to which all built elements will relate. The concept for the Center, which involves meditation and mindfulness, was used to develop the project program. This process began by looking at the services the facility will offer, eventually turning broad categories into individual rooms with specific characteristics and requirements. This program was then analyzed through a series of diagrams that explore program adjacencies, requirements, and general building organization.

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>vision statement NUTRITION

THERAPY

“a sanctuary that encourages meditation and mindfulness practices through a reflective and contemplative atmosphere” MEDICAL

>conceptual approach With meditation and mindfulness at the center of the program, all of the other aspects of the Center exist to increase the success of the meditation spaces and increase the overall performance of the facility as a whole. Therapy, nutrition, and medical services provide for patient needs that directly correlate to the success of meditation and mindfulness practices. This relationship is incredibly important for therapy services, which are the typical treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms.

therapy meditation & mindfulness engagement

prepare for interactions with therapists

preparation

coping with emotions that surface during therapy

less rumination acceptance instead of avoidance

compliance

perseverence through trauma processing

outdoors establishing a healing relationship with nature and the Earth, as well as establishing relationships with community

providing emotional support and coping skills for working through trauma

nutrition supporting whole-body wellness through the shared experience of cooking and consuming healthy food

medical

MEDITATION AND MINDFULLNESS

ADMINISTRATION

OUTDOOR SUPPORT

figure 2. program concept

Administrative services provide support for both facility operations and staff. It is incredibly important for staff of a traumarelated facility such as this to have access to private spaces and well as communal staff spaces that serve as an escape for providers. These spaces also house staff offices of coordinators of each of the facility’s services, finance offices, volunteer coordinators, outreach coordinators, and free offices for visiting professionals, such as lawyers or social workers. This allows administration to provide a full range of services to its users. Outdoor spaces provide private access to nature or more public interactions in the community garden. These spaces serve both users and staff and are closely related to the interior program.

providing support and coordination of medical care during the healing process

administration providing financial, social, and logistic support for users of the facility, as well as the facility itself

figure 1. therapy

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>architectural idea The architecture of the facility is rooted in the idea of a sanctuary. Sanctuary can be defined as, “a place of refuge and protection” (Merriam-Webster). While the term can have a religious connotation, it can also be representative of a place that is safe from danger and difficult situations. This word, in more recent history, also has a connection with the widely debated concept of ‘sanctuary cities’. This movement began in the 1980s, based on the idea of medieval churches serving as safe places for all, regardless of crime. In contemporary times, this has evolved into cities providing protection for undocumented immigrants and refuguees. According to Amanda Sakuma, “sanctuary cities were meant to embody America’s founding principles as a nation built by immigrants” (Sakuma). San Francisco and the Bay Area, according to Supervisor David Campos, is “proud to be a sanctuary city” (Cowan). By establishing the California Center for Torture Survivors as a sanctuary for refugees, it can serve as a symbol of the Bay Area’s commitment to providing safety for immigrants.

figure 3. st. edward catholic church -- diloreto architecture

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As an architectural idea, sanctuaries are typically spiritual places, such as churches or chapels. These places, typically built out of natural materials, encourage reflection and contemplation. This typically occurs through the expression of large, exposed

figure 4. the cathedral of christ the light -- som

structural members. In many cases, these members are constructed from heavy timber or another natural material. Another important aspect of sanctuaries is the incorporation of natural light. Light is often filtered, either through a diffusing method or through the structure itself. This provides users with a connection to the outdoors, while still providing privacy and not causing users to feel exposed.

figure 5. thornecrown chapel -- e. fay jones

Sanctuaries should also create a sense of community, while still allowing for individual reflection. This variety of spatial types is important to allowing users to feel in control, as well as allow people to connect to their spirituality in the way that works best for them personally.


>building program support spaces. These rooms total 31,380 ft2 of interior space, including 30%, or approximately 10,000 ft2 of circulation space.

The building program is separated into the following categories of meditation and mindfulness, therapy, nutrition, medical, administration, outdoor, and

_ spatial comparison

library & resource center

tai chi studio

yoga studio

group meditation

sacred space

private meditation spaces

meditation & mindfulness

group therapy

living rooms

counselors’ offices

therapy

kitchen

dining

nutritionists’ offices

nutrition charting room

medical nurse practicioners’ offices work room

exam room

medicine room

soiled & clean utility

medicine

open office

staff work room

conference staff break room room

lobby & facility medicine reception manager’s office director’s office

therapy director’s office

finance & entry nutrition director’s office billing

administration

mechanical room

storage

laundry room

janitorial public women’s room restroom

electrical public men’s room restroom

telecomm

staff restrooms

elevator machine room

support private courtyards

outdoor 39


_ program requirements space occupants

quantity

sq. ft.

function

>meditation & mindfulness individual meditation room

4

4

110

variety of small meditation rooms for individual practice

group meditation studio

16

1

800

large room for practicing group meditation

tai chi studio

16

1

815

large exercise studio for practicing tai chi

yoga studio

16

1

815

large exercise studio for practicing yoga

library & resource center

40

1

2,050

resource library for meditation & mindfulness practices

sacred space

50

1

350

non-denominational chapel space

142

9

5,270

>therapy counselor’s office

6

4

150

rooms with work area & seating for clients

living room

14

4

350

room with seating for care providers & clients to meet

group therapy room

50

2

500

medium sized rooms for group therapy with flexible seating & activities

70

10

3,000

>nutrition kitchen

20

1

1,000

food preparation area with appliances & counters

dining

30

1

450

room for eating food prepared in kitchen by variety of groups

nutritionist’s office

6

1

150

rooms with work area & seating for clients

56

3

2,050

>medicine

40

nurse practicioner’s office

6

4

150

rooms with work area & seating for clients

exam room

6

4

150

exam rooms with seating & exam bed

medicine room

4

1

100

medicine storage room

charting room

4

1

200

work area for patient charting & secure medical record storage

medical work room

4

1

200

work area for nurses with desks & computer space


space

occupants

quantity

sq. ft.

function

clean utility room

4

1

50

utility room for clean medical supplies

soiled utility room

4

1

50

utility room for soiled medical supplies

32

13

1,800

>administration entry

4

1

100

entry vestibule

lobby & reception

4

1

400

info desk with receptionist & small groupings of seating

staff break room

20

1

600

room with kitchenette & seating for staff, including locker space

facility director’s office

4

1

250

office for director of facility with work area & seating

medical director’s office

4

1

175

office for medical director with work area & seating

therapy director’s office

4

1

175

office for therapy director with work area & seating

nutrition director’s office

4

1

175

office for nutrition director with work area & seating

finances & billing

4

1

200

office for finance & billing staff with work area & seating

open offices

10

1

1,000

conference room

5

1

450

work room

5

1

500

68

11

4,025

work area for volunteer coordinator, outreach coordinator, and guests space for meetings with users, professionals, & staff work area with printer, supplies, and other office equipment

>support public women’s restroom

-

2

280

public restroom with lavatories & sinks

public men’s restroom

-

2

215

public restroom with lavatories & sinks

staff women’s restroom

-

1

150

staff restroom with lavatories & sinks

staff men’s restroom

-

1

150

staff restroom with lavatories & sinks

janitorial room

2

1

360

janitorial closet with service sink

mechanical room

4

1

1,300

mechanical room with HVAC equipment

electrical room

2

1

230

electrical room with electrical equipment

41


space

occupants

quantity

sq. ft.

function

storage room

4

2

625

storage space for facility equipment

telecommunications

4

1

180

telecommunications room with telecommunications equipment

laundry

5

1

500

laundry room with industrial washers & dryers

elevator machine room

5

1

125

room with elevator equipment

26

14

5,235

>outdoor private meditation courtyard

-

5

-

courtyard spaces for individual meditation

group meditation courtyard

-

-

-

larger courtyard area for group meditation practices

labyrinth & healing garden

-

-

-

larger courtyard area for private reflection & contemplation

outdoor dining

-

-

-

outdoor area for dining

community garden

-

-

-

large expanse of site for growing crops & farmers market

-

-

-

>total 394

42

63

31,380


ac en cy un ndir ec de ta si ra dj bl ac e en ad cy ja ce nc y l/i

dj

vi

su a

re ct a di

figure 6, 7, 8, ,9 & 10.

>building program analysis _ adjacency A study of program adjacencies was performed to determine which spaces in the program should be directly adjacent, visually or indirectly adjacent, or undesirable adjacency.

kitchen dining nutritionist’s offices figure 9. nutrition services adjacencies

individual meditation group meditation

entry

tai chi studio

lobby & reception

yoga studio

staff break room

library & resource center sacred space

facility director’s office medical director’s office therapy director’s office

figure 6. meditation adjacencies

nutrition director’s office finances & billing office open office

counselor’s offices living room group therapy

conference room services

figure 10. administration adjacencies

figure 7. therapy services adjacencies

exam rooms medicine room charting room medical utility nurse practicioner’s offices medical work area

figure 8. medical services adjacencies

43


_ clients vs. staff

Spaces were analyzed to determine the level of privacy each one would require.

Spaces were analyzed to determine the types of typical user groups.

community garden

conference room

entry

facility director’s office

reception & lobby

staff break room

dining kitchen

staff

public

_ public vs. private

work room nurse work area

library & resource center

medical utility

group meditation courtyard

charting room

yoga studio

medicine room

tai chi studio

staff restroom

semipublic

services

group meditation

reception & lobby dining

reflecting pond

kitchen

labyrinth

group therapy

semiprivate

finances & billing open office facility director’s office

living rooms

clients & staff

conference room

finances & billing

group therapy finances & billing nutrition director’s office therapy director’s office medical director’s office counselors’ offices

nutrition director’s office

nutritionists’ offices

therapy director’s office

exam room

staff break room work room medical work area sacred space counselors’ offices

clients & volunteers

medical director’s office

nutritionists’ offices

charting room medicine room

private meditation courtyards

44

figure 11. public vs. private

public

individual meditation

open offices volunteer coordinator’s office

labyrinth sacred space public restroom individual meditation private meditation courtyards

public restroom staff restroom

group meditation

reflecting pond

clients

private

services

yoga studio tai chi studio

library & resource center

exam room medical utility

group meditation courtyard

community garden

figure 12. clients vs. staff

entry


_ experience by user group The flow of the building should respond to the needs of its user groups, allowing visitors and staff to easily move between spaces in a way that is both functional and meaningful. Different types of users will Living Room

Entry

move through the space in different ways, so it is important to pay attention to both unique and common patterns that occur when these pathways are studied.

Group Therapy Room

Individual Meditation

Library & Resource Center

Private Meditation Courtyard Group Therapy Room

Group Meditation Courtyard

Entry

Group Meditation Studio

Reception

Tai Chi Studio

Yoga Studio

Group Meditation Studio

Group Meditation Courtyard

Living Room

Sacred Space

Entry

Private Meditation Courtyard

Tai Chi Studio

Sacred Space

Labyrinth & Healing Garden

Kitchen

Dining Room

Labyrinth & Healing Garden

Staff Break Room

Work Room

Community Garden

figure 17. users & support systems

Therapy Director’s Office

Open Office

Finances & Billing

Exam Room

Counselor’s Office

Labyrinth & Healing Garden

Private Meditation Courtyard

Conference Room

Community Garden

Library & Resource Center

figure 14. informal practice users

Entry

Private Meditation Courtyard

Group Therapy Room

Reception

Reception

Individual Meditation

Kitchen

figure 16. community & groups

figure 13. formal therapy users

Library & Resource Center

Dining Room

Group Meditation Courtyard

Entry

Reception

Labyrinth & Healing Garden

Yoga Studio

Library & Resource Center

Labyrinth & Healing Garden

Exam Room

Facility Director’s Office

figure 15. formal staff & volunteers

Nutrition Director’s Office

Medical Director’s Office

Nutritionist’s Office

Living Room

Nurse Practicioner’s Office

45


>building code _ parking

The occupant load factor comes from the International Building Code 2015 Table 1004.1.2 Maximum Floor Area Allowances Per Occupant. The occupancy type comes from International Building Code 2015 Section 302.

The required amount of parking spaces is based on the square footage of the building. The information comes from the Albany City Code Table 20.28.030 Parking Space Requirements and 11B-208.2.2 Rehabilitation Facilities and Outpatient Physical Therapy. This will result in 80 parking spots, with 4 ADA spots.

sq. ft.

parking

>meditation & mindfulness 5,270

16

_ plumbing

>therapy 3,000

The required amount of plumbing fixtures comes from the International Building Code 2015 Table 2902.1 Minimum Number of Required Plumbing Fixtures.

8

>nutrition 2,050

5

>medicine 1,800

6

>administration

_ occupancy

4,025

The occupancy load for the building is 540 people, based on the assembly type and square footage of the spaces. The building consists of assembly types A-2, A-3, and B. The total square footage of the facility, including circulation, is 31,380.

10

>support 5,235

10

>circulation 10,000

25

31,380

80 (4 ADA)

figure 19. parking

sq. ft.

water closets male

female

drinking fountains

service sinks

2

1

1

1

-

-

2

-

-

2

-

-

2

-

-

lavatories male

female

>meditation & mindfulness 5,270

2

4

2

3,000

2

2

2,050

3

3

1,800

2

2

4,025

3

3

5,235

1

1

1

1

-

-

31,380

13

13

10

10

1

1

>therapy 1

>nutrition 2

>medicine 2

>administration 2

>support

46

figure 18. plumbing


space

assembly type

occupancy function

code occupancy

desired occupancy

quantity

sq. ft.

net sq. ft.

>meditation & mindfulness individual meditation room

A-3

standing space

88

4

4

110

440

group meditation studio

A-3

exercise room

16

16

1

800

800

tai chi studio

A-3

exercise room

16

16

1

815

815

yoga studio

A-3

exercise room

16

16

1

815

815

library & resource center

A-3

library

41

40

1

2,050

2,050

sacred space

A-3

assembly conc.

50

50

1

350

350

>therapy counselor’s office

B

business area

6

6

4

150

600

living room

B

business area

14

14

4

350

1,400

group therapy room

B

educational classroom

50

50

2

350

700

>nutrition kitchen

A-2

kitchen

5

5

1

1,000

1,000

dining room

A-2

assembly unconc.

30

30

1

450

450

nutritionist’s office

B

assembly unconc.

40

40

1

150

150

>medicine nurse practicioner’s office

B

outpatient area

6

6

4

150

600

exam room

B

assembly unconc.

40

6

4

150

600

medicine room

B

accessory storage

1

4

1

100

100

charting room

B

accessory storage

1

4

1

200

200

medical work room

B

accessory storage

1

4

1

200

200

utility room

B

accessory storage

1

4

2

50

100

>administration entry

B

business area

1

4

1

100

100

lobby & reception

B

business area

4

4

1

400

400

staff break room

B

assembly unconc.

40

20

1

600

600

facility director’s office

B

business area

3

4

1

250

250

medical director’s office

B

business area

2

4

1

175

175

therapy director’s office

B

business area

2

4

1

175

175

nutrition director’s office

B

business area

2

4

1

175

175

finances & billing

B

business area

2

4

1

200

200

open offices

B

business area

10

10

1

1,000

1,000

conference room

B

business area

5

5

1

450

450

work room

B

business area

5

5

1

500

500

B

-

-

-

2

280

560 430

>support public women’s restroom public men’s restroom

B

-

-

-

2

215

staff women’s restroom

B

-

-

-

1

150

150

staff men’s restroom

B

-

-

-

1

150

150

janitorial room

B

accessory storage

1

2

1

360

360

mechanical room

B

accessory storage

4

4

1

1,300

1,300 230

electrical room

B

accessory storage

1

2

1

230

elevator machine room

B

accessory storage

1

2

1

125

125

storage room

B

accessory storage

4

2

1

625

625

telecommunications

B

accessory storage

1

2

1

180

180

laundry

B

industrial area

5

5

1

500

500

figure 20. code occupancy

47


AVATARS program & concept >analyzing the users An important aspect of program analysis involves the exploration of the human experience through the eyes of a variation of user groups, simplified into artificial patrons known as avatars. Through studying the potential building usage of these users, important information about architectural quality, circulation, privacy, and accessibility can be better understood. staff members -- Staff members at the facility vary from fulltime professionals to service staff to facility volunteers. These individuals, as care providers, may experience secondhandtrauma through their experiences at work, requiring that their working environment be just as healing for them as it is for visitors to the facility. long term users -- As healing from trauma often takes time, ranging from weeks to years, the intent of the facility is to provide its users with support as they go through the therapy process, as well as continue their personal journey after completing formal therapy. new users -- New visitors to the facility are often in a place of vulnerability and may feel uncomfortable or scared of speaking or reliving their experiences. It is important that the facility embraces these users, as well as their family or support system, so that they can allow themselves to fully engage in the process of healing.

48


>dr. samantha pollack

>robert cook

Dr. Pollack is a 34 year old female psychologist that works at the California Center for Torture Survivors. Her specialty is in PTSD treatment. She works 40 hours a week at the facility and typically sees 32 clients per week.

Robert Cook is a 24 year old male physical therapy student who teaches yoga twice a week at the Center. He volunteers at the community garden and farmer’s market on the site on the weekends.

figure 21. dr. samantha pollack

figure 23. robert cook

Dr. Pollack drives her personal car to the facility from Berkeley each day and parks her car in the parking lot. She uses the front entry and has a personal office in one of the four counseling suites in the therapy portion of the building.

S

M

T W T

figure 22. dr. pollack’s weekly schedule

F

S

He lives on campus and takes the bus from the University of California, Berkeley campus to the Center. Robert gets off across the street from the building.

S

M

T W T

F

S

figure 24. robert’s weekly schedule

49


>fowsio shimbir

>ndaya ibaka

Fowsio is a 34 year old Somalian male who attends therapy, practices meditation, and uses nutrition services at the Center. He was tortured in Somalia, but was able to move to the San Francisco area and has lived there for four years. Fowsio currently has asylum status in the United States and is in the process of attaining citizenship and has been working with his psychiatrist to help document his asylum case. He has also been using the Resource Center to help locate a social worker and a lawyer to assist in the citizenship process.

Ndaya is a 33 year old female refugee from the Republic of Congo who has been living in the Berkeley area for the last five years. She finished her therapy at the Center six months ago, but continues to the use the resources at the facility. She meditates there, in addition to taking classes

figure 27. ndaya ibaka

figure 25. fowsio shimbir

He has been attending therapy at the center for the last four months, which includes an individual therapy session once a week, as well as a group therapy session once a week as well. He meditates at the facility 3 times a week, and also sees a nutritionist once a week at the Center. Since Fowsio lives in Albany and does not have a car, he takes the bus from his apartment to the Center.

S

50

M

T W

T

figure 26. fowsio’s weekly schedule

F

S

Ndaya tries to meditate at least 4 times per week, either in an open private room or in the group meditation room. She attends yoga once a week, as well as cooking classes once a month. This has given her an opportunity to get involved with members of her community, including those who are from the Republic of Congo. She also has become an activist within the local community, fighting for the rights of refugees. She lives in the Berkeley area and takes the bus from Berkeley to the Center.

S

M

T W T

figure 28. ndaya’s weekly schedule

F

S


>essam bahar

>ashley bahar

Essam is a 43 year old male from Iraq and was tortured before moving the United States. He is now an American citizen and is married to a 40 year old American woman named Ashley. His wife has recently convinced him to look into therapy options, so he is a new user at the facility. He is only in his second week of therapy. Because he is still getting use to attending therapy, Ashely often accompanies him to the Center, which allows her to sometimes interact with his therapist or gather information in the library and Resource Center.

Ashley is 40 year old American married to Essam Bahar. She and Essam have been married for 5 years and she has recently convinced him to start attending therapy sessions at the facility.

figure 31. ashley bahar

figure 29. essam bahar

He attends therapy sessions once a week, and started seeing a nurse practitioner at the facility for mild back pain and sleeping issues. After attending these appointments, he participates in group meditation classes at the Center with his wife.

While Essam attends therapy and meets with his nurse practitioner, Ashley is able to speak with a librarian in the Resource Center to help find more information on his current medication and the impact of the group meditation classes that they take together after his appointments. They are planning on utilizing the community resources, such as cooking classes and the farmers market at the Center. She rides the bus to the Center from her home with Albany with her husband.

He and his wife own a home in Albany and take the bus from their house to the Center.

S

M

T W T

figure 30. essam’s weekly schedule

F

S

S

M

T W T

figure 32. ashley’s weekly schedule

F

S

51


>design proposals The studio consisted of four design reviews throughout the year. initial review -- This consisted of general conceptual information and a building program with basic ideas regarding building form, quality, and materials. preliminary design review -- At this point in the project, ideas relating to formal qualities in relation to the site and the building program started to take shape. Diagramming took place in order to best understand how the building spaces should relate to one another, the interstitial spaces between rooms, and the site. schematic design review -- The building is mostly complete at this point and is ready for adjustments in form, floor plan, site plan, and section. This was the point in the project where the big ideas are on paper and the focus began to shift to details, including specific materials, furniture, and joints and wall sections. final design review -- This is the final culmination of the studio project and will include the complete story of this project, ranging from the initial concept to the final details of the building. This review information is found in ‘Advocates’, Volume III of this series of books.


SECTION IV >design proposals


PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW

design proposals

>the building as a diagram This review was critical in reaching an understanding about how the building form should respond to the site context, particularly as it relates to the use of the courtyards. Many iterations went into the development of the floor plan. This eventually evolved into the development of the idea of program masses and a better proposal for interstitial spaces as areas of social interaction. After this review, it became clear that the ideas presented here needed to respond more gracefully to the idea of the building as a sanctuary. While the building approached this concept, the idea of realms and thresholds needed to be more meaningfully articulated. The circulation through the building should be more meditative and the site plan and courtyards should be more delicate and meaningful in terms of cutting into the topography.

54


group therapy

group therapy

tai chi studio yoga studio

meditation library

sacred space

reception

public restroom

private meditation

public restroom nutrition manager

group meditation courtyard nutrition library

nutritionist office nutritionist office

resource center

entry conference room

nutritionist office

group meditation studio

kitchen

dining

private meditation courtyard mechanical

work room

private meditation

telecommunications electrical

exam room

nurse work area

exam room

labyrinth

exam room

med room & charting medical director’s office outreach coordinator office

counselor’s common space

medical library

volunteer coordinator office guest offices

break room

security staff restroom staff restroom laundry

therapy library facility counselor’s therapy finances & manager’s counselor’s office director’s billing office office counselor’s public office counselor’s office restroom office

figure 1. floor plan

>floor plan The design consists of two pieces connected by an entrance courtyard. Users will enter into the more public portion of the building, which houses the community spaces, such as the exercise studios, group therapy rooms, and nutrition spaces. This building will also have a relationship to

the community garden on the site. After crossing the bridge over the reflecting pond, users descend into the private courtyard. This building houses medical services, therapy spaces, staff areas, and building support. 55


in

im

m

pr

ad

tio

na

ar y se co nd ar te y rti ar y

ls er vi is tra ces se t rv io ic n e

n tio

di

ta

ad

ed i m

figure 48.

figure 50.

>building diagrams

figure 3. grid figure 2. parti

medit

therapy

admin

medical

support

nutrit

ion

ation

figure 5. structure

figure 4. program

56

figure 6. hierarchy

figure 7. circulation


e e

ri v at pr

iv at

lic

i -p

ub se m

ic se m i -p

bl pu

figure 1.

community

self

figure 8. public vs. private

Through a series of diagrams, a building layout was created. This scheme focuses on connecting more public, community oriented program with the context by placing it on the north side of the building. This includes the nutrition services and the entry. On the more private south side, a closed courtyard space was created, serving as a buffer between outdoor spaces, allowing the most private portions of the facility access to this enclosed space. This includes private meditation spaces and the medical facilities. Counselor’s offices have access to this private courtyard spaces as well. The scheme focuses on providing users with ample amounts of daylight and views to nature. Through controlled views, large amounts of permeability, and lighting techniques, users are able to interact with the natural environment as they experience the building.

figure 9. circulation

figure 10. orientation

The program is also arranged to group rooms by program type and privacy, maintain high levels of security, and provide access for a wide variety of users. As this process of diagramming continues, the building will continue to evolve into a facility that can provide its user with a meditative and sensory experience.

57


figure 11. heavy timber structure

figure 12. wood plank screen wall

figure 13. board form concrete

figure 15. wood paneling

figure 15. textured stone wall

figure 16. textured carpeting

figure 17. in-laid colored glass

figure 18. glazing

>materials & architectural elements Materials aim to evoke a feeling of nature and incorporate a variety of textures. The color palette remains fairly neutral, with accents of colors, specially in-laid 58

colored glass. The structure is made of heavy-timber, allowing the building itself to involve natural materials, instead of simply cladding industrial materials.


>relevant design issues

_ materiality

After completing schematic design, a series of design issues and focuses surfaced that will be key components of the remaining portion of the design process.

The materiality of the project will create a sensory and textured environment that allows clients to interact with the building. For clients new to the meditation process, having sensory distractions, such as natural colors and textures, can provide users with a more calm and reflective experience.

_ structure A heavy-timber structure will be the driving force of the interior environment. This structural system, when applied in combination with simple materials and access to daylight, can be associated with the idea of the contemporary sanctuary.

_ evidence-based design As the building details are developed, they will rely heavily on the application of evidence-based design data analysis to determine what types of spaces and architectural elements should be implemented to best improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of its users.

_ symbolism A huge focus of the project, which should manifest at all scales of the design, is the idea of symbols as they relate to healing and meditation. These may include --

figure 19. heavy timber structure

_ sustainability Key site elements, such as permeable parking and the landscaping of spaces, will have a focus on sustainability and the preservation of the delicate Bay Area ecosystem. The building will use a variety of passive systems, including lighting, ventilation, and heating, water collection, and other strategies to ensure that the facility contributes positively to the environment and allows the Center to set a precedent within Albany.

_ the idea of the ‘sanctuary’ _ avoidance of an institutional aesthetic _ introduction of nature and plants _ form and landscape that is sensitive to context and the Bay Area _ water Implementation of these symbols, among others, will create a stronger architectural solution.

figure 20. water wall

59


figure 21. detail section

figure 22. interior perspective

>final product The final product focused on providing -_ accessibility regarding methods of transit as well as access for disabled clients _ views to the exterior _ security for clients _ quality daylight _ access to nature _ connection to the community and the opportunity to connect with other clients 60

Through materials, form, program, site strategy, and the application of architectural theories and concepts, the California Center for Torture Survivors can be a facility that creates a meditative sanctuary for survivors of political torture, particularly those suffering from the symptoms of PTSD.


figure 23. exterior from street

figure 24. front entrance courtyard

61


SCHEMATIC DESIGN REVIEW

design proposals

>creating a sanctuary As the building neared the end of the schematic design stage, portions of the facility had become more detail-oriented. The idea of the sanctuary has become a driving factor in decisionmaking at all scales of the project. The focus became smaller details and adding elements that make the building more healing according to the literature and evidence. After the review, the project was headed in a more meaningful direction. The idea of program elements as masses surrounding by open sitting spaces needed to become more pure, and the courtyards have become elements that begin and end the sequence from profane to sacred as users move through the building. The idea of creating voids out of a larger mass will continue to drive the project.

62


Men's Restroom

Locker Area

Women's Restroom

Y oga S tudi o

T a i C hi S tudi o

Sacred Space

Conference Room Group Meditation Studio Group Meditation Courtyard

Storage and Service

DN

Lobby

Group Therapy Room

Library & Resource Center

Outdoor Dining

Therapy Service's Manager

Group Therapy Room

Billing and Financing Charting Room

Sta Open O ce Medical Work Room

Kitchen & Dining Clean Utility Men's Restroom

Soiled Utility

Women's Restroom

Medicine Room Medical Services Manager

Nutrition Services Manager

Facility Manager's O ce Work Room

Counselor's O ce

Courtyard Private Meditation

Sta Women's Restroom

Sta Men's Restroom Nutritionist's O ce

Living Room Nurse Practicioner's O ce

Exam Room

Labyrinth & Healing Garden Private Meditation

Courtyard

Waiting Room

Sta Break Room

Living Room

Waiting Room

Exam Room

Counselor's O ce

Nutritionist's O ce

Nurse Practicioner's O ce

Counselor's O ce

Private Meditation

Nutritionist's O ce Waiting Room Courtyard Living Room

Nurse Practicioner's O ce Courtyard

Exam Room

Living Room Exam Room Private Meditation

Counselor's O ce

Nutritionist's O ce Nurse Practicioner's O ce

Waiting Room

figure 25. floor plan

>floor plan The plan of the building is divided into two portions: the introspective, private portion and the community-oriented portion. The private portion includes the counseling suites, staff spaces, and the healing garden. The community portion includes

conference room, exercise studios, group therapy rooms, the kitchen and dining areas, group meditation courtyard, and the outdoor dining area. The two portions are connected by the library and resource center, which also serves as the entry. 63


as se s vi ew s

m

ar y se co nd ar te y rti ar y

im

as se s gl az in g

m

pr

figure 29.

figure 28.

figure 26.

>diagrams The diagrams from this stage of the project became critical to understand the essence of the building in order to translate that quality into the next iteration. The focus on views from the interior courtyard to the exterior of the building creates dynamic interstitial spaces instead of corridors that can be used for informal seating areas. This occurs at a larger scale between the buildings and the courtyards.

figure 28. hierarchy

figure 26. parti

admin

ing learn

g

lin hea 64

figure 27. program

com

mu

nity

gathe

ring figure 29. views


>sections & elevations The building is partially sunken into the ground around the therapy suite portion of the building and the exercise studios float over the landscape. The therapy suites being engaged in the ground gives them a

sense of rootedness and privacy. The hovering quality of the exercise suites allows practitioners of yoga, meditation, or tai chi to feel empowered and at eye level with the exterior even when seated.

figure 30. section through counseling suite

figure 31. section through library & kitchen

figure 32. section through studios, group therapy, & kitchen

figure 33. east elevation

figure 34. south elevation

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>wall section

>materials

The outer walls of the building are made of rammed earth, which reflects the color tones of the surrounding soil. The roof plane hides the steel structure and has a dark metal fascia panel on the exterior. Small punched window openings allow for light in the masses that make up the programmed spaces, while window walls on the rest of the exterior allow the interstitial spaces to be daylight most of the time. The ceiling plane is made up of vertical wood planks that add depth and create shadows, while the floor is concrete in order to contrast with the rammed earth walls. The remaining interior walls are white painted gypsum board joined with a piece of steel at the rammed earth connections.

The material palette of the project aims to be symbolic in terms of healing, as well as reflective of the local context of Albany and California.

1" Exterior R oofing Membrane Steel Fascia Panel

3/4" Plywood Sheathing Vapor Barrier

2" x 4" Wood Framing

3" Rigid Insulation

figure 36. rammed earth

3/4" Plywood Sheathing W21x275 Steel Wide Flange Beam @ 6' O.C. 3/4" Plywood Sheathing

Puddled Earth

8" Reinforced Rammed Earth Wall 4" Polyisocyanurate Insulation 8" Reinforced Rammed Earth Wall

Puddled Earth

figure 37. wood ceiling plane Double Pane Sealed Frameless Window - Silicone in Place

Continuous Clear-Finish Window Stop and Trim (Top and Bottom)

Puddled Earth

3/4" Hardwood Floor Planks Compacted Gravel

3/4" Plywood 6" Concrete Slab on Grade Vapor Barrier Compacted Gravel 3" Rigid Insulation Concrete Foundation

figure 35. detailed wall section

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figure 38. concrete floor


>perspectives

figure 39. front entry

figure 40. group therapy room

figure 41. counseling suite

figure 42. corridor

figure 43. group meditation studio entry

figure 44. healing courtyard

figure 45. lobby, library, & resource center

figure 46. kitchen & dining

67


Bibliography

chapter VII

SECTION 1 -- TEXT ArchDaily. “Windhover Contemplative Center/Aidlin Darling Design”. 18 March 2015. Web. Accessed 28 Nov. 2016.

SECTION 1 -- IMAGERY

---. ‘M.H. de Young Museum/Herzog & de Meuron”. 30 June 2010. Web. Accessed 28 Nov. 2016.

figure 1. Yoga Journal. “Meditation Posture”. 2014. Photograph. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016.

---. ‘Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre - HBBH Architects/ HBBH Architects”. 23 Dec. 2008. Web. Accessed 4 April 2017.

figure 2. Kershner, Sarah. “Potential Daily Users”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Bergland, Christopher. “Meditation Reduces PostTraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms”. 2016. Digital. 11 Oct. 2016. Browning, William, Catherine Ryan, and Joseph Clancy. “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health and Well Being in the Built Environment.” Terrapin Bright Green. Terrapin Bright Green LLC, 6 Oct 2014. Web. 12 Oct. 2016.

figure 3. ArchDaily. “Windhover Contemplative Center/Aidlin Darling Design”. 18 March 2015. Web. Accessed 28 Nov. 2016. figure 4. ArchDaily. “Windhover Contemplative Center/Aidlin Darling Design”. 18 March 2015. Web. Accessed 28 Nov. 2016.

Gesler, Wilbert M. Healing Places. Rowman & Littlefield, 2003. Print.

figure 5. ArchDaily. “Windhover Contemplative Center/Aidlin Darling Design”. 18 March 2015. Web. Accessed 28 Nov. 2016.

Hauksson, Petur. “Psychological Evidence of Torture”. Council of Europe. 6 Nov. 2003. Accessed 2 Sep. 2016.

figure 6. Aidlin Darling Design. “Windhover Contemplative Center”. Web. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016.

Herman, M.D., Judith Lewis. “Trauma and Recovery”. New York: Basic Books, 1992.

figure 7. joevare. “De Young Museum”. Photograph. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016.

NBBJ. “Local Roots, Global Mission”. Web. Accessed 2 Feb. 2017. Pomfrey, Elaine. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”. 2016. Digital. 10 Oct. 2016. ReScape California. “About Bay-Friendly Landscapes”. 2016. Digital. 3 Dec. 2016.

Rated

Ulrich, Roger S. “Biophilic Theory and Research for Healthcare Design.” Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. By Stephen R. Kellert. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. 2008. 87-106. Print. Vujanovic, Niles, Pietrefesa, Potter, and Schemertz. “Potential of Mindfulness in Treating Trauma Reactions”. 23 Feb. 2016. Digital. 10 Oct. 2016.

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Wolkin, Jennifer. “The Science of Trauma, Mindfulness, and PTSD”. 15 June 2016. Digital. 15 Oct. 2016.

figure 8. “First Floor Plan”. Drawing. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. figure 9. Sean Airhart & NBBJ. “Local Roots, Global Mission”. Web. Accessed 2 Feb. 2017. figure 10. Sean Airhart & NBBJ. “Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Campus”. Web. Accessed 2 Feb. 2017. figure 11. HBBH Architects. “Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre”. 23 Dec. 2008. Web. Accessed 4 April 2017. figure 12. HBBH Architects. “Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre”. 23 Dec. 2008. Web. Accessed 4 April 2017. figure 13. HBBH Architects. “Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre”. 23 Dec. 2008. Web. Accessed 4 April 2017. figure 14. HBBH Architects. “Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre”. 23 Dec. 2008. Web. Accessed 4 April 2017.


SECTION 2 -- TEXT

Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Cowan, Claudia. “San Francisc Doubles Down on Sanctuary City Policies with Legal Defence Push”. 13 Dec. 2016. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.

figure 11. Kershner, Sarah. “Schematic Design Review Site Plan”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Merriam-Webster. Sanctuary. 2 Dec. 2016. Sakuma, Amanda. “No Safe Place”. 2016. Web. 12 Oct. 2016.

figure 12. Kershner, Sarah. “Schematic Design Review Site Section”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing

SECTION 2 -- IMAGERY

Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 1. Kershner, Sarah. “Blossom Proposal”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

SECTION 3 -- IMAGERY

figure 2. Kershner, Sarah. “Stream Proposal”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 1. Kershner, Sarah. “Therapy”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. with reference to Vujanovic, Niles, Pietrefesa, Potter, and Schemertz. “Potential of Mindfulness in Treating Trauma Reactions”. 23 Feb. 2016. Digital. 10 Oct. 2016.

figure 3. Kershner, Sarah. “Horseshoe Proposal”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 2. Kershner, Sarah. “Program Concept”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 4. Kershner, Sarah. “Process Diagram for Preliminary Design Review”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 3. King, George. “St. Edward Catholic Church”. 25 Aug. 2015. Photograph. Accessed 8 Dec. 2016.

figure 5. Kershner, Sarah. “Noise”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 4. Rubio, Cesar. “Cathedral of Christ the Light”. Photograph. Accessed 8 Dec. 2016. figure 5. Connaughton, Randall and Susan Storch. “Thorncrown Chapel”. 2015. Photograph. Accessed 8 Dec. 2016.

figure 6. Kershner, Sarah. “Public vs. Private”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 6. Kershner, Sarah. “Meditation Adjacencies”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 7. Kershner, Sarah. “Vehicle Circulation”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 7. Kershner, Sarah. “Therapy Services Adjacencies”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 8. Kershner, Sarah. “Pedestrian Circulation”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 8. Kershner, Sarah. “Medical Services Adjacencies”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 9. Kershner, Sarah. “Preliminary Design Review Site Plan”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 9. Kershner, Sarah. “Nutrition Services Adjacencies”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 10. Kershner, Sarah. “Preliminary Design Review Site Section”. Kansas State University.

figure 10. Kershner, Sarah. “Administration Adjacencies”. Kansas State University. Reflect:

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Healing

figure 23. Mokeur. “The Best Ways for Male Students”. Photograph. Accessed 4 April 2017.

figure 11. Kershner, Sarah. “Public vs. Private”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 24. Kershner, Sarah. “Robert Cook’s Weekly Schedule”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 12. Kershner, Sarah. “Clients vs. Staff”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 25. Vanguardngr. “True Acting Fading Away in Nollywood”. Photograph. Accessed 4 April 2017.

Meditation and Mindfulness Through Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 13. Kershner, Sarah. “Formal Therapy Users”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 14. Kershner, Sarah. “Informal Practice Users”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 15. Kershner, Sarah. “Formal Staff & Volunteers”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 16. Kershner, Sarah. “Communiyt & Groups”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 17. Kershner, Sarah. “Users & Support Systems”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 27. Uwera, Ley. “War Widows in DRC Fight for Missing Military Stipends”. Photograph. Accessed 4 April 2017. figure 28. Kershner, Sarah. “Ndaya Ibaka’s Weekly Schedule”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 29. Lauritsen, John. “Iraqi Translator Tries to Bring His Family to Minn.”. Photograph. Accessed 4 April 2017. figure 30. Kershner, Sarah. “Essam Bahar’s Weekly Schedule”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 31. Brown, Elizabeth Nolan. “Women: What Your Age Says About Your Health Risks, Via the WHO Report”. Photograph. Accessed 4 April 2017.

figure 18. Kershner, Sarah. “Plumbing”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 32. Kershner, Sarah. “Ashley Bahar’s Weekly Schedule”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 19. Kershner, Sarah. “Parking”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

SECTION 4 -- IMAGERY

figure 20. Kershner, Sarah. “Code Occupancy”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 21. Blossom Child Psychology & Behavioral Health Center, PLLC. “A Child Psychologist”. Photograph. Accessed 4 April 2017. figure 22. Kershner, Sarah. “Dr. Samantha Pollack’s Weekly Schedule”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

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figure 26. Kershner, Sarah. “Fowsio Shimbir’s Weekly Schedule”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 1. Kershner, Sarah. “Parti”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 2. Kershner, Sarah. “Grid”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 3. Kershner, Sarah. “Program”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 4. Kershner, Sarah. “Structure”. Kansas State


University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 5. Kershner, Sarah. “Hierarchy”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 6. Kershner, Sarah. “Circulation”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 7. Kershner, Sarah. “Public vs. Private”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 8. Kershner, Sarah. “Circulation”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 9. Kershner, Sarah. “Orientation”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 10. Kershner, Sarah. “Floor Plan”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 11. Gray, Sam. “The Beauty of Working with Timber Frames”. 5 Dec. 2014. Photograph. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016.

Public Library”. Photograph. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. figure 20. Thai Garden Design. “Modern Water Wall”. 18 Sep. 2013. Photograph. Accesses 13 Dec. 2016. figure 21. Kershner, Sarah. “Detail Section”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 22. Kershner, Sarah. “Interior Perspective”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 23. Kershner, Sarah. “Exterior From Street”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 24. Kershner, Sarah. “Front Entrance Courtyard”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 25. Kershner, Sarah. “Floor Plan”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 26. Kershner, Sarah. “Parti”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Screen”.

figure 27. Kershner, Sarah. “Program”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 13. Concrete Network. “A Board Formed Concrete Wall with Staggered Board Placement”. 2016. Photograph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2016.

figure 28. Kershner, Sarah. “Hierarchy”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 12. Stranger Furniture. “Tree Photograph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2016.

figure 14. “Wood for Walls”. Photograph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2016. figure 15. “Culture Slate Wall”. 1 April 2010. Photograph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2016. figure 16. CarpetRight. “Gala Loop Pile Carpet”. 2016. Photograph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2016. figure 17. Patel, Prakash. “A Backlit, Glass-Walled Corner Guides Building Patrons to Elevator Bank”. 27 Oct. 2014. Photograph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2016.

figure 29. Kershner, Sarah. “Views”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 30. Kershner, Sarah. “Section Through Counseling Suite”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Wall”.

figure 31. Kershner, Sarah. “Section Through Library & Kitchen”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 19. HCMA Architecture + Design. “Whistler

figure 32. Kershner, Sarah. “Section Through Studios, Library, & Kitchen”. Kansas State University. Reflect:

figure 18. NuChoice Design. “Window Photograph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2016.

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Meditation and Mindfulness Through Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Healing

figure 33. Kershner, Sarah. “East Elevation”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 34. Kershner, Sarah. “South Elevation”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 35. Kershner, Sarah. “Detailed Wall Section”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 36. Budwell Creations. “Rammed Earth Stampflehm”. 2017. Photography. figure 37. Rubio, Cesar. “University of California San Diego - Medical Education and Telemedicine Building”. OMA. 2011. Photograph. figure 38. Ruault, Philippe. “Untitled”. Maggie’s Gartnavle by OMA. 2011. Photograph. figure 39. Kershner, Sarah. “Front Entry”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 40. Kershner, Sarah. “Group Therapy Room”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 41. Kershner, Sarah. “Counseling Suite”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 42. Kershner, Sarah. “Corridor”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 43. Kershner, Sarah. “Group Meditation Studio Entry”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. figure 44. Kershner, Sarah. “Healing Courtyard”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

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figure 45. Kershner, Sarah. “Lobby, Library, & Resource Center”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

figure 46. Kershner, Sarah. “Kitchen and Dining”. Kansas State University. Reflect: Meditation and Mindfulness Through Healing Architecture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

THANK YOU!




CHILDREN >healing architecture for refugee children chapter VIII



>foreword The studio project will explore the relationships between human well-being and architecture through design of a facility, the purpose of which is to support the rehabilitation of torture survivors. Due to the ongoing wars in the Middle East and civil unrest in other areas of the world, the refugee crisis has increased significantly. This increase in war and political unrest has not only given a rise to the number of refugees, but also to survivors of torture. The fear of persecution or death, their experiences of torture and other financial concerns due to personal property lost or damaged in their respective countries forces them to migrate As per data collected by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, there are 3.2 million refugees in the United States, of which fifty percent are children. The goal of the this project is the investigation into the requirements, qualities, and characteristics through which an architectural setting can provide young refugee children who have survivors of politically motivated torture with a healing sanctuary and help them rebuild their lives.



THE AUTHOR chapter VIII >shruti kumar I am a student at Kansas State University enrolled in the twoyear Master of Architecture Program. I also have a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from S.M.V.D. University in India. My graduate studies has given me an opportunity to work on a thesis project to design a centre for refugees who have been survivors of politically motivated torture immigrated to the United States. My project for the California Centre for Torture Survivors caters to refugee children in specific. Through the preliminary research and process of designing such a facility, I was able to explore ideas and methods in order to design a healing environments that could help the healing process for the patients through the architecture of the facility. This study deals with a detailed analysis of the project and a design process for the centre.



TABLE OF CONTENTS chapter VIII section I _ preliminary research _ torture & its effect _ healing trauma _ architecture as healing environment _ focused case studies _ vision statement section II _ site selection _ site location _ urban strategy _ contextual parameters & site strategy section III _ program & evaluation _ conceptual approach _ architectural idea _ building program _ user definition/avatars _ building diagrams section iv _ proposal _ review one _ materials _ review two _ review three BIBLIOGRAPHY

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>preliminary research The section discusses the atrocities faced by refugee children as they immigrate to the United States from their native countries. With the ongoing wars and political instability in several regions across the world, the number of refugees have increased. While there are several organizations working towards providing amenities for refugees who have been survivors of politically motivated torture, the young children have been neglected. The preliminary research into the lives of such refugee children discusses their problems, what causes the issues, the problems they face, and devises solutions to tackle them. It elaborates on the type of therapy best suited for them, and how the recovery process works. In the absence of any facility dedicated to refugee children, the section focuses on understand a healing environment for such a facility through focused case studies that are relevant to the users.


SECTION I >preliminary research


Torture & its effects

preliminary research

>background Due to the ongoing wars in the Middle East and civil unrest in other areas of the world, the refugee crisis has increased significantly. This increase in war and political unrest has not only given a rise to the number of refugees, but also to survivors of torture. The fear of persecution or death, their experiences of torture and other financial concerns due to personal property lost or damaged in their respective countries forces them to migrate (Centre for Victims of Torture). According to CVT, over the past 20 years it was estimated that refugees who are survivors of torture, which is 30% of all refugees in the United States of America has now risen to 44% (Centre for Victims of Torture). These estimates suggest that 1.4 million refugees living in the United States have been subjected to torture. California houses 221,891 of the refugee population, of which 66,567 survivors live in the Bay Area (U.S. Home to Far More Refugee Torture Survivors Than Previously Believed). Due to the high population of those in need of care, and due to the absence of a centre that caters to their needs within a reasonable distance, there is an urgent need for such a facility in the Bay Area. Similar facilities are not capable of caring for torture survivors. This facility will not only cater to the refugee population, but will also contribute to creating more jobs in the medical field and hence stimulate growth (U.S. Home to Far More Refugee Torture Survivors Than Previously Believed).

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figure 1. core stressors

>core stressors According to National Association of School Psychologists, refugee children are often traumatized from pre-migration and resettlement experiences. They may have been exposed to violence and combat, home displacement, malnutrition, detention, and torture. Many have been forced to leave their country and cannot safely return home. Some may have come without their parents and without knowing of their health or safety. Psychological stress and traumatic experiences are often inflicted upon these children over months or even years, and many experience some kind of discrimination once entering U.S. schools. According to an article published by the American Academy of Pediatrics , a total of 58,179 persons were admitted to the United States (U.S.) as refugees in 2012, 32% of whom were younger than 18 years of age (National Association of School Psychologists). Extreme stress, adversity, and trauma can impede concentration, cognitive

functioning, memory, and social relationships. Additionally, stress can contribute to both internalized symptoms—such as hyper-vigilance, anxiety, depression, grief, fear, anger, isolation—and externalized behaviors— such as startle responses, reactivity, aggression, and conduct problems. Given the often chronic and significant stress placed on refugee students, many are at increased risk for developing trauma and other mental health disorders, undermining their ability to function effectively in school (Thomas Seery). Further, given the environment of their previous schooling and the immigration to the United States, many have experienced significantly interrupted schooling; coupled with language gaps, many students arrive unprepared to participate in school with their same-age peers (National Association of School Psychologists). 85


th at si di te dn s th ’t a t o offe si te rm ffe s re th en d at ta si m ca lh te e n rri s ea t th al ed at he lthc o di ut ar al dn th e ex ’t am car ca e in rr y at ou io ns te xa m in at io ns

si te s

n’ tr ec ei w ve ho m re en ce do ta iv e lh n’ m tr ea en ec lth ta ei re ca lh ve ce re e iv s a e e lth rv se i c ce ar rv s ic e as es pe as rn pe ee rn ds ee ds

do

figure 2. access to mental healthcare for refugee children

figure 3. provision of mental healthcare

>access to mental healthcare As per data collected by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, there are 3.2 million refugees in the United States, of which fifty percent are children. There is an urgent need for mental healthcare for children in specific, as fifty-ninety percent of these children are traumatized and need help. Eighty percent of the refugee children don’t receive mental healthcare at all. Of the twenty percent of children who do receive mental healthcare, only fifty percent receive it as per their needs (Ellis). Although there are seventy-eight percent sites that provide mental healthcare to children, only thirty-three percent of those sites carry out a mental healthcare examination. There are no centers in the US that deal specifically with refugee children to cater to their needs. This calls for an urgent need to provide for such institutions and facilities in order to provide a safe and secure future for these children (Ellis).

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figure 4. traumatized refugee child


figure 5. stages of trauma in the lives of refugee children

>stages of trauma Refugees come from countries where the psychological pain and physical torture they experience is extreme. Refugees plan for a safe departure from their home country hoping to leave the terror and trauma they experienced behind. Ultimately refugees are seeking resettlement in developed countries. According to the statistics collected by the UNHCR, the United States of America has resettled over 51,500 refugees in 2011. (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network) A caveat is that refugees do not actually need to be persecuted in their countries of origin, but have a risk or tangible fear of being persecuted in the future, resulting in their feeling threatened. The refugee journey is divided into three stages: premigration, in transit, and post migration. The fear of persecution the refugees experience can cause severe distress throughout the relocation process that influences their mental health status (Wessels).

home country. The in transit period is the physical relocation of refugees—the time in their journey between home countries and host countries, and often times spent in a refugee camp. Post migration is the final stage in which refugees are relocated to a host country, where they could potentially seek asylum. During the post migration stage refugees are acculturating to their new community and society (Bhugra). During pre-migration an obvious cause of distress is physical or psychological trauma, including the death of a loved one, inability to live daily life, and denial of basic necessities (Khawaja). While refugee camps are often viewed as an initial point of refuge, within camp violence and illness are ever-present fears and risks. Although refugee camps are seen as a safe escape, these camps are often as dangerous and may have higher mortality rates than countries of origin due to “interethnic strife, sexual violence, and disease epidemics� (Adams).

Pre-migration is the stage in the relocation process when the refugees still live in their 87


HEALING Trauma

preliminary research

Wilbert M. Gesler discusses how fear of hospitals has plagued the minds of patients. It has been a major concern for the healers to take into account the factors that have contributed to making matters worse for victims to take asylum and have a willing attitude towards their own betterment. Many people don’t consider hospitals to be a place for healing at all. The blinding lights, plain white furniture, shiny tiles floors and an alienating atmosphere that restricts patients from meeting their loved ones only adds to the problems. Most people think of nature when they first associate themselves to being healed. Nature is healing, as suggested by Gesler. People travel to remote places in rural settings, within a natural habitat for mental peace. From the common perception of what people term as a place of healing, one can add such factors into a hospital to make it more homelike and bestow a sense of rootedness or attachment to the place by creating a “healing environment”. (Gesler) An environment needs to be created in order for the patient to have a sense of identity. As long as patients don’t feel secure, they can never be healed. There is a certain level of comfort in being able to relate to their surroundings. Gesler suggests that symbolism helps in achieving a sense of belonging to a place, helps in easing the mind of patients and opens them up to being treat. Creating a healthy social interaction between the patients and the staff can be very encouraging for those seeking help. The four factors that contribute to building a healing environment are Natural, Built, Symbolic, and Social. (Gesler)

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ds et ho m re fe rre re d n to re fe pl rre ay d th to er ap ot he y rt he ra py ld

re n

ch i

ld ch i

figure 6. use of play therapy

>counseling process There are certain stages in the counseling process through which a child goes in order to heal. When facilities are approached to help a child, they establish an initial structure for the healing process. During the course, the staff develops a rapport with the child in order to identify the problem that is causing the distress. Once the problem is identified, a particular method for healing is devised. While approaching a child for treatment, the staff takes note of the child’s behavior and reaction to certain situations in order to better serve through the treatment process. Assimilated information about the child and the environment the child is being raised in order to relate to the situation is looked at intricately. With the careful analysis of the situation, the staff proceeds with finding a solution for the problem by devising a plan of action. After talking to the family and getting the consent of the parent or guardian, a decision is made. Once the counseling sessions are over, the child is advised to be present for the follow-up sessions to develop additional strategies. (Ellis)

>play therapy Play Therapy is a well-established discipline where a safe, confidential and caring environment is created that allows the child to play with as few limits as possible with their physical and emotional safety in mind. It allows for healing to occur at many levels through play and creativity that operate on impulses outside of our awareness, hence no medicines are used in the process. According to Play Therapy International, 71% of the children referred to play therapy show positive results. It is also a more gentle process for treating children within the age group of 3-12 years as it uses certain tools in the process that are child friendly (Play Therapy International).

figure 7. stages of counseling process

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figure 8. process of play therapy

>process of play therapy The first meeting with the child’s play therapist starts with conducting an interview during which the parents will be asked questions about the child’s early development, current functioning and present problem. This information will form the foundation of the play therapist’s understanding of both the child’s difficulties and the treatment plan. Most play therapists will also complete a separate intake interview with the child to get a solid sense of his or her experience of the problems and to make sure the child feels fully engaged in the treatment process right from the beginning (Play Therapy International). After the pre-treatment assessment, the first session with the child will begin treatment the child will be getting used to the play therapist, the playroom, and the play therapy process. The more shy or anxious your child is, the more difficult this period may be. After anywhere from one to several sessions, the child will enter 90

into the Tentative Acceptance phase of treatment. During this phase, the child will probably look forward to the play therapy sessions and be eager to enter the playroom and to interact with the play therapist (Play Therapy International). During growing phase, the child will come to better understand his or her difficulties, how to best resolve those difficulties and how to live a much happier and playful life. Typically, children will make significant advances and then slide right back into some of their problem behaviors or symptoms. These regressions can frustrate both children and parents (JP Lilly). The last being the termination phase begins when the child’s behavioral and emotional functioning has stabilized to the point that the child, parents and the play therapist are all confident in the child’s ability to maintain those gains without regular play therapy sessions (JP Lilly).


figure 9. play therapy toolkit

>play therapy toolkit The therapy uses a variety of techniques through ‘The Play Therapy Toolkit’ according to the child’s wishes and skills of the therapist. These include: Creative visualization, therapeutic story-telling, drama-role play, puppets & Masks, Sand Tray, Art, Music, Dance, and Clay. Two major approaches are ‘Non-directive play therapy’ and ‘Directive play therapy’. A skilled practitioner adopts a mix of both approaches (JP Lilly).

Sessions may last from typically 30 to 45 minutes. They may be with individual or groups of children. A variety of techniques - ‘the Play Therapy Toolkit’ are used according to the child’s wishes and the skills of the ‘therapist’ (Play Therapy International). .

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architecture as healing environment preliminary research Healing place could be understood as holding multidimensional character, such as physical, emotional, social, spiritual and mental, that play into making a place feel more relatable. It disseminates wholeness and connectedness within oneself which is not only limited to a physical cure, but heals a person from within. Gesler suggests four factors that contribute to building a healing environment are Natural, Built, Symbolic, and Social (Gesler). Gesler indicates towards the healing qualities of nature. He discusses how people recall natural landscapes as being therapeutic. One of the most important element in nature that imparts a calm and soothing feeling in people’s minds is water. The built environment can directly affect the moods of the people in it. How we construct such hospitals and asylums can dramatically affect the outcomes of treatments. It can help patients to heal faster as a result of their level of comfort, and help them be more open about seeking help in the future if need be. Rooms designed to feel more relatable, with natural lighting, ventilation, windows in the rooms looking out to a view can be a starting point to inching towards achieving a place for healing (Gesler). Gesler argues that people like to go to places which has something symbolic that they can identify themselves with. These symbols help in forming a connection between the biophysical and sociocultural worlds. It could be anything, from a religious sign, to their national flag, something that they seek pride in pointing out to. Quality of social relationships are considered one of the most important factors in the healing process (Gesler).

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figure 10. the windhover

>healing qualities in architecture A preconceived notion about sustainable design is that it is unattractive. Lance Hosey discusses how critics of our times believe that green lacks grace. According to Aaron Betsky, “Sustainable architecture justifies itself by claiming to pursue a higher truth, but buildings are ugly, space and form are not good for inhabitants or surroundings.” Hosey also talks about how the shape and appearance of the building are the primary criteria that directly affect its success and survival. The shape of a building is critical to environmental performance and human response at every given scale. He goes on to explain that if one want to make something last longer, it has to be lovable. (Hosey, Chapter One: The Sustainability of Beauty) In order for us to relate to a building, it is important that the Beauty of a building relates to sensory pleasures. According

to Hosey, if it fails to appeal to our senses, we wont see it as being beautiful and hence it will not be able to survive longer (Hosey, Chapter Two: The Aesthetic Imperative). In order to provide a healing environment to a patient as a user of the building for faster healing, the patient must feel comfortable with the space he/she is in. Hosey discusses how a sustainable design must offer more to meet the eyes, the ears, nose and the skin (Hosey, Chapter Two: The Aesthetic Imperative). The Windhover in Standford is a great example of a space that is beautiful, interacts well with its surroundings and is beautiful aesthetically. It appeals to our senses with the natural materials incorporated into the design of the building, such as wood and rammed earth walls. It is specially built by Stanford University for it’s staff and it’s students as a get-away space from their hectic study and work schedule. 93


figure 11. falling waters

>healing as a multi-sensory experience Juhani Pallasma discusses how collaboration of our eyes with the other senses, strengthens our sense of reality. Our attention and existential experience is directed to a wider scope through architecture. Every time we touch and experience an object, it is equally experienced by all our other senses. James J. Gibson categorizes senses in five sensory systems: visual system, auditory system, the taste-smell system, the basic orienting system, and the haptic system. He argues that we use at least twelve or more senses in our body which are a specialized extension of our sense of touch. It is very important for one sense to collaborate with another in order for us to experience things around us. If eyes do not collaborate with the sense of touch, we won’t have an idea of the distance, materiality or the spatial depth of things. It is hence important to design keeping our bodily experience in mind by engaging all our senses in order to get the best 94

experience of a space. This is because we remember through our body, as much as we do through our brain and nervous system. Pallasma discusses Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Waters as an example for such an experience, with how it weaves its built mass with the surrounding environment and nature, through the textures and colors it uses, and the integration of the smell of the forest and the sound of the river (Pallasma, Part Two: Multi-Sensory Experience).


figure 12. khoo teck puat hospital, singapore

>biophilia shaping healing spaces Biophilia is the affinity for life or life-like processes. Richard Louv discusses how our interaction with nature is becoming increasingly limited. Playground for children are shifting indoors. Children need encounters that are more than just human. With this decreasing interaction with nature, there has been an enormous growth in nature-deficit disorders. It is important to have a health experience with nature in our immediate surroundings. He argues that evidence indicates we heal faster in the presence of nature. It is a desirable trait in a building that fully integrates our senses. Louv also talks about how therapeutic gardening where communities are infused with flower and vegetable gardens give an opportunity to residents to get involved in the process together, which largely benefits the society. (Louv, Children and the Success of Biophilic Design) Janine Benyus

says, “We know a good

design, when we see it”. She talks about how we have always been biophilics or biomimics, hence it is important to take cues from the nature in order to build healing places. This can be achieved through mimicking proportions from the nature. Natural lighting, natural ventilation, natural sound, and bringing working ecosystems and bio-inspired gardens into our spaces can greatly impact a patient’s wellbeing. Michael Mehaffey discusses how the concept of biophilic research came from health care, which led the physicians and designers to study the environmental effects on a patient’s recovery process. Studies have proven that vegetation, sunlight, water, earthtoned colors and certain natural sounds such as that of a waterfall help in a speedy recovery. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) in Singapore is a big example of integration of biophilia in a medical facility, and is thus viewed as an inspiration for the effects it has on its patients. (Benyus) (Mehaffey) 95


focused case studies

preliminary research

The project is a new and different kind in itself, and there have not been any facilities of the kind to have been built before. Due to this, the case studies being focused on are either facilities that carry out certain parts and functions of the centre, or are similar in their attempt to engage its users as this facility intends to be. The two main case studies being looked at are the Children’s Centre for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Japan, and Fuji Kindergarten, Japan. While the Children’s Centre for Psychiatric Rehabilitation given an idea about what therapeutic spaces can look like, or how they can be integrated and designed in the overall design, the Fuji Kindergarten hints towards the design strategies being used in order to provide free flowing spaces for children where they can play without being restricted.

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>children’s center for psychiatric rehabilitation Architect -- Sou Fujimoto Architects Place -- Hokkaido Perfecture, Japan Completion -- 2006 Area -- 48,000sq.ft. The building looks merely scattered on the site, but each part is carefully planned and placed. It is flexibly packed due to its random composition. Alcove spaces between the boxes are a good hiding spot for children while they are still connected to the living area. It makes for a great space for play for these children who explore these spaces by hiding and running around it. The main idea is to not create a particular central point on the site, but instead to create many centers that mingle with one another in their random placement on the landscape. The scale of the building is small to make it relatable to children. While staff rooms are private spaces, the children use living rooms, single rooms and alcoves. The site acts like a small city with the intimacy of a house and the variety of a city. The conceptual idea of the design is a proposal of a loose method which brings about the beauty in its built mass. (Archdaily) This centre helps in understanding how to deal with children in the age-group of 3-12years, and design a building in a way that it creates interesting spaces for them.

figure 13. exterior view

figure 14. floor plan

figure 15. section

figure 16. interior space

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>fuji kindergarten Architect -- Tezuka Architects Place -- Tokyo, Japan Completion -- 2007 Area -- 14,000 sq.ft.

figure 17. exterior view

figure 18. floor plan

figure 19. section

figure 20. interior space

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The kindergarten is in the shape of an oval, with a perimeter of 600 feet. It is a project built for 500 children and is conceived as a single village. It has interior spaces that are integrated softly with partitioning furniture. It is designed around three preserved Zelkova trees that project through the roof deck and are 82 feet high. it is built in a way that is doesn’t fight a child’s natural impulses, but instead counts them. The roof acts like a playground for children and the form is such that it allows children to run in circles. It has continuous classrooms with no walls between them where kids create their own areas. This is done as kids feel anxious when they are walled-in or constrained. It has no acoustic barriers as children love to be in a noisy environment (Architonic). This precedent study helps understand how activity spaces for Play Therapy can be created in a free flowing oval form, creating interesting and partially outdoor spaces within the facility.


>vision statement “A safe haven for healing tortured refugee children through play therapy in a nurturing environment surrounded by nature.” The facility is for refugee children within the age group of 3-12 years who are survivors of torture. The basic design of the building deals with two simple forms; a rectangular bar that addresses the street and urban context, and an oval mass which is the jewel of the project towards the interior of the site that addresses the big architectural idea of ‘An Island in the Fields’. The idea is to create a healing environment based on Gesler’s theory of healing places. It addresses the four factors as suggested by Gesler that contribute to creating a healing place, namely: Natural, Built, Symbolic, and Social.

The centre uses Play Therapy and Cognitive Therapy as primary methods in the healing process. It strives to not only heal them physically and mentally, but socially as well, by providing facilities that help them cope with the different culture and society that they have migrated to live in from their country of origin. It avails therapeutic sessions for parents in order to help their children better cope with the situations at hand, and to provide a safe haven. It gives opportunities for community interaction with the centre in order to increase awareness and help the patients better integrate with the community.

figure 21. play therapy

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>site selection Following a preliminary research, a site was selected in Albany, California. As the Bay Area houses one of the highest number of refugees that immigrate to the United States, the location provides a great opportunity for establishing The California Centre for Torture Survivors. Upon a site visit to Albany, the site context and constraints were carefully observed as discussed in this section. This section also discusses the pros and cons, i.e., the topography, surrounding context, sun path, wind direction, access to public transportation, relationship to UC Gill Tract Farming Community, and history of the site, that has been used to provide a basis for the design proposal of the facility.


SECTION II >site selection


site location site selection The site for the trauma centre is located in the East Bay region of Western California in Alameda County. It is one of the most populated counties in California with a density of over 10001999 people per square mile. The site is located in Albany, and he nearby towns include Berkeley to the south and Richmond to the north (Wikimedia, Inc.).

figure 22. california county population chart

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figure 23. alameda county in bay area and site location


>site use & context The Gill Tract is owned and operated by the University of California, but the land was used for navy barracks in 1993. The university reconfigured the land to accommodate housing for the students from 2002-2006 and was primarily used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2010, the agriculture research fields were expanded by the removal of research buildings on the site (UC Gill Tract Community Farm).

figure 24. development from 1993 to 2015

figure 25. surrounding context

>site history The Cordonices Creek defines the southern boundary of the Gill Tract. The site was once occupied by native Ohlone people and the Ohlone circle still persists on the southern end of the site as a space for gathering and praying (UC Gill Tract Community Farm).

figure 26. native ohlone circle

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contextual parameters & site strategies site selection The contextual parameters play a major role in selecting the region to build the facility on the large site. The site is surrounded by busy streets on three sides. The privacy on the site decreases as we move towards the intersection between San Pablo and Solano Avenue. Jackson street feeding into residential areas is the most accessible street as it is less busy than the other two. The noise level towards the Jackson street is lower in comparison to Solano Avenue which is full of commercial buildings. The site has a natural slope towards Jackson street with a 10 feet drop from the side of Solano Avenue. It also has easy access to public transportation with several bus stops within a 5 minute walking distance. There is a row of tall trees on the southern end of the site that provide natural shading in that region during the day. This tree cover also blocks off the summer and winter winds coming from the southern side and provides a level of privacy on the site.

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figure 29. noise levels

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figure 35. surrounding context

figure 36. community involvement

>community involvement The site is divided into certain regions that are used for research purpose by the agriculture department of University of California, Berkeley and as a community garden which is open to public to come and do gardening in return for which they get to take home some of the freshly grown vegetables. The site also has space for composting pits on the southern end of the site which is shared by Native Ohlone people that use it as a gathering and prayer space.

Ocean View Elementary School that lies towards the North-Western corner of the site is the most involved with the farming activities taking place on the site. This provides an opportunity for the facility to that the children can have interactive sessions with students from the school across Jackson Street and also with the residents of the UC Community housing through socially interactive spaces in the facility.

The community gardens have a small portion allotted to children for farming and play purpose. The Gill Tract Farming has a tie up with local schools such as Ocean View Elementary School, Albany High School and etc., who have regular gardening sessions for children who can participate in therapeutic gardening activities two to three times a week. The 107


>program & evaluation The section helps better understand the users of the facility. The centre primarily focuses on children within the age group of 3-12years, that uses Play Therapy as the primary healing technique. The program requirements help understand the spaces for the primary user group, i.e., children, medical staff and administrative staff, and the secondary user group, i.e., parents of the children and the outside community involvement. Diagrams produced based on previous precedent studies help understand the relationship between the spaces in order to provide a basis for the initial design proposal for the facility. This diagrammatic approach also helps in analyzing the placement of the spaces as one approaches the centre.


SECTION III >program & evaluation


Conceptual approach program & evaluation The zones withing the program are divided such, that the big public spaces are the centers around which the private and semi-private spaces are designed. The flow within each of these spaces is such that the users first approach a public space, through which they move into semi-private spaces, followed by private spaces, which are less easily accessible and are towards the farthest ends from the public spaces. All of these spaces in the building that require natural lighting and ventilation are located along the facade with a view to the exterior gardens or facing inwards into courtyards. The public spaces are either adjacent or directly connected to the one another, whereas the more private spaces either have minor connections, or lie close to the most accessible spaces in the design scheme.

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figure 37. conceptual space diagram

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architectural idea

program & evaluation

>analysis While designing a building, it is important to understand the users of the building in order to design a space based on their needs. The centre caters to children within the age-group of 3-12 years. Also the age gap is not as much, it is still a lot for children as they tend to grow, learn and mature faster in a short span of time in comparison to adults. Hence, it is important to segregate the age-groups in order to fulfill the needs of each separately based on their requirements. these groups can be segregated into three different groups, those within 3-5years, 6-7years, and 8-12years of age. Spaces that are free flowing and do not restrict children are the best and most used spaces. As he facility uses Play Therapy as the primary method of treatment, it is important to have several play-related spaces that work well with all its users.

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>architectural idea As seen from the precedent study of the kindergarten in Tokyo, free flowing forms such as an ‘Oval’, don’t fight a child’s natural impulse, but instead. The roof can act like a playground for children and the form allows children to run in circles. A ‘Donut’ shape that can come our of an Oval mass can be used to create an interior courtyard large enough for children to play in. As the centre focuses at younger age group of children, it is important to provide different outdoor play areas each with their own unique qualities.

figure 38. big architectural idea

RAINBOW TRAMPOLINE

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INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA

FOUNTAIN PLAZA

SHALLOW POND

BERM FOR PLAY

TREE HOUSE

HAPPY BRIDGE

DANCING SCULPTURES

figure 39. activity space ideas

>activity based on age groups Certain outdoor play activities are designed for children within different agegroups as their needs change as they grow older. Some of the examples can be seen

above that work well with all separately and can also help the children engage with their parents in the process of therapeutic play which helps the recovery process. 113


building program

program & evaluation

The building program divides the spaces into six major zones based on its users. The zones are namely: Administrative spaces, medical staff spaces, therapy spaces, common spaces, outdoor spaces and service spaces. Each of these spaces feed into one another while still being separate. The Administrative spaces include space for the director, manager, events coordinator, interpreter, finance and accounts staff and other general staff spaces. These help the facility function and help the community outreach towards it. The medical staff spaces that have offices for social workers, counseling psychologist, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, nurse, and other storage and support spaces is closely interlinked with the therapy block which has play therapy and cognitive therapy spaces separately. The service spaces are separate from all other spaces in the facility and are only reached when required for maintenance purposes. The therapeutic block takes the maximum built-up space in the facility due to the large area requirement for each of the individual play therapy spaces.

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Category Administrative Spaces

Medical Spaces

Therapy Spaces

figure 40. building program

Space Qty Unit(sf) Total(sf) Entry Foyer 1 100 100 Reception Help Desk 1 120 120 Lobby and Waiting Area 1 250 250 Staff Entry 1 100 100 Director's Office 1 200 200 Break Room 1 180 180 Accounts Office 1 200 200 Manager's Office 1 200 200 Staff Room 1 200 200 Conference Room 1 200 200 Workstations 4 50 200 Admin Staff Restrooms 2 40 80 Interpreter's Office 1 200 200 Total(sf) 2230 Social Worker's Office 2 120 240 Clinical Psychologist 2 120 240 Counselling Psychologist 2 120 240 Speech and Language Therpist 2 120 240 Occupational Therapist 2 120 240 Nurse's Office 2 120 240 Medical Records Room 1 200 200 Medical Aid Room 1 200 200 Training Room 1 200 200 Medical Staff Room 1 200 200 Meeting Room 1 200 200 Medical Staff Restrooms 2 40 80 Total(sf) 2520 Indoor Play Area 2 350 700 Therapeutic Story Telling Room 1 350 350 Drama Room 1 350 350 Art and Craft Room 1 300 300 Music Room 1 300 300 Dance Room 1 350 350 Group Therapy Room 2 300 600 Single Therapy Room 2 120 240 Rest Bedrooms 2 100 200 Family Meeting Room 1 120 120 Clay Modelling Room 1 300 300

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Common Spaces

Outdoor Spaces

Service Spaces

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Therapeutic Story Telling Room Drama Room Art and Craft Room Music Room Dance Room Group Therapy Room Single Therapy Room Rest Bedrooms Family Meeting Room Clay Modelling Room Sand World Kitchen and Cooking Room Total(sf) Entry Foyer Reception Help Desk Lobby and Waiting Area Living /Greet Room Café + Kitchen Resourse Library/Computer Multi-Purpose/Lecture Total(sf) Therapeutic Farming Amphitheatre Patios/Deck Gardens/Courtyards Outdoor Play Area Vehicle Parking Service Entry/Parking Outdoor Storage Trash Pet Therapy Animal Shelter Market Total(sf) Electrical Room Janitorial Room Storage Room Laundry Room Mechanical Room Total area of Service Spaces(sf) Total Area(sf) Circulation(sf) Total Area+ Circulation(sf)

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figure 41. proximity diagram

>proximity diagram The spaces are arranged based on their proximity to one another, the users and their privacy. The deeper they are into the circle, the more private spaces they

are. The offices of the medical staff are in close proximity to the therapy rooms and spaces for a convenient access, whereas the garden is the central point connecting all. 117


figure 42. space adjacency matrix

>space adjacency matrix The above matrix shows whether spaces are adjacent to one another or whether they are nearby. The black dots show the spaces as being adjacent or directly connected, 118

whereas the white dots show them has being near. The blank spaces indicate that there is no connection between the spaces.


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figure 43. space adjacency diagram

>space adjacency diagram The above diagram shows that cafe, which is the most public space in the building is common to all the spaces, whereas the medical staff offices are

close to the therapy spaces. It also shows the size of each space in comparison to one another in order to understand the important spaces in the facility. 119


user definition program & evaluation Refugees have experienced many extremely stressful events because of political or religious oppression, war, migration, and resettlement. It is difficult to even define all of the types of events they have suffered, because refugee trauma often precedes the primary war-related event that causes them to flee. Trauma related to torture or persecution affect their mental and physical health long after the events have occurred. They may have seen violence as witnesses, victims, and/or perpetrators. This centre provides facilities that help the refugees deal with trauma in order to heal.

>refugee child The refugee child comes to the centre with his/her parents and is referred to a therapist. After one cognitive therapy session, the child is made to take part in play therapy sessions where the therapist studies the child’s response to the therapeutic play. After the child has opened up with the staff and the problem has been diagnosed, the child is referred to conscious cognitive therapy sessions and is later joined by the parents to find a joint solution. figure 44. refugee child

>refugee parents The parents come to the centre along with their children for therapy. The parents are referred to cognitive therapy sessions with the child. While the child is in play therapy, the parents can either wait, take cognitive therapy, or get involved with the child in therapeutic play to increase the family bonding and to help the child feel more comfortable and at ease with the facility. figure 45. parents of refugee children

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>medical staff The medical staff interacts with the patients and their family in either cognitive therapy rooms or play therapy spaces. The staff have separate offices with lounging spaces in order to get away from everything they have to deal with throughout the day with their patients.

figure 46. medical staff

>administrative staff The administrative staff helps run the facility and provides funds to carry out tasks to promote the centre in the community, They function separate from the therapy spaces but help manage the official work for the facility.

figure 47. administrative staff

>community The facility has spaces for the community to participate in its activities and events, and to hold events on their own in an attempt to help the refugee families mingle better with the community. It also helps in bringing about a positive attitude towards the refugees when they get an opportunity to interact with them. It helps build a healthier community.

figure 48. community

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building diagram program & evaluation The building diagrams show the basic association between the spaces in the form of a conceptual diagram showing their placement in relation to one another. It defines zones of spaces based on the user group, the privacy of the space, and a basic idea of how the spaces are approached. The major zones in the program are the Therapy block, the Administrative Block, the outdoor green spaces, the public parking and the service entry. The common space that connects all other parts of the facility to together is the outdoor garden areas. It is directly connected to the therapy and administrative blocks, and is also a common space through which the buildings are approached from the parking areas.

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figure 49. therapy block diagram

>therapy block diagram The outdoor green spaces is where the therapy block is approached from. It has three category of spaces within is, namely, common spaces, outdoor play spaces, and indoor play spaces. The common spaces are the public spaces of the building

which are easily accessible. The cafe which is a common point between the two major block of spaces has a kitchen that is directly accessible from the service parking. The therapy play spaces are more to the interior of the building, for privacy. 123


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figure 50. administrative block diagram

>administrative block diagram The administrative block is approaches through the central garden space that leads into the common area through the entrance foyer . There are three separate wings namely, the administrative offices, the medical staff spaces and the general 124

support spaces. The medical staff wing is situated near the therapy block for the most convenient assistance to the patients. The private spaces are towards the outer sides of the wings separated by semiprivate spaces from the public spaces.


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figure 51. overall diagrammatic scheme

>overall diagrammatic scheme The therapy block and the administrative block are arranged adjacent to the garden area for ease of service. The cafe in the therapy block is close to the service entry for trash and loading dock and the parking is linked to the service

entry. The spaces are placed such that each smaller space in the blocks gets an exterior view of the surrounding garden and outdoor play spaces. The more private spaces are tucked to the back while the public spaces are to the front. 125


>proposal After a thorough study of the site and the surrounding context, understanding the user group for the facility, and eventually defining the program requirement for the facility, this section discusses the design proposals for the facility. It starts with an initial proposal that discusses the possible design schemes that could work for such a centre. With selecting the best scheme out of the three proposed schemes, i.e., linear, oval, and collage, the section elaborates on the collage scheme. With further analysis, it further evolves the scheme in order to create a healing environment. This section deals with understanding the design process


SECTION IV >proposal


design schemes proposal Three major schemes are proposed, namely, Linear, Oval, and Collage, that deal with the design requirements in different manners. Each scheme has segregated spaces for administrative staff, medical staff, therapy spaces and common spaces. The placement of the therapy spaces in all three schemes is such that is is the closest to the children’s therapeutic garden that already exists on the site, whereas the administrative office spaces are towards the Jackson street for easy access. Linear -- This scheme deals with spaces in a linear manner. With the therapy spaces to the back of the site and more common and public spaces towards the front, it ensures privacy for the patients. The space caters to all the needs but does not have a surprise element for the users. It is almost too traditional in its approach. Oval -- This scheme deals with a large central oval attached to curved surfaces with slanting and accessible roofs that can be great spaces for play for children. It has an expansive water-body in front. Although the scheme has positives, it is too symmetrical. The water-body is too big for a drought prone state like California. Collage -- The scheme uses the best of both the previous two schemes, and retains the slanting oval component as an outdoor play area for children. It has three separate spaces with the administrative and community spaces in the front, the medical staff spaces and cognitive therapy spaces in the middle, and play-therapy spaces to the back of the site.

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figure 52. linear -- concept massing

figure 53. linear -- massing in context

figure 54. oval -- concept massing

figure 55. oval -- massing in context

figure 56. collage -- concept massing

figure 57. collage -- massing in context

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figure 58. linear: schematic layout

figure 59. linear: schematic block massing

figure 60. oval: schematic layout

figure 61. oval: schematic block massing

figure 62. collage: schematic layout

figure 63. collage: schematic block massing


>materials The basic material for the facility are more nature based, as discusses by Gesler they tend to have a positive effect on the users leading to a comforting environment. In this case as the centre deals with refugees who are of politically motivated torture, the materiality of the building can significantly impact the healing and recovery process of the patients. The main materials to be used are rammed earth, wood, and stone rubble. The best example

of this can be seen in The Windhover in Stanford University which is specially designed as a facility where students and staff spend their time for mental comfort away from their stressful academic and work lives.

figure 64. rammed earth

figure 65. wood

figure 66. biophilia

figure 67. stone rubble

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review one proposal The final scheme from the three schemes explored is collage which is further developed and worked on. This scheme provides several opportunities for interaction with the community and the overall surrounding context besides its users. The social environment of the facility helps the community open up to the idea, which therefore helps the refugees approach the centre for help more freely.

figure 68. collage scheme in urban context

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figure 69. site plan

figure 70. site sections

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>first floor The first floor of the facility consists of spaces that promote social and community interaction. As there spaces cater to the street and overall urban context, the more private spaces are more towards the interior parts of the site. This helps in keeping the functions of therapy spaces away from the street and help provide a secure and private environment for the patients.

figure 71. first floor plan

>second floor The second floor of the facility consists of administrative offices that help run the centre towards the front of the facility facing the street, and cognitive therapy spaces that are towards the back. These therapy spaces look into the oval slanting roof that works as a playground for children. This view into these spaces helps in better understanding of the facility for the patients starting their therapy sessions with cognitive therapy. figure 72. second floor plan

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>third floor The third floor of the facility only primarily consists of office spaces for the medical staff. This helps give therapists some private time to themselves before they start working with one patient after another, and helps them better prepare for the therapy sessions away from the more busy parts of the facility.

figure 73. third floor plan

figure 74. building section C

figure 75. building section D

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review TWO proposal As the design proposal further developed, this proposal is keeps the focal elements of the ‘Collage’ scheme, i.e., the Oval Space. The scheme is planned around nature with courtyards that divide different zones and functions of the facility into neighborhoods such that the experience of the facility is more nature oriented. The big architectural idea of the facility is ‘Island in the Fields’, where the oval space for play therapy acts as an island surrounded by the fields, and connects to the other parts of the facility through a wide corridor, keeping the essence of the space separated and away from the street.

figure 76. central gathering area

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>basic building zoning The basic form of the facility deals with two masses, i.e., an Oval mass that includes therapeutic play towards the interior of the site, and a linear mass that caters to the street and urban context.

figure 77. basic building zoning

>architectural order As the front of the centre caters to the street , the building is approached from one end of the front built mass which includes community involvement. As one proceeds into the facility, the more private and secure spaces in the facility are further back in order to maintain privacy of the patients.

figure 78. architectural order

>massing The is planned in neighborhoods surrounding courtyards. These courtyards provide an opportunity for interaction with nature within the building in order to provide a healing environment, and each individual space has views out of the facility to bring in more direct natural light and ventilation. figure 79. building massing

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>natural light The building is oriented in the East-West direction. This helps in more natural light into the facility and reduce the number of dark spaces. The use of natural light also helps in maintaining the interior courtyards. figure 80. sun path diagram

>natural ventilation The form of the building takes advantage of the direction of wind on the site. As the spaces in the facility surround the courtyards, each room faces outwards, helps providing an opportunity to bring in natural ventilation into these spaces. figure 81. wind flow diagram

>site slope As the site slopes towards Jackson Street, this provides a great opportunity for irrigation through the natural gradual slope on the site for the fields surrounding the built mass.

figure 82. site slope diagram

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figure 83. site plan

>site plan The facility primarily focuses on Play Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Animal Therapy. Each of these therapies are segregated into different zones based on their individual needs. As the front of the facility caters to the street, it’s shape helps in pushing back the therapy zones on the site towards the interior, hence providing more privacy for the patients. The Oval mass consisting of play therapy activity rooms towards the interior of the site is surrounded by therapeutic gardening fields enclosed by a heavy tree-cover to block off the views from the streets into

the site and hence painting the safety and privacy of the facility. This tree-cover also encloses outdoor play spaces for children. Animal therapy which also includes community involvement can either be approached from a side service street, or from within the facility, keeping it’s function independent. It includes a play area where patients interact and pet different farm animals such as sheep, pigs, goat, chicken, rabbits, and ducks. The pasture zones provide grazing area for the animals. 139


figure 84. floor plan

>floor plan

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The building is approach from one end of the bent form on the street front. This space also involves community interaction with the presence of cafe. The staff and other patients proceed into the facility passing courtyards that surround the office spaces. The main circulation of the facility is on one side which allows to look into the outdoor play areas, therapeutic gardens and play therapy areas as one moves though the facility. Each courtyard caters to the neighborhood-like spaces it surrounds, each having a different and

unique quality. The gathering area in the centre of the site provides a private space for the parents of the patients to wait and the library helps in engaging them during that period of time. The courtyard by the library is accessible and provides spaces for children to play and the parents to sit and interact or read from borrowed resources from the library adjoining it. The patients can either go to the play therapy spaces in the oval form or cognitive therapy towards the back as per their medical needs.


figure 85. structural perspective

figure 86. sectional perspective view

figure 87. sectional perspective view

figure 88. central oval courtyard

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>patient approach The patients being refugees cannot all afford cars and hence are expected to primarily use public transportation. There are several bus stops around the site, the main one being next to the south-west corner of the site. From this point, the patients walk to the site entry. figure 89. patient approach

>staff approach As the staff is expected to use cars or public transportation will have a similar approach to the site. The parking next to the entrance from Jackson street makes it more convenient for the staff to approach the building.

figure 90. staff approach

>site service approach

figure 91. site service approach

The main service spaces on the site are the kitchen for the cafe, the kitchen for play therapy and the animal therapy area. The parking next to the entrance of the facility caters to the two respective kitchens, hence providing a segregated space for trash, whereas the service road along the southern end of the site helps cater to the animal therapy zone.

>community approach

figure 92. community approach

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The Ocean View Elementary School across the facility can take part in the therapeutic gardening on the site. As the school has a history of involvement with the UC Gill Tract Farming Community with children regularly participating in farming activities on site, this would provide a good opportunity for children from the centre to interact with the children from the school across the street.


figure 93. patients approaching for the first time

figure 94. long term children patients approach

figure 95. parents approach for cognitive therapy

figure 96. medical staff approach

figure 97. administrative staff approach

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review Three proposal This proposal is a further development from the previous proposal. It simplifies the scheme into two basic forms, i.e., an oval and a rectangle. It uses the same concept from the previous design scheme with segregating different zones into neighborhoods based on the privacy of spaces. It also compresses the built mass to cover lesser area on the site and works towards creating a healing environment for the patients.

figure 98. alcove seating

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figure 99. basic building form diagram

figure 100. zoning diagram

figure 101. blocks diagram

figure 102. parti diagram

>building zones The building form being rectangular in the front better caters to the street and urban context in comparison to the previous schemes. With the entry now relatively in the centre of the street facing mass helps in a more gradual entry sequence into the facility. Offices being the most private zones on the site are on either ends of the rectangular mass. The waiting area for patients in the community spaces helps

in building a more secure environment for the parents and children alike by being closer, as they take their therapy session, either cognitive or play therapy depending on their medical needs. The circulation in the facility is more direct and easy with two main circulation axis intersecting with each other at the entry point into the facility.

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figure 103. site slope diagram

figure 104. wind flow diagram

figure 105. sun path diagram

figure 106. relationship to school


figure 107. site plan

figure 108. site section A

figure 109. site section B

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figure 110. floor plan

>floor plan The facility is approached through the recessed entry. It also brings in community involvement and social interaction with the presence of a cafe. The recess provides an opportunity for outdoor seating in front of the facility. The reception looks into a 148

courtyard with seating spaces and a water fountain, creating an inviting environment for the patients. The therapeutic gardens towards the back extend out of the interior play therapy spaces forming a gradual pattern on the site.


figure 111. building section A

figure 112. building section B

figure 113. sun shading technique

>sun shading

figure 114. building entry

The wooden slats with one of the sides colored are attached on the facade with recessed windows. These slats can be rotated according to the amount of light required for the interior spaces. These provide an interactive and colorful facade for children to play with, hence making the facility look more inviting from the street entry. 149


figure 115. building facade

figure 116. building roof

figure 117. building partitions

figure 118. building structure

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figure 119. wall section perspective

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figure 120. site perspective

figure 121. administrative office

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figure 122. main circulation corridor


figure 123. reception

figure 124. play therapy art room

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BIBLIOGRAPHY chapter VIII TEXT -(Adams) Adams, K.M., Gardiner, L.D., Assefi, N. “Healthcare challenges from the developing world: Post-immigration refugee medicine.” BMJ (204). Digital. (Archdaily) Archdaily. http://www.archdaily. com/8028/children%25e2%2580%2599s-center-forpsychiatric-rehabilitation-sou-fujimoto. 3 November 2008. Web. September 2016. (Architonic) Architonic. https://www.architonic. com/en/project/tezuka-architects-fujikindergarten/5100019. n.d. Web. October 2016. (Benyus) Benyus, Janine. A Good Place to Settle. n.d. 27-42. (Bhugra) Bhugra, D. & Jones, P. “ Migration and mental illness.” Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2001): 216-223. Digital. (Centre for Victims of Torture) Centre for Victims of Torture. www.cvt.org. n.d. Digital. 17 March 2017. (Ellis) Ellis, B. Heidi. “Trauma & Mental Health in Child and Adolescent Refugees.” n.d. Digital. (Gesler) Gesler, Wilbert M. “Chapter One.” Healing Places. n.d. Digital. (Hosey, Chapter One: The Sustainability of Beauty) Hosey, Lance. “Chapter One: The Sustainability of Beauty.” The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design. n.d. 1-10. (Hosey, Chapter Two: The Aesthetic Imperative) Hosey, Lance. “Chapter Two: The Aesthetic Imperative.” The Shape of Green: Aesthetic, Ecology, and Design. n.d. 13-29. (JP Lilly) JP Lilly, Kevin O’Connor, and Teri Krull. Play Therapy Makes a Difference. Association for Play Therapy, n.d. Digital. (Khawaja) Khawaja, N. G., White, K. M., Schweitzer, R., & Greenslade, J. “ Difficulties and coping strategies of Sudanese refugees: A qualitative approach.” Transcultural Psychiatry (2008): 489-512. Digital.

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(Louv, Children and the Success of Biophilic Design)

Louv, Richard. Children and the Success of Biophilic Design. n.d. 205-212. (Mehaffey) Mehaffey, Michael. Towards a Biophilic Pattern Language. n.d. (National Association of School Psychologists) National Association of School Psychologists. https:// www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/ resources/school-safety-and-crisis/war-andterrorism/supporting-refugee-students. 2015. Web. September 2016. (Pallasma, Part 2: The Body in the Centre) Pallasma, Juhani. “Part 2: The Body in the Centre.” The Eyes of the Skin. n.d. 40-41. (Pallasma, Part Two: Multi-Sensory Experience) Pallasma, Juhani. “Part Two: Multi-Sensory Experience.” The Eyes of the Skin. n.d. 41-46. (Play Therapy International) Play Therapy International. How does therapeutic play work? PTUK, 1995-2017. Digital. (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network) The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. http:// nctsn.org/trauma-types/refugee-trauma/learnabout-refugee-core-stressors. n.d. Web. September 2016. (Thomas Seery) Thomas Seery, Hillary Boswell, Anna Lara. http://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/ content/36/8/323.info. 31 July 2015. Web. October 2016. (U.S. Home to Far More Refugee Torture Survivors Than Previously Believed) U.S. Home to Far More Refugee Torture Survivors Than Previously Believed. Centre for Victims of Torture, 2015. Web. (UC Gill Tract Community Farm) UC Gill Tract Community Farm. http://ucgilltractfarm.wixsite. com/gilltract/land-use. n.d. Web. August 2016. (Wessels) Wessels, Whitney Keltner. http:// sophia.stkate.edu/cgi/viewcontent. cgi?article=1411&context=msw_papers. 2014. Web. October 2016. (Wikimedia, Inc.) Wikimedia, Inc. https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/San_Francisco_Bay_Area. n.d. Web. 2016.


IMAGERY -figure 1. Kumar, Shruti. Core Stressors. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. http://nctsn.org/trauma-types/ refugee-trauma/learn-about-refugee-core-stressors. n.d. Digital. November 2016. figure 2. Kumar, Shruti. access to mental healthcare for refugee children. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to Play Therapy International. http:// playtherapy.org/Helping-Children/About-PlayTherapy. n.d. Digital. November 2016. figure 3. Kumar, Shruti. provision of mental healthcare. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to Play Therapy International. http:// playtherapy.org/Helping-Children/About-PlayTherapy. n.d. Digital. November 2016. figure 4. Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/ news/uk/politics/uk-should-resettle-3000-childrefugees-as-matter-of-urgency-say-mps-a6796776. html. 5 January 2016. Photograph. January 2017. figure 5. Kumar, Shruti. stages of trauma in the lives of refugee children. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to Wessels, Whitney Keltner. http://sophia.stkate.edu/cgi/viewcontent. cgi?article=1411&context=msw_papers. Digital. November 2016. figure 6. Kumar, Shruti. use of play therapy. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to Play Therapy International. http:// playtherapy.org/Helping-Children/About-PlayTherapy. n.d. Digital. November 2016. figure 7. Kumar, Shruti. stages of counseling process. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to Counselling Process. http:// resizeme.club/openphoto.php?img=http:// christchurchcounselling.com/wp/wp-content/ uploads/2014/10/counselling_process.png. Digital. November 2016. figure 8. Kumar, Shruti. process of play therapy. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to Ahmad, Arsalan. https:// www.slideshare.net/ArsalanAhmad/employeecounselling-4152204. Digital. November 2016. figure 9. Kumar, Shruti. play therapy toolkit. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. with reference to Play Therapy International. http:// playtherapy.org/Helping-Children/About-PlayTherapy. n.d. Digital. November 2016.

figure 10. Inhabitat. http://inhabitat.com/rammedearth-makes-a-zen-splash-at-stanfords-windhovercontemplative-center/. Photograph. November 2016. figure 11. Fallingwaters. http://www.fallingwater.org/. Photograph. November 2016. figure 12. RMJM. http://www.fallingwater.org/. https:// www.rmjm.com/the-architects-perspective-khooteck-puat-hospital/. Photograph. November 2016. figure 13. Archdaily. http://www.archdaily.com/8028/ children%25e2%2580%2599s-center-for-psychiatricrehabilitation-sou-fujimoto. Photograph. November 2016. figure 14. Archdaily. http://www.archdaily.com/8028/ children%25e2%2580%2599s-center-for-psychiatricrehabilitation-sou-fujimoto. Digital. November 2016. figure 15. Archdaily. http://www.archdaily.com/8028/ children%25e2%2580%2599s-center-for-psychiatricrehabilitation-sou-fujimoto. Digital. November 2016. figure 16. Archdaily. http://www.archdaily.com/8028/ children%25e2%2580%2599s-center-for-psychiatricrehabilitation-sou-fujimoto. Photograph. November 2016. figure 17. Architonic. https://www.architonic.com/en/ project/tezuka-architects-fuji-kindergarten/5100019. Photograph. November 2016. figure 18. Architonic. https://www.architonic.com/en/ project/tezuka-architects-fuji-kindergarten/5100019. Digital. November 2016. figure 19. Architonic. https://www.architonic.com/en/ project/tezuka-architects-fuji-kindergarten/5100019. Digital. November 2016. figure 20. Architonic. https://www.architonic.com/en/ project/tezuka-architects-fuji-kindergarten/5100019. Photograph. November 2016. figure 21. Play and Filial Therapy. http://www. playandfilialtherapy.com/services. Photograph. November 2016. figure 22. Geocurrents. http://www.geocurrents.info/ population-geography/using-gc-customizable-mapsin-the-classroom-population-density-in-california Photograph. November 2016. figure 23. Kelton, Jocelyn Carlson. https://in.pinterest. com/pin/106467978664726942/. Photograph. November 2016. figure 24. UC Gill Tract Community Farm. http:// ucgilltractfarm.wixsite.com/gilltract/land-use. Photograph. November 2016. figure 25. Albany,CA. http://www.albanyca.org/index.

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aspx?page=1067. Photograph. November 2016. figure 26. Kidder, Norm. http://www.primitiveways. com/pt-tule_shelter.html. Photograph. November 2016. figure 27. Kumar, Shruti. wind directions. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital.

figure 46. 123RF. https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/ doctor.html. Photograph. October 2016.

figure 28. Kumar, Shruti. site access. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital.

figure 47. Bolton, Jeffrey W. http://newsroom. vizientinc.com/leadership/board-directors/jeffrey-wbolton. Photograph. October 2016.

figure 29. Kumar, Shruti. noise levels. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital.

figure 48. Tpepost. http://tpepost.com/news/the-allnew-american-family/. Photograph. October 2016.

figure 30. Kumar, Shruti. tree shade. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital.

figure 49. Kumar, Shruti. therapy block diagram. Digital. September 2016.

figure 31. Kumar, Shruti. natural slope on site and flow of water. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital.

figure 50. Kumar, Shruti. administrative block diagram. Digital. September 2016.

figure 32. Kumar, Shruti. sun path. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. figure 33. Kumar, Shruti. public transportation. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. figure 34. Kumar, Shruti. site regions. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. figure 35. Kumar, Shruti. surrounding context. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. figure 36. Kumar, Shruti. community involvement. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. figure 37. Kumar, Shruti. conceptual space diagram. Kansas State University, Manhattan. Digital. figure 38. Designboom. http://www.designboom.com/ architecture/tezuka-architects-ring-around-a-tree/. Photograph. November 2016. figure 39. Peng Architect. https://www.flickr.com/ photos/eager/18884838936/. Photograph. November 2016. figure 40. Kumar, Shruti. building program. Digital. October 2016. figure 41. Kumar, Shruti. proximity diagram. Digital. October 2016. figure 42. Kumar, Shruti. space adjacency matrix. Digital. October 2016. figure 43. Kumar, Shruti. space adjacency diagram. Digital. October 2016. figure 44. The Greens. http://greens.org.au/magazine/ national/caring-refugee-children. Photograph. October 2016.

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figure 45. NothingButNets.net. http://www. nothingbutnets.net/blogs/international-day-ofcharity.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/. Photograph. October 2016.

figure 51. Kumar, Shruti. overall diagrammatic scheme. Digital. September 2016. figure 52. Kumar, Shruti. overall linear: concept massing. Digital. October 2016. figure 53. Kumar, Shruti. linear: concept massing. Digital. October 2016. figure 54. Kumar, Shruti. linear: massing in context. Digital. October 2016. figure 55. Kumar, Shruti. oval: concept massing. Digital. October 2016. figure 55. Kumar, Shruti. oval: massing in context. Digital. October 2016. figure 56. Kumar, Shruti. collage: concept massing. Digital. October 2016. figure 57. Kumar, Shruti. collage: massing in context. Digital. October 2016. figure 58. Kumar, Shruti. linear: schematic layout. Digital. October 2016. figure 59. Kumar, Shruti. linear: schematic block massing. Digital. October 2016. figure 60. Kumar, Shruti. oval: schematic layout. Digital. October 2016. figure 61. Kumar, Shruti. oval: schematic block massing. Digital. October 2016. figure 62. Kumar, Shruti. collage: schematic layout. Digital. October 2016. figure 63. Kumar, Shruti. collage: schematic block massing. Digital. October 2016.


figure 64. Budwell Creations. http://www.budwellcreations.com/new-page-3/. Photograph. November 2016. figure 65. tech-lovers.com. https://in.pinterest.com/ source/tech-lovers.com. Photograph. November 2016. figure 66. Green Over Grey. http://www.greenovergrey. com/living-walls/what-are-living-walls.php. Photograph. November 2016. figure 67. Warby, William. https://www.flickr.com/ photos/wwarby/5107346830. Photograph. November 2016.

figure 84. Kumar, Shruti. floor plan. Digital. February 2017. figure 85. Kumar, Shruti. structural perspective. Digital. February 2017. figure 86. Kumar, Shruti. sectional perspective view. Digital. February 2017. figure 87. Kumar, Shruti. sectional perspective view. Digital. February 2017. figure 88. Kumar, Shruti. central oval courtyard. Digital. February 2017.

figure 68. Kumar, Shruti. collage scheme in urban context. Digital. December 2016.

figure 89. Kumar, Shruti. patient approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 69. Kumar, Shruti. site plan. Digital. December 2016.

figure 90. Kumar, Shruti. staff approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 70. Kumar, Shruti. site section. Digital. December 2016.

figure 91. Kumar, Shruti. site service approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 71. Kumar, Shruti. first floor plan. Digital. December 2016.

figure 92. Kumar, Shruti. community approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 72. Kumar, Shruti. second floor plan. Digital. December 2016.

figure 93. Kumar, Shruti. staff approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 73. Kumar, Shruti. third floor plan. Digital. December 2016.

figure 94. Kumar, Shruti. patients approach for the first time. Digital. February 2017.

figure 74. Kumar, Shruti. building section C. Digital. December 2016.

figure 95. Kumar, Shruti. long term children patient approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 75. Kumar, Shruti. building section D. Digital. December 2016.

figure 96. Kumar, Shruti. parents approach for cognitive therapy. Digital. February 2017.

figure 76. Kumar, central gathering area. Digital. February 2017.

figure 97. Kumar, Shruti. medical staff approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 77. Kumar, Shruti. basic building zoning. Digital. February 2017.

figure 98. Kumar, Shruti. administrative staff approach. Digital. February 2017.

figure 78. Kumar, Shruti. architectural order. Digital. February 2017.

figure 99. Kumar, Shruti. alcove seating. Digital. March 2017.

figure 79. Kumar, Shruti. building massing. Digital. February 2017.

figure 100. Kumar, Shruti. basic building form diagram. Digital. March 2017.

figure 80. Kumar, Shruti. sun path diagram. Digital. December 2016.

figure 101. Kumar, Shruti. zoning diagram. Digital. March 2017.

figure 81. Kumar, Shruti. wind flow diagram. Digital. February 2017.

figure 102. Kumar, Shruti. blocks diagram. Digital. March 2017.

figure 82. Kumar, Shruti. site slope diagram. Digital. February 2017.

figure 103. Kumar, Shruti. parti diagram. Digital. March 2017.

figure 83. Kumar, Shruti. site plan. Digital. February 2017.

figure 103. Kumar, Shruti. site slope diagram. Digital. March 2017.

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figure 104. Kumar, Shruti. wind flow diagram. Digital. March 2017. figure 105. Kumar, Shruti. sun path diagram. Digital. March 2017. figure 106. Kumar, Shruti. relationship to school. Digital. March 2017. figure 107. Kumar, Shruti. site plan. Digital. March 2017. figure 108. Kumar, Shruti. site section A. Digital. March 2017. figure 109. Kumar, Shruti. site section B. Digital. March 2017. figure 110. Kumar, Shruti. floor plan. Digital. March 2017. figure 111. Kumar, Shruti. building section A. Digital. March 2017. figure 112. Kumar, Shruti. building section B. Digital. March 2017. figure 113. Kumar, Shruti. sun shading technique. Digital. March 2017. figure 114. Kumar, Shruti. building entry. Digital. March 2017. figure 115. Kumar, Shruti. building facade. Digital. March 2017. figure 116. Kumar, Shruti. building roof. Digital. March 2017. figure 117. Kumar, Shruti. building partitions. Digital. March 2017. figure 118. Kumar, Shruti. building structure. Digital. March 2017. figure 119. Kumar, Shruti. wall section perspective. Digital. March 2017. figure 120. Kumar, Shruti. site perspective. Digital. March 2017. figure 121. Kumar, Shruti. administrative office. Digital. March 2017. figure 122. Kumar, Shruti. main circulation corridor. Digital. March 2017. figure 123. Kumar, Shruti. reception. Digital. March 2017.

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figure 124. Kumar, Shruti. play therapy art room. Digital. March 2017.

THANK YOU!




PURPOSE

>healing architecture through agricultural & horticultural means chapter IX



>foreword In response to war, poverty and civil and political unrest abroad, the ceiling cap of 85,000 refugees set by the Obama administration was reached in 2016, making this past year the one with the largest number of immigrants entering the United States in this millennium (Connor). Of the thousands who entered the country, “More than half resettled in just 10 states, with California, Texas and New York taking in nearly a quarter in the fiscal year of 2016.� (Radford). In California alone, it is estimated that there are 221,891 survivors of torture, with approximately 66,567 of these people living within the Bay area where a Survivors of Trauma Center is to be designed in the city of Albany, CA (Survivors). Given that there is currently no clearly established typology specific to a center for torture survivors, the challenge at hand is to create an architectural healing environment that is sensitive to and supportive of its users while also addressing the surrounding context in which it is situated.



THE AUTHOR chapter IX >ethan moulder From January to August of 2016 I had an internship with BNIM, one of the leading sustainability firms in the country. Through the seven months of employment for the BNIM branch in San Diego, CA., I learned of the importance of ergonomics and sustainable design. This work experience led me to further my knowledge of empathetic architecture by earning a LEED Green Associate Credential from the United States Green Building Council while additionally enrolling into a year long studio that focuses on healing architecture. Composed by,

Ethan Moulder, LEED Green Associate



TABLE OF CONTENTS chapter IX SECTION I _ preliminary research _ torture & its effects _ healing trauma _ architecture as healing environment _ focused case studies _ vision statement SECTION II _ site selection _ site location _ urban strategy _ impact of contextual parameters _ site strategy SECTION III _ program & evaluation _ conceptual approach _ architectural idea _ building program _ user definition/avatars _ building diagrams SECTION IV _ proposal _ design proposition _ materials, forms, architectural expression _ final product BIBLIOGRAPHY

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“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.� -- R. Buckminster Fuller


SECTION I >preliminary research


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figure 1. 2016 top refugee countries of origin

_ refugee countries of origin A study by the State Department’s Refugee Processing Center concluded that 49% of the refugee immigrants in 2016 came from three countries specifically: 19% from the

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Democratic Republic of Congo, 15% from Syria, and 15% from Burma, also known as Myanmar (Conner).


>why are refugees fleeing from their countries of origin?

_ democratic republic of the congo A multi-fronted battle for territory, money and power between the government army and a group of mutineers led by indited UN fugitive, Bosco Ntaganda, have created a hostile environment where refugees are escaping from massacre, rape, retaliation, abduction, mutilation, forced labor and extortion. These refugees made up the largest group of people entering America in 2016 (Tisdall).

figure 2. congolese refugee camp in rwanda

_ syria In Syria, what began as a peaceful antigovernmental protest in March of 2011 quickly escalated from the government to become one of the deadliest genocides to date (MercyCorps). Today, 4.8 million Syrian refugees are scattered throughout the region, making them the largest refugee population in the world (Survivors).

figure 3. syrian refugee camp in jordan

_ myanmar (burma) Refugees have been displaced from their homes in Burma since 1984 when the Burmese military began terrorizing villages, stealing their food, forcing them to become porters and mine sweepers, raping, torturing and killing anyone suspected of opposing them. Many people have been living in over-populated refugee camps for over 30 years (BURMA LINK).

figure 4. karen refugee camp in thailand

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>torture & its effects Refugees are reported to have many psychological, social, and physical effects that remain after being released from custody. Psychological effects include loss of self esteem, humiliation, diminished personality, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, as well as difficulty with concentration

(Isakson). Social effects include emotional disconnection with loved ones, isolation, loss of social status and loss of employment. Physical effects range from chronic pain, blindness, loss of use of limbs, chronic headaches and many more (Isakson).

_ democratic republic of the congo Conditions in refugee camps evoke a sense of helplessness, hopelessness, despair and suffering (Survivors).

figure 5. living conditions in congolese refugee camp

_ syria “I reached for the kitchen knife and tried to slash my wrists. My wife screamed and ran to stop me. I don’t see any meaning to my life anymore.”-Yehia, Syrian refugee (Gupta)

figure 6. syrian refugee

_ myanmar (burma) “It is so strict to live here. There is nothing to do. I am not allowed to go outside camp. There is no job, no work. So much stress and depression. I feel that I am going crazy here.” -Burmese refugee, Nu Po camp (BURMA LINK)

figure 7. refugee in thailand

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>healing from trauma Published in 1992, Dr. Judith Herman wrote a book titled “Trauma and Recovery� that explores the aftermath of violence from domestic abuse to political terror. This book highlights the steps of the recovery process and is the groundwork for anyone in need of healing (Herman).

figure 8. trauma and recovery

_ safety & stabilization People who have experienced trauma often feel unsafe in their bodies and minds. They tend to feel insecure engaging in close relationships as they struggle to regain trust in someone else. Addressing what areas of the body/mind need to be stabilized is the first step of the recovery process (Klinic). figure 9. safety and stabilization

_ remembrance & mourning This phase allows time and space for mourning of the losses associated with the past through the use of words, emotions and silence. The goal is to be able to move through the trauma in a way where one can tell their story without being attached to the emotions that may come with it (Klinic).

figure 10. remembrance and mourning

_ reconnection & integration In the third and final stage of the recovery process, an individual has created a new sense of self and is aimed at creating a new future filled with value and meaning. A survivor now has the ability to engage in close relationships and in many instances has the courage to engage in public awareness and advocacy groups. (Klinic)

figure 11. reconnection and integration

173


>architecture as healing environment, according to wilbert gesler _ natural environment Biophilia hypothesis is a theory stating how humans have acquired an affinity for nature through time and therefore feel comforted by it. The benefits of being immersed in undisturbed nature can allow one to “get away from it all” as they are able to focus on themselves and their physical, mental, and/or spiritual healing (Gesler). Presenting a survivor with the opportunity to see, smell, hear and feel nature can help bring life into someone who is struggling to see the joy in it (Gesler).

figure 12. the natural environment

_ built environment Environmental psychologists have found through their studies that the built environment has been known to affect occupant’s mood and behavior. Building designs that are human driven and have an abundance of fresh air, adequate lighting, warm materiality and proper way-finding techniques all can contribute to a patient’s early or timely recovery (Gesler).

_ symbolic environment

figure 13. the built environment

Symbolic representations can be displayed through art, sculpture as well as building form and shape. Physical objects such as water, trees or the presence of wildlife can carry a strong meaning of growth, life, prosperity, and freedom to an individual (Gesler). The mood portrayed by the building should be upbeat, warm, and friendly thereby reconnecting people to a happier time in their lives.

_ social environment Developing mutual trust and equality between the healer and the healed will create the strongest therapeutic relationship where no member feels more or less important than the other (Gesler). Providing opportunities for people to reconnect to other’s who have similar experiences can be one of the most effective means of cognitive behavioral therapy. People can motivate and inspire others through story telling, mentorship, team building and moral support (CITE).

figure 14. the symbollic environment

figure 15. the natural environment

174


>focused case studies _ prince william horticultural therapy program The Prince William Horticultural Therapy Program is a psychosocial rehabilitation program intended to help adults with psychiatric and cognitive disabilities move forward in the recovery process (William). The program creates personal goals that adults use to determine their strengths as well as their needs and capabilities (William). figure 16. h.t. harvests social integration

figure 17. h.t. can decrease stress

A facility vehicle picks up it’s members and brings them to the vocational center to socialize, drink coffee, eat and work in the vegetable and flower gardens. Gardening activities include weeding, harvesting, planting, watering and cooking of the produce. They often reach out to the community to give back their food, flowers and voluntary services (William). Reported benefits of Horticultural Therapy include: Improved self confidence, reduced stress, overcoming depression, enhancing social skills and concentration as well as giving them something worth waking up to in the morning (William).

_ jamie’s farm Jamie’s Farm combines family, farming and therapy for disadvantaged urban kids to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The farm is operated by therapeutically trained staff served to give children time and space to reflect, renew and determine their life’s path (Jamie’s Farm).

figure 18. animals establish trust

Interacting with animals and being involved in their feedings and care encourages nurture, confidence, responsibility and a sense of achievement. Additionally, working with large, powerful and sensitive animals can draw many parallels with issues of fear, trust and atonement (Jamie’s Farm). Follow up surveys by Jamie’s Farm found that: _ 80% of children reported significant improvement in self esteem _ 64% reported significant improvement in engagement _ 56% of pupils are no longer at risk of exclusion _ 38% improved their grades after Jamie’s Farm (Jamie’s Farm)

figure 19. animals foster nurturing

175


>animal-assisted therapy _ animal-assisted therapy Animal-Assisted Therapy is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal, meeting specific criteria established by the health service provider, is an integral part of the treatment process. This therapy is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, and emotional, and/or cognitive functioning (Nebbe).

_ how does animal-assisted therapy work?

“My therapy is quite simple. I wag my tail and lick your face until you feel good about yourself again.�

figure 20. animal-assisted therapy

In some therapies animals are brought into a setting to ease the tension between the therapist and his/her client while establishing trust. When this happens, the therapist can be less reliant on the animal with each visit until the therapist does not need the animal to talk to the client. This type of therapy is a mental therapy (Nebbe). In physical therapy, the animal is used to get people to exercise as they help the client with fine motor skills and mobility by throwing a ball and going on walks. In a larger group setting, an animal can be brought into a room to start a conversation between group members which will help them with socializing, communication as well as expressing emotions in front of others (Nebbe).

figure 21. therapist/client relationship

_ case studies A study found that infants are less likely to suck their thumb when in the presence of an animal (Levin & Bohn). A prison found that inmates are more likely to open-up to a therapist when an animal is present (Gonski, Peacock, & Ruckert). By creating a touch/ talk dialogue with an animal, a patient is nurturing an animal while being nurtured themselves (Katcher). Another study found that when an animal was brought into a care facility, there were more smiles, laughter and inter-resident communication during the session when compared to therapy or entertainment sessions. Staff reported having an easier time talking to them before and after pet visits (Nebbe). In classrooms with pets, students spent more time on tasks. These studies may imply that an animal can create an emotionally safe environment to an individual at all ages. 176

figure 22. client/animal relationship

figure 23. human extension


>horticultural therapy _ horticultural therapy Horticultural therapy is a cognitive therapy that is intended to achieve a variety of goals depending on the values established by the therapist. It can be used to improve one’s self confidence and self-esteem while also stimulating thought, curiosity and sensual awareness (Nebbe).

_ how does horticultural therapy work? figure 24. benefits of hort. therapy

figure 25. roger ulrich study

figure 26. the natural environment

In a group setting, plants can enhance communication skills, social interaction, cooperation and respect for others who share similar interests. Nurturing a plant can teach responsibility and empathy while helping individuals to express emotions and creativity. Additionally, the physical labor of pulling weeds, digging holes and picking plants can act as an outlet to relieve tension, frustrations and aggressions in an acceptable manner (Nebbe). In one type of Horticultural Therapy program, a therapist assigns a specific plant to an individual that shares similar qualities. Through symbolism, the plant receives treatment from the patient that is parallel to the treatment given to the patient by the staff. For instance, broken limbs on a plant are removed to show how the plant will continue to grow and be healthy. Another exercise involves taking shoots from the plant to be replanted in another pot to signify how an individual will be safe in a new environment away from its family. Alternatively, plants can be used as an aid in teaching about life’s many processes including birth, care, growth, and death (Nebbe).

_ evidence-based design studies

figure 27. new york high line

A study in New York City found that tenants who invested their time and energy in improving their building and grounds found pride in their work. Planting and caring for garden plots helped to change the attitude of the community as they shared similar goals and values. By the end of this transformation, vandalism dropped and the pride of ownership and happiness of the tenants significantly rose (Olszowy). A study conducted in a hospital found that patients who have access to nature are likely to recover faster, use less pain medication, and receive more favorable ratings by the nursing staff (Ulrich).

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“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.� -- Alfred Austin


SECTION II >site selection


>site location -- the large scale Del Norte

Siskiyou

Humboldt

Shasta

Trinity

Lassen

California

Tehama

Plumas Butte

Glenn Mendocino Lake

Marin

Nevada Placer El Dorado

Yolo

Solano Contra Costa Alameda

San Mateo

Population density persons per square mile, 2010-2014

Sierra

Yuba Colusa Sutter

Sonoma Napa

San Francisco

_ california

Modoc

Alpine

Sacramento San Joaquin

Calaveras Tuolumne Mono

Stanislaus

Santa Clara

Mariposa

Merced

Madera

The site for the center for survivors of torture is located in Albany, CA. The region is one of the most densely populated areas of California along with the southern CA. Alameda county is the host to our site and has a population density of over 1,000-1,999 people per square mile (Lewis).

Santa Cruz

Monterey

Fresno

San Benito

Inyo Tulare

11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Kings

Over 3,000 2,000-2,999.9 1,000-1,999.9 600-999.9 300-599.9 150-299.9 50-149.9 20-49.9 5-19.9 2-4.9 below 2

San Luis Obispo

Kern

Santa Barbara Ventura

San Bernardino Los Angeles Riverside

Orange

San Diego

Imperial

figure 1. california density map

_ the bay area

The Bay Area North Bay Napa County

Sonoma County

Solano County

Napa FairďŹ eld

Novato

Vallejo

Marin County San Rafael

Concord

Richmond

Conra Costa County

Berkeley Oakland

San Francisco

San Francisco County

East Bay

Hayward

Alameda County San Mateo

Fremont

Palo Alto

Penninsula San Mateo County

figure 2. bay area

180

San Jose

South Bay Santa Clara County

Nine counties make up the five regions within the Bay area including: the North Bay, East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula and San Francisco region. Indicated by the green outline is Alameda County where the Center will be located.


>site location -- the small scale _ alameda county Within Alameda County, the focus of the project is in the town of Albany, located in the northwest corner of the county in district five. The closest town adjacent to Albany to the southeast is Berkeley, home to the University of California, Berkeley.

Albany Berkeley

5

Alameda County

Emeryville

Piedmont

Alameda Oakland

3

4 Deblin

Castro Valley Ashland Cherryland San Lorenzo Fairview

San Leandro

Livermore Pleasanton

2

Hayward

Union City

Sunol

1

Fremont Newark

_ albany

figure 3. alameda county

Albany has a population of 18,539 people and covers 1.7 miles of land. (City of Albany). The site for the Center for Survivors of Torture is located on the Gill Tract, which is currently part of University Village owned and operated by the nearby community as well as the University of California, Berkeley. It is an agricultural research facility that harvests crops and grows fruit and vegetables for the community. figure 4. albany

figure 5. albany hill to the north

figure 6. tree-line to the south

figure 7. san pablo ridge to the east

181


>urban strategies

N

figure 8. Site plan

N

_ urban strategies The existing agricultural crop fields were used to define the boundary of the site. The quadrant to the west seemed the most ideal to engage the street edge as well as avoid unwanted noise pollution. The vegetation bar is being considered to shade the south elevations of the building

182

by extending it into the landscape. The sites position within the western edge was established by pulling lines from existing nearby buildings and roads that can be fed off of to incorporate in the site. The bike path to the north serves as a reminder to incorporate a bike friendly facility.


>impact of contextual parameters on the design

BU

CH

ST .

O PABL

S JACK

SAN

ON S

T.

AN AN

AVE.

figure 9. noise

_ noise impact

figure 10. existing agriculture

N

_ natural environment

Jackson, Buchanan and San Pablo Avenue are the main sources of noise pollution which makes the center location of the site the most ideal for the project.

N

To minimize the building’s impact on the existing agricultural grounds and to engage the street, the project shifted from the center location towards Jackson St., the quieter of the three arteries.

NY ALBA HILL

SUMM

ER W

INDS

ABLO SAN P E RIDG

INDS

ER W

WINT

TREE

LINE

figure 11. views and eyesores

_ view & eyesore impacts

figure 12. summer and winter winds

N

In order to open up and maximize the views to the exterior courtyard, the northeast bar has been rotated accordingly to engage the tree-line, Albany Hill and the San Pablo Ridge.

_ wind impacts N To protect the building and the exterior courtyard from unwanted winter breezes, the building moved northwards (Up) to allow for a vegetated windbreak to extend off of an already existing vegetated barrier. 183


>vision statement The vision of the following proposal is, “to create a setting in which plants and animals aid in nurturing trauma survivors through rehabilitation strategies while presenting the opportunity to improve quality of life through education and social interaction.� >steps needed to achieve goals 1 -- Cope with the Past _Create a safe building that people can easily orient and trust _Create therapies needed for stabilization, reflection and mourning _Create activities that reconnect survivors with people and society 2 -- Handle the Present _Provide services that can locate affordable housing _Provide services that can treat current physical and mental problems _Provide a source of food, income and entertainment 3 -- Control the Future _Educate a survivor about English/American culture _Inform a survivor about how to obtain employment/education _Inform a survivor about how to gain U.S. Citizenship/a voice


SECTION III >program & evaluation


>building program

TRANSITION

T = THERAPEAUTIC

ALBANY, CALIFORNIA

ADMINISTRATION 1

1

1

1,180 SF 1

1

1

1

1

1

1

EXTERIOR SPACES

5,214 SF

=10 Reception 100 SF

Social 120 SF

Director 120 SF

Housing Finance Medical Hort. Thpst. Animal Thpst. Teacher 1 120 SF 120 SF 120 SF 120 SF 120 SF 120 SF

EDUCATION 8

3

8

3

4

4

Teacher 2 120 SF

Library/Res. 300 SF

Study Lounge Advocacy 150 SF 150 SF

Computer 200 SF

SUPPORT 0

1

0

0

Bath 64 SF

Bath 64 SF

Janitor Electircal 32 SF 50 SF

PRIVATE 5

580 SF 2

3

1

1

1

=13 Sm. Gathering Sm. Gathering Sm. Gathering Isolation Nooks 100 SF 150 SF 180 SF 3 @ 50 SF Each

HEALTH AND WELLNESS 6

4

Lounge 150 SF

3

Food St. 2 @ 50 SF

Kidding Stalls Animal Barns 8 @ 40 SF 1,000 SF

CIRCULATION NET EXTERIOR = 25% of 5,214 SF = 1,303.5 SF GRAND TOTAL NET OF EXTERIOR

6,243.75 NSF

GRAND TOTAL NET OF INTERIOR

6,517.5 NSF

TOTAL NET AREA

12,761.25 NSF

= 81 PEAK USERS INCLUDE: STAFF

T

Plant Propogation 150 SF

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

REFUGEES

ALUMNI

VOLUNTEERS

=17

Animal Therapy 150 SF

COMMUNITY 5

Pastorizing Area Milk Area 2 @ 150 SF 2 @ 75 SF

T

4

T

Hort. Talk Therapy 225 SF

Hort. Therapy Gardens Isolation Nooks 3 @ 50 SF EACH 600 SF

675 SF

3

T

Vegetable Garden 600 SF

NET INTERIOR = 25% of 4,995 SF = 1,248.75 SF =2

Storage 100 SF

Flower Garden 600 SF

Green House 500 SF

310 SF

1

Small Gathering 3 @ 150 SF Each

1,500 SF

=26

Classrooms 2 @ 350 SF EACH

Trash Pickup Dining 300 SF 150 SF

Individual Gardens 12 @ 72 SF

750 SF 5

4

=13 Dining 250 SF

Kitchen/Classroom Entry 300 SF 200 SF

Daycare 300 SF

figure 1. development center program

_ building program The Building Program is grouped together in relation to it’s role in the recovery process. For example, the spaces that deal with “coping with the past” all fall into the Health and Wellness category.

186

This typological group includes all the therapy spaces. The spaces that help survivors, “control their future” fall into the Education category as the Communal and outdoor spaces most closely resemble the “handling of the present.”


n ce s

ed u

ca t

io

n

rs pa

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ou

td

oo

sp a e

iv at

pr

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bl

pu

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m

in

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su p

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oo td

ou

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sp a e

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pr

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is tra

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>schematic organization

THERAPY LOCKER/ SHOWER

MECH.

LOCKER/ SHOWER

EXERCISE/ YOGA

LOUNGE

DINING

JANITOR KITCHEN

ISO. NOOK DINING BATH

ISO. NOOK

SM. GATHER COMMUNITY GARDEN

ISO. NOOK DAYCARE

ISO. NOOK COMPUTER ROOM

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MEDICAL SERVICES

MULTI-USE SPACE

ENTRY

SOCIAL SERVICES

LIBRARY/ RESOURCE

SM. GATHER

COUNSELING RECEPTION

SM. GATHER

ISO. NOOK ISO. NOOK

BATH STORAGE

figure 2. spatial interaction

_ spatial interaction From this diagram program spaces are categorized into four distinct sectors with transition spaces separating one functional group from another. The four categories of groups that have varying functions include: Health and Wellness, Public

Office and Administration, Education and Exterior Community Garden Spaces. Each of these sectors focus on one aspect of the recovery process specifically.

187


ENTRY PUBLIC/ ADMINISTRATION

PRIVATE

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

SUPPORT

EDUCATION

EXTERIOR SPACES

188

se se m ic l se ose m ir no em re ove la tio d n

cl o

pu

bl

ic se m i -p ub se lic m i -p ri v pr at iv e at e

>spatial relationships

ENTRY

RECEPTION

RECEPTION

SOCIAL SERVICES

SOCIAL SERVICES

MEDICAL SERVICES

MEDICAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BREAK ROOM

BREAK ROOM

SMALL GATHERING

SMALL GATHERING

ISOLATION NOOK

BATHROOM

DINING

EXERCISE/YOGA

EXERCISE/YOGA

LOCKER/SHOWER

LOCKER/SHOWER

THERAPY

THERAPY

LOUNGE

LOUNGE

KITCHEN

KITCHEN

DINING

BATHROOM

MECHANICAL

MECHANICAL

JANITOR

JANITOR

MULTI-USE SPACE

STORAGE

STORAGE

MULTI-USE SPACE

DAYCARE

DAYCARE

LIBRARY/RESOURCE

LIBRARY/RESOURCE

ISOLATION NOOK

COMPUTER ROOM

COMPUTER ROOM

COMMUNITY GARDEN

COMMUNITY GARDEN

EXTERIOR DINING

EXTERIOR DINING

EXT. ISOLATION NOOK

EXT. ISOLATION NOOK

figure 3. public vs. private

figure 4. spatial proximity

_ public vs. private

_ spatial proximity

Understanding the public and private nature of all program spaces can help to group similar spaces together and/or distribute similar spaces away from each other in a uniform manner.

The relationship between spaces can bring clarity to the location of many of these spaces as well as help to decide which program elements belong to which building sector that will make up the buildings composition.


PA.

ED.

HW.

un

CM.

HW.

ED.

HW.

Figure 3. CHAIN

Figure 2. ORBITAL

ED.

CM.

PA.

HW.

PA. ED.

Figure 4. LINEAR LOLLIPOP

PA.

HW.

ED.

Figure 5. TRIANGLE

PA.

ED.

CM.

HW.

Figure 7. GROUPED

CM.

HW. Figure 6. LOLLIPOP

PA.

CM.

CM.

ED.

PA.

figure 5. flow

ED.

HW.

ED. Figure 1. CROSS

CM.

PA.

PA.

CM.

PA.

bl

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PA.

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ity ic /a dm ed uc in is at tra io n he tio al n th an st d af w f el ln es w s or ki ng cl fa as m s ily re an fu d ge fri es en ds

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un

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Figure 7. TRIANGLES

ED.

HW. figure 6. user space relationship

_ flow

_ summary

This diagram analyzes the relationships that each building function has with one another through means of connection by circulation. In these schematic arrangements, the program spaces may or may not have a direct relationship to one another.

This quick study emphasizes what user groups will be interacting with which functional spaces throughout the building.

189


>architectural idea -- play up the agricultural element of the site

190

figure 7. cupola

figure 8. dormer windows

_ cupola

_ dormer windows

A cupola is a traditional ventilative design strategy used to let in light and let out warm air and gas vapors. All cupolas cut through the peak of a roof pitch for efficiency. In some cases they hold symbolic meaning.

Similar to a cupola, a dormer window is a protruding window that allows for light and air to pass through the interior of a space. Unlike the cupola, a dormer cuts through the side of a roof pitch.

figure 9. roof pitch

figure 10. clerestory windows

_ roof pitch

_ clerestory windows

The reasons that barns have high roof pitches are that rain water runs off faster, it allows for more storage space, it is better for ventilation, and it can withstand the test of time (barngeek.com).

Clerestory windows serve the same function as a cupola and a dormer window but bring a different appearance to the overall form and lighting quality of the interior.


>use traditional barn elements to create a modern architecture

figure 11. modern farmhouse

figure 12. artist’s retreat

_ precedent

_ artist’s retreat

This modern farmhouse uses a simple geometric form, an organized structural grid and minimal materiality to create this aesthetically pleasing residence nestled on an artificial grassy berm.

The Artist’s Retreat by Olsen Studio’s designed a simple residence that has it’s interior spaces pushed in or pulled out underneath it’s homogeneous roof structure.

figure 13. modern farmhouse outside dallas, texas

figure 14. semmes & co. builders design-build project

_ modern farmhouse

_ desgin-build farmhouse

Another modern farmhouse by Olsen Studio’s show how an “L”-scheme encloses an exterior courtyard. Observe the pushing and pulling of the spaces, as well as the clerestory windows that rest above a porch.

This building displays how three volumes of program spaces are linked together by small circulation corridors. The main spaces stay loyal to their geometric shape as the circulation is designed separately. 191


>user definitions/avatars _ yehia, 29 In 2015 Yehia was stricken from his home in Daraa Syria by police and brought to a military base camp. There he was blindfolded, interrogated and tortured for 4-6 hours at a time. He was exposed to electric shock and was beaten many times with iron rods. One officer jammed a rod in his knee leaving him permanently disabled. Yehia has a wife and a daughter. He currently works construction but is limited to 4-5 days of work a month. Yehia arrives to the site by transit.

figure 15. syrian survivor of torture

_ kirk hines, 43 Kirk Hines is a registered horticultural therapist. Before moving to California he worked at a Rehab center at A.G. Rhodes in Brookhaven, GA. Kirk specializes in assessing patients and establishing treatment goals using horticultural therapy. Examples of treatment goals might include improving cognitive memory, human expression, gross motor skills and/or speech. Kirk additionally has experience in plant propagation. He will arrive to the site by car.

figure 16. horticultural therapist

_ nick baker, 20 Nick is a student at the University of California Berkeley studying Agricultural Production. Nick has been a volunteer at the Gill Tract for several years, being one of the many that helps to maintain the crops and vegetables. From experiencing the conflicts involved with the Gill Tract, Nick understands the importance of advocation and the power that people can have on the community so he is always willing to fight for what is right. Nick arrives by bicycle.

figure 17. college student, advocate

_ billy the goat, 6 Billy is a local to California as well as the Development Center. Billy is the youngest of his two older sisters. Because Billy cannot supply milk, he must establish a different role for the farm. Billy often goes on walks and helps people with their motor skills and joint movement. His positive attitude has been said to reduce stress, reduce anxiety and depression. Billy likes to make sure people are staying active, like him. figure 18. billy the goat

192


>purpose -- if you take care of them, they will take care of you

figure 19. chicken

figure 20. eggs

figure 21. vegetables

figure 22. goat

figure 23. milk

figure 24. fruit

figure 25. sheep

figure 26. wool/yarn

figure 27. herbs

_ meaning & purpose For many recovering survivors of torture the burden of consulting their past can be overwhelming enough aside from dealing with the hardships of the present. By offering an extra source of substance to

refugee’s and their families it can make all the difference as they struggle to find employment and a source of income as they transition into this new foreign country. 193


>proposal The design proposal in the next section is the first attempt at a complete composition of information and architecture. This will mark the 25% design development of the entire project and will be the halfway point of our 5th and final year of the Master’s of Architecture Program at Kansas State University.


SECTION IV >proposal


>site plan

N

figure 1. site plan

N

_ site plan The building has taken an “L� scheme that allows for the building to be open to the views of the San Pablo Ridge as well as the southern exposure of the sun. The design proposal has a street appearance that has

196

a relationship with the elementary school to the west. The Center managed to stay within the left of the three agricultural quadrants of the site.


1 Entry 2 Daycare 3 Reception 4 Dining 5 Lounge 6 Kitchen 7 Director 8 Social 9 Animal Therapist. 10 Iso. Nook 11 Sm. Gathering 12 Hort. Therapy 13 Pl. Propogation 14 Hort. Therapist 15 Green House 16 Medical Dept. 17 Financial Dept. 18 Housing Dept. 19 Library 20 Computer Lab 21 Mentor 1 22 Mentor 2 23 Bath 24 Advocation 25 Classroom 1 26 Classroom 2 27 Pasteurizing Room 28 Milk space 29 Open space 30 Kidding Stall 31 Food Storage 32 Hort. Therapy Garden 33 Flower Garden 34 Healing Garden 35 Therapy Garden 36 Private Garden

un ity ca tio n ad m in is sm tra tio al n lg a th th e er ri n ap g y se rv ic e

21

1

2

16

3

17

18

19

4

25 24

20

33

7

22

23

5

6

ed u

co m

m

>floor plan

26

34

10

8

32

9

35 11

12

13

14

36 15

30 29 28

N

figure 2. floor plan

31

27

N

_ floor plan The floor plan is made up of an “L�-scheme that defines the exterior courtyard space. Each end of the L shape resembles a

different stage in the healing process related to coping with the past, handling the present and controlling the future.

197


>materiality

198

figure 3. beech hardwood flooring

figure 4. white plaster

_ oak floors

_ white plaster walls

Having a light colored floor with little to no seems exposed will make the floor subtle and easy on the eyes. The light color will additionally brighten the interior space.

The white plastered walls will allow light to deflect, bend and bath on the walls and it’s surrounding surfaces bringing the space to life. It is a nice median between the wood flooring and ceiling.

figure 5. oak timber ceiling

figure 6. exterior wood cladding

_ light oak timber ceiling

_ wood clad siding

The light wood Oak ceiling will supplement the wood floors creating a nice balanced relationship.

Keeping materials organic and natural will help to make the building to appear to be an extension to the natural environment.


>concept, forms, ideas & expression

figure 9. supplementing the san pablo ridge

ALBANY HILL

figure 10. complimenting albany hill

figure 7. tadao ando children’s museum

_ borrowed scenery This Children’s Museum by Tadeo Ando demonstrates the Japanese concept of “shakkei” which means borrowed scenery (Ketchel). In this photograph one can clearly see how the architect pulls elements from beyond and incorporates it into his own project to compliment the sites natural surroundings. WINTER

SPRING

SUMMER figure 11. connecting to nature

_ borrowed scenery application

28 angle figure 8. solar orientation

52 angle

76 angle

Utilizing Tadeo Ando’s design concept of borrowed scenery, many surrounding natural elements of our site can be adopted, manipulated and/or interpreted in a way that helps to reinforce the site with its natural surroundings. These indicators can help develop the form of the building. 199


>avatar walk-through

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figure 12. billy the goat

figure 13. nick baker, college student

_ billy the goat

_ nick baker

Billy begins his day meandering around the open pasture. His food is delivered to his stall by the users who greet him every morning. On special occasions he is brought into the building for a session.

Nick arrives to the site on his bike. He enters the building and asks the receptionist what time his meeting is. He waits in the lounge until it is time to go to the advocation room to discuss a community outreach opportunity.

figure 14. kirk hines, horticultural therapist

figure 15. yehia, syrian refugee

_ kirk hines

_ yehia

Arriving by car, Kirk goes to his office to plan his day. He retrieves a plant from the greenroom for his first appointment in the horticultural therapy room. There he propagates the plant, and then takes a group to the therapy garden for a session.

Getting off the bus, Yehia enters the building and drops his daughter off at daycare, and goes to the Department of Housing to discuss his living situation. He stops in the classroom for a U.S. Citizenship course before finding food in the garden.


>building diagrams

PRESENT

TRANSITION

FUTURE

TRANSITION

PAST

figure 16.views

figure 17. spatial organization

_ views

_ spatial organization

The orientation of the building allows for extended views to the San Pablo Ridge and southern tree-line. The design of the building allows for short visual relief to many healing elements.

The organization of the spaces is a reflection of the recovery process and how spaces are defined by whether they focus on the past, the present or the future. DORMER WINDOW PITCHED ROOF VENT. CUPOLA RECESSED ALCOVE

figure 18. Structure

figure 19. Form

_ structure

_ architectural form

The structural grid helps to create proportional and organized spaces that are symmetrical enough to assist in withstanding a seismic earthquake.

Basic elements of an agricultural farmhouse are present here including the use of a simple geometry with a high roof pitch, dormer windows, a modern cupola and a push and pull of the exterior facade. 201


>design progression

figure 20. design proposal 1 (october 2016)

figure 21. design proposal 4 (january 2017)

figure 22. design proposal 2 (november 2016)

figure 23. design proposal 5 (february 2017)

1 Entry 2 Daycare 3 Reception 4 Dining 5 Lounge 6 Kitchen 7 Director 8 Social 9 Animal Therapist. 10 Iso. Nook 11 Sm. Gathering 12 Hort. Therapy 13 Pl. Propogation 14 Hort. Therapist 15 Green House 16 Medical Dept. 17 Financial Dept. 18 Housing Dept. 19 Library 20 Computer Lab 21 Mentor 1 22 Mentor 2 23 Bath 24 Advocation 25 Classroom 1 26 Classroom 2 27 Pasteurizing Room 28 Milk space 29 Open space 30 Kidding Stall 31 Food Storage 32 Hort. Therapy Garden 33 Flower Garden 34 Healing Garden 35 Therapy Garden 36 Private Garden

21

1

2

16

3

17

18

19

4 5

33

7

25 24

20

6

22

23

26

34

10

8

32

9

35 11

12

13

14

36 15

30 29 N

28

31

27

figure 24. design proposal 3 (december 2016)

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figure 25. design proposal 7 (march 2017)


>conclusion Now that the research portion of the project is completed, the task at hand is to implement the findings into a healing project that is empathetic in its architecture and is evidence based in order to sell the project to the city of Albany. Particular attention to Wilbert Gesler’s, “4 aspects of a healing environment” will be carefully studied and integrated into the design. As for the overall form and experience of the Center, the building should be an extension of the landscape and celebrate it’s agricultural qualities through the design and its horticultural and animal therapy.


BIBLIOGRAPHYchapter IX INTRODUCTION -Conner, Phillip. PewResearchCenter. 5 Oct 2016 Accessed 12 Dec 2016. Radford, Jynnah. PewResearchCenter. 5 Oct 2016. Accessed 12 Dec 2016. Survivors. Kansas State University. Blurb. 5 Jan 2016. Accessed 14 March 2017.

SECTION 1 -- TEXT Conner, Phillip. PewResearchCenter. 5 Oct 2016. Accessed 12 Dec 2016. Tisdall, Simon. theguardian. 31 May 2012. 12 Dec 2016. MercyCorps. MercyCorps. 13 Oct 2016. 12 Dec 2016. Survivors. Kansas State University. Blurb. 5 Jan 2016. Accessed 14 March 2017. Burma Link. Burma Link. 27 April 2015. 12 Dec 2016. Isakson, Brian Louis. “Getting Better after Torture from the Perspective of the Survivor.” Psychology Dissertations. 2008. Survivors. Kansas State University. Blurb. 5 Jan 2016. Accessed 14 March 2017. Gupta, Priyanka. ALJAZEERA. 25 June 2016. 12 Dec 2016. Burma Link. Burma Link. 27 April 2015. 12 Dec 2016. Herman, Judith. Trauma and Recovery. New York City: Basic Books, 1992. Klinic. Truama Recovery. 2013. 12 Dec 2016. Gesler, Wilbert M. Healing Places. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., n.d. Prince William County Government. Prince William County Virginia. n.d. 12 Dec 2016. Jamies fazrm. Jamie’s Farm Cultivating Change. 2016. 12 Dec 2016. Nebbe, Linda. “Nature as a Guide.” Mineapolis, MN. Educational Media Corporation. Accessed 04 April 2017. Levine, M. M. & Bohn, S. (1986). “Development of social skills as a function of being reared with pets”.

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(Summary) Abstracts of presentations living together: People, animals, and the environment. Boston, MA: Delta Society International Conference. Gonski, Y.A., Peacock, C.A. & Ruckert, J. (1986). The role of the therapist’s pet in initial psychotherapy sessions with adolescents. Paper presented at the meeting of the Delta Society, Boston, MA. Katcher, A.H., M.D. (1992). “Pet partners instructor training”. Renton, WA: Delta Society. Olszowy, D. (1978). “Horticulture for the disabled and disadvantaged”. Springfield, IL. Charles C. Thomas. Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. “Science”, 224, 420421. Moore, E. O. (1982). A prison environment’s effect on health care service demands. “Journal of Environmental Systems”, 11, 17-34. Burns, George. “Nature Guided Therapy.” Philidelphia, PA. Brunner/Mazel. Accessed 04 April 2017.

SECTION 2 -- TEXT Lewis, Martin. “Population Density in California.” GeoCurrents.info. Accessed 07 April 2017. “City of Albany.” Albanyca.org. Accessed 07 April 2017.

SECTION 3 -- TEXT --

SECTION 4 -- TEXT Ketchell, Robert. “Borrowed Landscapes - Shakkei.” Robert Ketchell’s blog. Accessed 07 April 2017. Solar Electricity Handbook. Solar Electricity Handbook 2016 Edition. 2016. 16 Dec 2016.

SECTION 1 -- IMAGERY figure 1. Moulder, Ethan. “Countries of Origin.” 2017. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. With


reference to: Connor, Phillip. “Key Facts About the World’s Refugees.” Pew Research Center. 5 Oct. 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. figure 2. Bloom, Matthew. “Lessons from a congolese refugee”. 2016. Muncie, IN. “Matthew C. Bloom copywriting services.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 3. “Syrian refugees in Jordan.” 2016. United Kingdom. “Daily Mail.com.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 4. “Karen refugee camp.” 2016. Canada. “Karen Initiative.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 5. “Congo crisis.” 2012. “NBC NEWS.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 16. “Prince William Hort. Therapy Program.” ”GetLinkTube.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 17. “Prince William Hort. Therapy Program Two.” “GetLinkTube.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 18. “Animals Establish Trust.” 2017. Ditteridge, Box Wiltshire. “Jamie’s Farm.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 19. “Animals Foster Nurturing.” 2017. Ditteridge, Box Wiltshire. “Jamie’s Farm.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 20. Glasbergen, Randy. “Animal-Assisted Therapy.” 2017. “Clipart Library.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 6. “Syrian refugee.” 2017. “Newsmax Independent, American.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 21. Moulder, Ethan. “Therapist/Client Relationship.” Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 7. Wright, Alison. “Burmese refugees in Thailand.” 2016. “Faces of Hope.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 22. Moulder, Ethan. “Client/Animal Relationship.” Kansas State University. Manhatan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 8. “Trauma and Recovery.” Philidelphia, PA. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 23. “The human extension.” 2017. Los Angeles, CA. “SpcaLA Friends for Life.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 9. Moulder, Ethan. “Safety and Stabilization.” Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 24. “Benefits of Horticultural Therapy.” 2017. Brooklyn, NY. “Twig.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 10. Moulder, Ethan. “Remembrance and Mourning.” Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 11. Moulder, Ethan. “Reconnection and Integration.” Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 12. Jongmeesuk, Somchai. “Butterfly with green leaf and water drop.” “123RF.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 13. “The built environment.” 2017. “Around Rome Tours.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 14. “The symbollic environment.” 2017. United Kingdom. “Daily Mail.com.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 15. “The social environment.” 2017.“ New York, NY. “shutterstock.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 25. Moulder, Ethan. “Roger Olbrich Study.” 2017. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 26. Moulder, Ethan. “The Natural Environment.” 2017. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 27. “The High Line.” 2017. New York, NY. “Friends of the High Line.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

SECTION 2 -- IMAGERY figure 1. Moulder, Ethan. “California Population Diagram.” Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. 2017. with reference to “GeoCurrents”. 2016. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 2. Moulder, Ethan. “The Bay Area.” Kansas State University. Manhttan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. with reference to “The Aguilera Real Estate Team.”

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2017. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 3. Moulder, Ethan. “Alameda County.” Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. with reference to “Alameda County, CA acgov. org.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 4. ArchGIS.

figure 5. Moulder, Ethan. “flow.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 5. “Albany Hill.” 2017. Map. Google. Accessed April 04 2017.

figure 6. Moulder, Ethan. “Summery.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 6. “Tree Line.” 2017. Map. Google. Accessed April 04 2017.

figure 7. “Barn Cupola.” 2017. “Zacs Garden.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 7. “San Pablo Ridge.” 2017. Map. Google. Accessed April 04 2017.

figure 8. Keifer, Kenneth. “Dormer Windows.” 2017. “123RF.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 8. Moulder, Ethan. “Site Plan.” 2016. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 9. Seibert, Tom. “Pitched Roofs.” 2008. “Flickr.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 9. Moulder, Ethan. “Noise.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 10. “Clerestory Windows.” “Pinterest.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 10. Moulder, Ethan. “Existing Agriculture.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 11. Moulder, Ethan. “Views and Eyesores.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 12. Moulder, Ethan. “Summer and Winter Winds.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhttan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

SECTION 3 -- IMAGERY figure 1. Moulder, Ethan. “Development Center Program.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 2. Moulder, Ethan. “Spatial Interaction.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 3. Moulder, Ethan. “Public vs. Private.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

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figure 4. Moulder, Ethan. “Spatial Proximity.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 11. “Modern Farmhouse.” 2017. “Surripui.net.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 12. “Artists Retreat.” 2016. “Olsen Studios Architecture, Interiors.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 13. “Modern Farmhouse.” 2016. “Olsen Studios Architecture, Interiors.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 14. “Semmes and Co. Builders.” 2017. “Houzz Inc.” Accessed 04 April. 2017. figure 15. “Syrian Survivor.” 2017. New York, NY. “The New York Times.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 16. “Kirk Hines.” 2017. “A.G.Rhodes Health and Rehab.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 17. “College Student.” 2017. “Shutterstock.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 18. “Billy the Goat.” 2016. “live Animals List.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 19. “Chicken.” 2015. “We know your dreams.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 20. “Eggs.” 2017. “The Huffington Post.” Accessed


04 April 2017. figure 21. “Vegetables.” Jacksonville, FL. “Joe Smith Farms.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 22. “Goat.” 2016. “live Animals List.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 23. “Milk.” 2017. “Inhabitat.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 24. “Fruit.” 2017. “Wall-Paper Gallery.net.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 25. “Sheep.” 2017. “Express.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 26. “Wool.” 2017. “The Campaign for Wool.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

with reference to “Solar Electricity Handbook” 2017. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 9. Moulder, Ethan. “Supplementing the San Pablo Ridge.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 10. Moulder, Ethan. “Complimenting Albany Hill.” Kanasas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 11. Moulder, Ethan. “Connecting to Nature.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 12. Moulder, Ethan. “Billy the Goat Avatar.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 27. “Medicinal Herbs.” 2017. “Natural Living Ideas.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 13. Moulder, Ethan. “Nick Baker Avatar.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

SECTION 4 -- IMAGERY

figure 14. Moulder, Ethan. “Kirk Hines Avatar.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 1. Moulder, Ethan. “Site Plan.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 06 April 2017.

figure 15. Moulder, Ethan. “Yehia Avatar.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

figure 2. Moulder, Ethan. “Floor Plan.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 06 April 2017. figure 3. “Beech Hardwood Flooring.” 2017. “Generva.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 4. “White Plaster Walls.” 2017. “Dreamstime.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 5. “Light Oak Timber.” 2017. “Pinterest.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 6. “Exterior Wall Cladding.” 2017. “Wayfair.” Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 7. “Museum of Children.” 2017. wikiarquitectura.” Accessed 04 April 2017.

“en.

figure 8. Moulder, Ethan. “Solar Orientation.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. 2017.

figure 16. Moulder, Ethan. “Views.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 17. Moulder, Ethan. “Spatial Organization.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 18. Moulder, Ethan. “Structure.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 19. Moulder, Ethan. “Form.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 20. Moulder, Ethan. “Design proposal one.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 21. Moulder, Ethan. “Design proposal two.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 22. Moulder, Ethan. “Design proposal three.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April

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2017. figure 23. Moulder, Ethan. “Design proposal four.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 24. Moulder, Ethan. “Design proposal five.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017. figure 25. Moulder, Ethan. “Design proposal six.” Kansas State University. 2016. Manhattan, KS. Accessed 04 April 2017.

THANK YOU!

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STRENGTH >healing architecture through physiotherapy & ecotherapy chapter X



>foreword The studio project explores the relationships between human well-being and architecture through design of a facility, the purpose of which is to support the rehabilitation of survivors of torture. A significant aspect of being healthy is one’s capability to move independently through the built environment. The understanding of the surrounding environment is done through one’s physical self and its ability to form connections between the natural, built, social, and symbolic environment with sensory experiences. The vision for achieving this has been to create a Pavilion in the Park like setting – a safe, light, airy, and welcoming environment that offers magnificent views out to the landscape. The following research and design focuses on healing the mind and body of those who have been paralyzed by physical and psychological trauma through physiotherapy and ecotherapy. Through exercise and physical activity, survivors are re-taught basic movement functions to help them heal, integrate into society, and develop independence.



THE AUTHOR chapter X >sydell paul Five years ago, in the fall of 2012, I began my journey in the Master’s of Architecture program at Kansas State University. It certainly has been a very long and winding trail. As with all journeys there are difficult moments, unexpected turns, discoveries, and moments of appreciation and accomplishments. But as the journey’s end grows nearer, reflection begins. You realize then the awe-inspiring view from the top of the trail was worth the trek. This research and project was shaped by my own journey, it is meant to impact and connect lives through human-centered design. The research and design implemented encourages the power of physical activity and the necessity of establishing strength, belonging, and independence. I believe that this work will provide a greater understanding of the beauty behind designing spaces that focus on human well-being through a creation of healing architecture. I hope that this work will encourage reader to begin their own journey and gain a wider understanding of how design influences people’s daily lives. Composed by,

Sydell Paul



TABLE OF CONTENTS chapter X section I _ preliminary research _ background _ healing trauma _ design principles _ architectural vision section II _ site selection _ contextual parameters _ urban strategy _ design options section III _ program & evaluation _ conceptual approach _ building code _ building program _ users _ avatars section IV _ proposal _ precedent studies _ review one _ activities _ design propositions _ review two _ review three BIBLIOGRAPHY

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>preliminary research Being presented with this new architectural-typology of creating a Center for Torture Survivors, has led to in-depth research and investigation. One must begin to understand what is torture? How can one be healed through physiotherapy? Can ecotherapy be used to enhance the healing process of physiotherapy? And what role does architecture play in the healing process? The research begins by defining torture and how physiotherapy can be an efficient method used to help politically tortured survivors heal. Ecotherapy is then research as a supplemental therapy method to enhance the physiotherapy healing process. Further in the chapter is an thorough study on different design principles and the impact it can have on the building performance. From there precedents were examined to gain a better understanding of spatial qualities of programmatic organization. The need to discover the importance of the Center and its impact on the users lead to develop a vision statement and goals. It was also be imperative to have a further understanding of the California Center for Torture Survivors users and how they would occupy the building before the design process began.


SECTION I >preliminary research


Background preliminary research >torture & its effects Refugees endure many stressful events that can be caused by political oppression, war, or even resettlement. Trauma that greatly affects both the mind and body, such as imprisonment, loss of property, malnutrition, physical assault, extreme fear, rape or loss of livelihood may be experienced before they are able to flee for safety. The experience of these horrific events can impact a person for months or even years. The trauma doesn’t stop after the refugee escapes. Upon fleeing chances of being separated from family or loved ones, being robbed, witnessing acts of torture, or even enduring extreme environmental conditions may occur before reaching a safe haven. The Center for Victims of Torture states, �Torture has profound long-term effects, such as physical reminders or psychological damages. Living with this constant fear prevents survivors from caring for themselves, their families, and contributing to their communities.� Trauma leads to a feeling of betrayal and a loss of hope in humanity. There is no linear progression when it comes to the treatment and recovery process for the torture survivor. By understanding the variety of symptoms and rate of recovery among each survivor, the facility will focus on contributing healing qualities that will fit each individual and their own unique recovery path. Among many options Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy will be used to treat the trauma survivors through engaging the mind-body relationship to develop independence and provide the tools for a better future.

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>symptoms of torture _ hysteria _ self-harm attempts _ neuropsychological impairments _ nonverbal communication _ post traumatic stress disorder _ somatic complaints _ sexual dysfunction _ revenge _ immediate pain _ emotional numbing _ personality changes _ phantom limb syndrome _ depression _ substance abuse _ hyper-arousal _ psychosis _ flashbacks of traumatic event _ damage of self concepts (identity)

figure 1. binding

>causes of torture _ suspension _ hyperflexion _ binding _ compression _ burning _ electrical shock _ mutilation by cutting _ harmful environments _ chronic damage _ psychological manipulation figure 2. confinement

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Healing Trauma preliminary research >physiotherapy A significant aspect of being healthy is one’s capability to move independently through the built environment. Through exercise and physical activity, patients are re-taught basic movement functions to help them heal, integrate into society, and develop independence. Physiotherapy targets areas of the body while working to improve users’ physical state over time through exercises and stretches. Thus, developing personal strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility, and balance (Lu). The built environment needs to promote physiotherapy and engage users through the whole building, not just the therapy rooms or fitness centers. This promotes movement and stimulates the mind and body, aiding in the healing process while reducing physical and psychological pain. Some ways this can be incorporated into the California Center for Torture Survivors can be through assisting architecture such as handrails, hoist, ramps, or stairs to practice walking, develop independence, and produce self-confidence.

figure 3. parallel bars

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figure 4. stairs

figure 5. ramp + curb

figure 6. foot stools


>ecotherapy Ecotherapy includes a wide range of treatment programs which aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activities. Ecotherapy focuses on healing through the healing of the earth. Nature is known to provide healing qualities through immersion or observation. Howard Clinebell believes that there are three action dimensions between people and nature: inreach, upreach, and outreach. Inreach focuses on self-care by immersing and being nurtured by nature and the earth. Upreach focuses on spiritual enrichment by celebrating existence within the natural world. Outreach responds by nurturing nature more responsibly and lovingly within a community.

figure 7. gardens

Nature is usually overlooked in the physiotherapy field; the design should encourage physical exercise and activity through a surrounding of nature. Gardens, meditation zones, or therapy trails are some examples that can encourage opportunities for healing. Outdoor walking trails can also provide physical challenges of sloping and undulation topography with different pavements to help people practice for real-world scenarios. figure 8. therapeutic trail

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design principles preliminary research >architecture as a healing environment Wilbert Gesler describes healing as a multi-dimensional wholeness that integrates the physical, mental, spiritual, and social components. Thus, allowing for a relationship between the mind (ecotherapy) and the body (physiotherapy) to heal as one. Gesler proposes that healing places have four dimensions: natural, built, social, and symbolic. By breaking down these components, framework can be developed to create healing spaces that improve human well-being.

NATURAL

BUILT

HEALING

SOCIAL

figure 9. integration of experience

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SYMBOLIC


>natural environment The goal of the natural environment is to connect the built environment with the landscape through an immersion of nature. Thus, creating places of aesthetic pleasure, remoteness, and beauty. Applications can include views to nature, courtyards, walking trails, water, gardens, and green roofs.

figure 10. natural environment

>built environment The goal of the built environment is to create a sense of trust and security, affect the senses of the user, pride the building history, and represent symbolic power by the design. Applications can include circulation of fresh air, adequate lighting, engaging the sensorial experience, providing views out to nature, corridor widths, spatial dimensions, color, material textures, and structure. figure 11. built environment

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>symbolic environment The goal of the symbolic environment is to create meaning through objects and spaces. This allows healing through the communication of occupants’ thoughts and behaviors. Applications can include therapeutic artwork display space, spaces for ceremonies or rituals, applying earth as a nurturing element, applying clean air as new life, applying light/fire as transformation and creation, and applying water as a sense of purification and reflection.

figure 12. symbolic environment

>social environment The goal of the social environment is to produce equality in social relations, develop a therapeutic community, and allow for social support. Healing in a social environment break down the hierarchies and division between staff and patients’ development. Applications can include allowing participation in community atmosphere, circulation that allows interaction among people who play various social roles, visual connection between interior and exterior spaces, community spaces, and private spaces.

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figure 13. social environment


>sustainability requirements _ sustainable sites

PATIENTS

VISITORS

PROVIDERS

Preserving quality of land and building’s impact on ecosystem, encouraging appropriate landscaping, promote reduction of storm water runoff, heat island effect, and construction-related pollution (LEED).

_ water efficiency figure 14. human factor

Design should consider water usage, water reduction, and water-conscious landscaping (LEED).

>designing for the human factor

_ indoor environmental quality

The way the building is designed can have a major impact on users’ relationships. Designing for the human factor can help healthcare organizations improve patient and providers experiences, support safety, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs (Cama).

_ energy and atmosphere

Focusing on the patient, provider, and visitor’s experience, empowerment, and connection can lead to greater success. Individualizing the healing process and spaces to promote a positive experience, empowering the people to develop independence within the building, and connecting the individuals to support better outcomes in the physical and psychological healing process.

This category should include passive design strategies that improve the indoor quality. Views, ventilation strategies, thermal control, acoustics, and lighting are strategies used to improve the design outcome (LEED).

Reducing the amount of energy usage, and using efficient design and construction systems and lighting (LEED). Using renewable and clean resources such as wind, solar collectors, and geothermal energy.

_ innovation in design

Allowing designers to use innovative strategies to improve a buildings performance beyond LEED Green Building credentials (LEED).

_ materials and resources

Reusing materials and promoting waste reduction in the building process (LEED).

figure 15. sustainability requirements

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architectural vision preliminary research >vision statement “The California Center for Torture Survivors empowers users through physiotherapy and a connection with nature in an interactive and therapeutic environment.”

INTERACTING

TREATING

EXERCISING

ADMIN.

figure 16. vision

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SUPPORTING


>goals

>metamorphosis

_balance -- to create a sense of stability in one’s life

The design should take into consideration how torture happens and steps needed in order to heal. A torture survivor can go through a metamorphosis in the healing qualities the architecture provides. The survivor can approach the center and engage in the over arching goals to end in growth and healing.

_adaptation -- providing ways to adjust to new conditions and challenges _security --providing an environment that is relaxing, calm, peaceful, and safe _reconnection --building trust and communication among users and the community

cause - need synthesis

healing

balance

adaptation

security

reconnection

growth

figure 17. metamorphosis

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>site selection The California Center for Torture Survivors is located in Albany, California. This site selection lead to in-depth studies following preliminary research and program design and evaluation. Conceptual proposals were developed and tested through pro’s and con’s to understand the contextual parameters and possibilities on the area. Building form began to emerge and be further investigated and tested. The site analysis research provided and testing observations on topography, transportation, vegetation, natural features, surrounding context, and climate. This research helped gain a greater understanding of the area’s design possibilities. Building form then began to test programmatic layouts on the site and different contextual and urban impacts that might occur from program placement. From there the form was tested with avatars. Each avatar played a scenario of arriving of different modes of transportation, having different roles in the building, pursing different types of treatments or methods of helping others heal, and hours of occupancy. This allowed the final design form and programmatic layout to be tested for a successful building performance outcome.


SECTION II >site selection


contextual parameters site selection >location The California Center for Torture Survivors sit on the West coast of the United States in Albany, California. Albany is situated within the Bay Area of California on the northwest corner of Alameda County. The location is near a highly population city, San Francisco, and Berkeley University, which allows for the center to engage in the area’s diversity and density to provide opportunities for refugees. Many cities in California are sanctuary cities for refugees. There are also programs, such as the International Rescue Committee and Refugee Resettlement Program, set up to help the transition and resettlement into America. >site context The facility lies in an idyllic setting of a large open field filled with mature trees and agricultural gardens. These gardens are broken down into the Gill Tract Community Farm and research field that belong to the University of Berkeley, California. These fields encourage the design to blend gracefully into the landscape while offering magnificent views out to the surrounding. This creates the overarching architectural idea for “Pavilions in the Park.� The center will understand itself as an open, nature immersed, vibrant piece that promises itself to furthering refugees needs and goals through the healing process, while providing spaces that provide stimulating forum for personal exchanges and community integration.

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figure 1. uc berkeley research field

figure 2. ohlone native american circle

figure 3. albany hill

figure 4. community garden

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>conducting site analysis These design parameters aid in the decision making process by providing a greater grasp of the area’s context and urban influences.

the constraints and opportunities offered will lend to a more accurate program placement, buildings design, and community connection.

Research allows an understanding of the area’s design possibilities. By utilizing

>design objectives

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figure 5. preserve the green

figure 6. water conservation

figure 7. create visual connection

figure 8. long live the farm


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police department

city hall

uc berkeley reserach farm

uc berkeley reserach farm

uc berkeley village

community garden

ohlone circle

figure 9. context

figure 10. urban connection

ac ac

ac

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ac

figure 11. private vs public

figure 12. ac transit stops

235


cy cl e se rv ic e w in te rb re su ez m e m er br ee ze

or

bi

in

i

m

or

se m

aj m

236

figure 13. street hierarchy

figure 14. west and east access points

figure 15. wind

figure 16. noise


1

2

figure 17. providing views

3

figure 18. sun path

_1 -- mount tamalpais _2 -- albany hill _3 -- san pablo ridge

figure 19. axis

figure 20. nolli map

237


urban strategy site selection >community connection The site’s location, on the Gill Tract field, has presented an opportunity to engage the community through urban agriculture. By respect the community garden that is currently on the site, the California Center for Torture Survivors intents to integrate itself into the fields and expand on their services to better serve the community. There are four fields that are being used for educational research and gardening. The three research fields will be arranged to accommodate a new facility along the road. This connection forms a bond with nature and the community which can help refugees develop roots during their transition into the community. The arrangement of the fields will provide opportunities for physical and psychological rehabilitation. Paths will be formed to run alongside the gardens to create a therapeutic trail. The trail presents opportunities for scavenger hunts, relaxing, mediation, gardening in the community garden, and walk and talk therapy.

figure 21. gardening

238

figure 22. physical exercise

figure 23. community


1

1

2

3

4

figure 24. existing agricultural fields

2

3

4

figure 25. future field opportunities

>implication The diagram listed above highlights the current agricultural fields on the Gill Tract in Albany, CA. Field one through three are primarily used for interdisciplinary research and crop study at the University of California, Berkeley.

Field one would be shifted up to provide space in the south-west corner for the California Center for Torture Survivors. This allows the field to embrace the building and create a nature enriched setting.

Field four is used as a community garden. This garden provides community members and students of all ages educational opportunities for hands-on learning of food production, nutrition, and the environment.

This location at the corner allows for a direct engagement to the street and with the urban context. The location allows for a pedestrian-oriented street edge along the public sidewalk and a consist building edge relationship with the surrounding buildings.

239


design options

site selection

>concept massing studies Two-dimensional concept forms offer some advantages for conveying design intent. A feel for proportion, scale, and composition on the site becomes more clear. These studies test different design options to work out functional design arrangement, provide clarity for modification, and help look for an optimal solution. For each design, separate forms are made to test their relationship in simplified geometric forms, but also get precise area values for each mass option explored. Each concept form is arranged based on the programmatic concept diagram of spatial organization. These values help test programmatic relationships between themselves and the surrounding context. From there concept massings are developed and tested based on a pro’s and con’s list of site and urban context opportunities and constraints.

240


TREATING EXERCISING

EXERCISING

INTERACTING

INTERACTING

TREATING

TREATING

EXERCISE

TREATING

figure 26. pavilions

TREATING

TREATING

INTERACTING

TREATING

TREATING

figure 27. box

figure 28. prosthetic

_ approachable and legible to visitors _ utilizes existing roadway _ approachable for service vehicles _ summer breezes impact for ventilation _ outdoor connection _ dispersed program _ flexible and adaptable

_ approachable and legible to visitors _ utilizes existing roadway _ approachable for service vehicles _ summer breezes impact for ventilation _ outdoor connection _ flexible and adaptable _ utilizes outdoor space _ potential for views of exterior landscape

_ western winter wind impact _ no exterior private outdoor space _ distance from nearby bus stop _ potential environmental acoustic challenge _ potential security issues

_ western winter wind impact _ potential environmental acoustic challenge _ potential noise from roadway _ potential limited connectivity between activities and outdoor space

>pros _ approachable and legible to visitors _ follows street edge _ approachable for service vehicles _ summer breezes impact for ventilation _ entrance security _ outdoor connection _ programs have outdoor connection _ flexible and adaptable

>cons _ distance from bus stop _ close to tree line _ bus stop distance

241


>program & evaluation When creating healing architecture, one must take an in-depth look at the programmatic requirements. Evidence-based design provides a way to research and analyze these different types of program used in physiotherapy that can be integrated into the California Center for Torture Survivors. The program is evaluated and sized according to the International Building Code standards. The program will be grouped and organized to allow for a clarification of building spatial function. Conceptual approaches are then used to organized and understand the use of each programmatic space. The aim at the end is to help create a successful program that will encourage user success in the healing progression.


SECTION III >program & evaluation


conceptual approachprogram & evaluation >conceptual approach Conceptual approaches were developed to better understand programmatic conditions. To begin, each conceptual approach starts with defining a problem, leading to a collection of information, and then brain storming and analyzing different outcomes. From there different concepts where tested until a solution was developed. The overall aim was to test ideas and improve the overall design layout for the California Center Torture Survivors.

ADMIN. OPEN

DYNAMIC THERAP SPACE

LIBRARY

LOBBY

CAFE

figure 1. adjacency

244

PSYCH. + SOCIAL THERAPY

MANUAL THERAPY

ADMIN. DEDICATED

DYNAMIC THERAP SPACE

CRANIO. THERAPY

COURTYARD

LOCKER RM

THERAPEUTIC GYM

FITNESS STUDIO

PULM. THERAPY

GROUP THERAPY

ART STUDIO

CLASSROOM

DEMO. KITCHEN

CLASSROOM

DAYCARE

DANCE STUDIO


ADMIN. OPEN

DYNAMIC THERAP SPACE

LIBRARY

PULM. THERAPY

CRANIO. THERAPY

DYNAMIC THERAP SPACE

LOBBY

CAFE

PSYCH. + SOCIAL THERAPY

MANUAL THERAPY

ADMIN. DEDICATED

FITNESS STUDIO

THERAPEUTIC GYM

ART STUDIO

CLASSROOM

DEMO. KITCHEN

CLASSROOM

DAYCARE

COURTYARD

LOCKER RM

GROUP THERAPY

DANCE STUDIO

figure 2. spatial relationship

LOCKER RM.

THERAPEUTIC GYM FITNESS STUDIO

DAYCARE

PATIENTS

PULM. THERAPY

CRANIO. THERAPY

ART STUDIO

MANUAL THERAPY DYNAMIC THERAPY SPACE

PSYCH. THERAPY DANCE STUDIO

DYNAMIC THERAPY SPACE

CONFERENCE ROOM (S)

GROUP THERAPY

MULTI. CLASSROOM

LOBBY DEMO. KITCHEN LIBRARY

CAFE

COURTYARD

PROVIDERS

VISITORS

ADMIN. OPEN ADMIN. DEDICATED

figure 3. proximity

245


BUILDING CODE program & evaluation >parking The required amount of parking spaces is determined by the building square footage. The Albany City Land Development Code Table 20.28.030 Parking Space Requirement and the 2015 International Building Code 11B-208.2.2 Rehabilitation Facilities and Outpatient Physical Therapy is then used to calculate the number of parking spaces. This will result in 50 parking spots, with 2 ADA spots. >plumbing fixtures The 2015 International Building Code Table 2.902.1 Minimum Number of Required Plumbing Fixtures provides the minimum number of plumbing fixtures based on the actual use of the building space. The spaces are broken down by Assembly (A-2 and A-3), Business (B), Institutional (I-4). According to the occupancies of each, there must be a total of 12 water closets, 8 lavatories, 4 drinking fountains, and 4 service sinks available to the building users. >space requirements On the following page are the program requirements per occupancy type according to the 2015 International Building Code. NSF INTERACTING 2750

20

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

SERVICE SINKS

2

2

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

2

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

-

1

-

1

1

TREATING 6800

17

EXERCISING

EXERCISING 4400

13

ADMINISTRATING

ADMINISTRATING 1650

-

SUPPORTING

SUPPORTING 2100

-

17700

50

Total

figure 4. parking and plumbing requirements

246

LAVATORIES (M) (F)

INTERACTING

TREATING

Total

WATER CLOSETS (M) (F)

PARKING

-

-

-

-

-

-

6

6

4

4

4

4


FUNCTION OF SPACE

ASSEMBLY TYPE

OCC. LOAD FACTOR

UNIT NSF

COUNT

TOTAL NSF

OCCUPANCY

assembly business

A-3

15

600

1

600

40

B

100

50

1

50

0

assembly

A-2

15

1200

1

1200

80

Dynamic Therapeutic Space

assembly

A-3

50

400

2

800

16

Library

assembly

A-3

100

100

1

100

1

2750

137

INTERACTING Open Lobby Reception CafĂŠ Quiet

Subtotal TREATING Therapeutic Manual Therapy

business

B

100

600

2

1200

12

business

B

100

100

2

200

2

Craniosacral Therapy

business

B

100

600

1

600

6

Psychotherapy / Social Worker

business

B

100

600

1

600

6

business

B

100

600

1

600

6

business

B

100

600

1

600

6

Office

Pulmonary Physiotherapy + Ergotherapist Group Therapy Educational Multipurpose Classroom

business

B

100

600

2

1200

12

institutional

I-4

100

600

1

600

6

Demonstration Kitchen

business

B

100

600

1

600

6

Art Studio

business

B

100

600

1

600

6

6800

68

Daycare

Subtotal EXERCISING Therapeutic Gym

assembly

A-3

50

1200

1

1200

24

Fitness Studio

assembly

A-3

50

600

1

600

12

Dance Studio

assembly

A-3

50

600

1

600

12

Dynamic Therapeutic Spaces

assembly

A-3

50

400

2

800

16

-

B

100

600

2

1200

12

4400

76

Locker Room Subtotal ADMINISTRATING Open Open Office

business

B

100

400

1

400

4

Staff Breakroom

business

B

100

100

1

100

1

Bicycle Storage

business

B

100

100

1

100

1

Staff Restroom

-

B

100

100

1

100

1

business

B

100

200

1

200

2

CEO Office

business

B

100

100

1

100

1

Financial Open Office

business

B

100

400

1

400

4

business

B

100

100

1

100

1

business

B

100

100

1

100

1

accessory storage

B

100

50

1

Conference Room Dedicated

Social Worker Office Psychotherapist Medical Records Room Subtotal

50

0

1650

16

SUPPORTING Donation Drop-Off

accessory storage

B

300

150

1

150

0

Mail Room

accessory storage

B

300

150

1

150

0

Restroom

-

B

300

200

2

400

2

Equipment Handling Storage

accessory storage

B

300

200

2

400

1

Custodial Closet

accessory storage

B

300

100

2

200

0

Custodial Breakroom

business

B

300

100

1

100

0

Clean/Dirty Linen Room

industrial

B

300

200

1

200

0

Trash and Recycling

accessory storage

B

300

200

1

200

0

Telecommunications Room

accessory storage

B

300

100

1

100

0

MEP Equipment

accessory storage

B

300

200

1

200

0

2100

3

Total

17700

300

Grand Total (GSF) figure 5. program requirements

25,000

Subtotal

247


Building Program program & evaluation >building program Architectural programming is a research and decision-making process that identifies the scope of work in the design. Evidencebased design contributes to filtering out program that works against the intended outcome. Questions are asked; such as how does the program support the physiotherapy healing process? Does the program provide enough variety for healing? How does the program help heal torture survivors? The program was then filtered through the goals and objectives of the project. Requirements were found and then broken down into five different categories; interacting, treating, exercising, administrating, and supporting. Each categories provides a different types of functions that supports the healing process.

1,850 NSF 16% INTERACTING

INTERACTING: OPEN

900 NSF

X 300

LOBBY

CAFE

LIBRARY

TREATING: THERAPEUTIC

3,000 NSF

TREATING: EDUCATIONAL

26% EXERCISING 9%

ADMINISTRATING

12% SUPPORTING

4,400 NSF

MANUAL THERAPY

MANUAL THERAPY

PULMONARY THERAPY

PSYCHO. + SOCIAL WORKER

CRANIO. THERAPY

ART STUDIO

GROUP THERAPY

DAYCARE

FITNESS STUDIO

DANCE STUDIO

LOCKER ROOM

900 NSF

ADMIN.: OPEN

750 NSF

ADMIN.: DEDICATED

2,100 NSF SUPPORTING

MULTIP. CLASS

MULTIP. CLASS

DYNAMIC THERAPY SPACE THERAPEUTIC GYM

EXERCISING

figure 6. program percentage

248

DEMO KITCHEN

INTERACTING: QUIET

3,600 NSF 37% TREATING

DYNAMIC THERAPY SPACE

ADMIN. OPEN

ADMIN. DEDICATED

BUILDING SUPPORT

LOCKER ROOM


INTERACTING OPEN

LOBBY 600 NSF

2,700 NSF

QUIET

CAFE 1200 NSF

DYNAMIC THERAPY SPACE 400 NSF

LIBRARY 100 NSF

TREATING

6,800 NSF

THERAPEUTIC

MANUAL THERAPY 600 NSF

CRANIO. THERAPY 600 NSF

PSYCHOTHERAPY + SOCIAL WORKER 600 NSF

PULMONARY PHSYIO. + ERGOTHERAPY 600 NSF

GROUP THERAPY 600 NSF

EDUCATIONAL

ART STUDIO 600 NSF

MULTIPURPOSE CLASS 600 NSF

DEMOSTRATION KITCHEN 600 NSF

DAYCARE 600 NSF

EXERCISING

THERAPEUTIC GYM 1,200 NSF

FITNESS STUDIO 600 NSF

4,400 NSF

DANCE STUIDIO 600 NSF

ADMINISTRATING OPEN

ADMIN. OPEN 900 NSF

LOCKER ROOM 600 NSF

DYNAMIC THERAPY SPACE 400 NSF

1,650 NSF

DEDICATED

ADMIN. DEDICATED 750 NSF

SUPPORTING

2,100 NSF

BUILDING SUPPORT 2,100 NSF

TOTAL NSF

17,650 NSF

TOTAL GSF

25,000 GSF

X42%

figure 7. spatial comparison

249


users program & evaluation >facility users The users at the California Center for Torture Survivors fall into three categories; patient, provider, and visitor. Patient’s can be members or part-time users. Member’s have full access to the exercising facility while part-time users are monitored until trained by a provider for safety use the equipment. Member’s and part-time users can partake in classes, public group activities, and therapy sessions. Provider can range from full-time to parttime staffing. Recreational providers tend to be more full-time to help patients succeed in the physical healing. Cafe staff is parttime and can range from trained professionals, to patients that have been certified to cook, or volunteers. Volunteer are usually part-time and come and go throughout the days. They can help out in classroom activities, cooking, or public group activities. Overall, the center can potentially house 300 users. PATIENTS

220

members -- 150

part-time -- 70

VISITORS

30

PROVIDERS

50

full-time -- 30

figure 8. users

250

part-time -- 20


>patients The center is focused on patients that have are survivors of torture that have suffered from burns, stroke, back pain, sclerosis, paralysis, fractures, arthritis, paraplegic, depression, chronic pain, back injuries, neck injuries, amputations, reduced mobility, sprains or strains, post-surgical rehabilitation, spinal pain or injuries, musculoskeletal problems, and more.

figure 9. stroll through nature

>healing process Services are extended to torture survivors on an outpatient basis at the California Center for Torture Survivors. Each survivor works with a team of specialist who help them through their healing process. Once the survivor becomes a long time user, independence can be established. figure 10. therapeutic exercise

>support services For survivors that don’t speak English, interpreters become integrated into the daily routine at the center. Other services include reconnecting the survivor back to the community. When the patient is ready, support services such as classes teaching patients how to navigate public transportation, tutoring survivors in English, and retaining information of safe environments such as museums, libraries, coffee shops, or grocery stores to go to can be provided.

figure 11. collaborative healing

251


COGNITIVE STRESSORS _multitasking _new technology _changing documentation _admin. requirements _noisy, busy environment _hygience

PROVIDERS’ WELLBEING

PHYSICAL STRESSORS

EMOTIONAL STRESSORS

_moving patients _centralized supplies _long shifts _inability to rest and reenergize _nutrition

_burnout _lack of privacy _emotional respect _pressure for efficiency and accuracy _patient safety

figure 12. providers

>providers Through the time spent at the center the provider can undergo physical and psychological impacts. To create a healing environment for all users, taking care of the staffs’ needs must be met. The care team often undergoes working in noisy,

MUTUAL PARTICIPATION

figure 13. mutual participation

252

ILLNESS

busy environments that don’t offer settings for individual focus, private conversations or moments to re-energize, increasing the risk for costly errors and staff burnouts (Steelcase).

WELLNESS

WELLBEING


PATIENT TO STAFF

_visual access _auditory access _close proximity _security _independence

_sense of trust _emotional support _information _equality _empowerment

PHYSICAL NEEDS

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS _safety _comfort _activities of daily living _visual privacy _auditory privacy

_emotional support _information _positive distraction _empowerment _communication

PATIENT TO VISITORS figure 14. transition space impact

>transition space impact Healthcare experiences are made up of more than moments of care—they also include the time spent in transition between those moments (Steelcase). Waiting to meet with a therapist. Waiting to attend an educational class. Transition spaces where patients and their loved ones gather and interact. Transition spaces provide opportunities for improving the healing experience.

Providing choices for in activities that engage the natural, built, social, and symbolic environment with sensory stimulation can provide spaces that improve human well-being. Activities can include spaces for conversation, solitude, collaboration, information sharing, meditation, and viewing nature. The transition space can also engage the user physically through a therapeutic walkway that circulates around the building.

253


avatars program & evaluation

254

figure 15. lihn

figure 17. aaron

>linh

>aaron

Linh is a patient at the center. She is 37 years old and has a prosthetic leg. Linh wants to focus on strengthening the joint movement in her legs. Linh usually jogs outside of the center with her husband on the weekend. Linh comes to the center three times a week. She usually walk, due to her close residential location.

Aaron is a patient at the center. He is 29 years old and has had trouble with his hand dexterity movement. Aaron wants to focus on taking class, like the art studio or demonstration kitchen, to improve his joints. Aaron usually attends the center four times a week. He arrives by bus.

figure 16. linh circulation

figure 18. aaron circulation


figure 19. may

figure 21. louis

>may

>louis

May is a provider at the center. She is 35 years old and primary focuses on pulmonary physiotherapy. She enjoys teaching others breathing techniques, nutrition, and exercise awareness and safety. May usually works at the center morning and leaves midday to pick up her kids from school. May works four days a week and arrives by car.

Louis is 23 years old and has been helping at the center for the last two years. Louis helps patients learn about nutrition facts and how to help improve the overall body health. Louis helps volunteer in the demonstration kitchen and at the cafĂŠ. Louis usually stop by the center after his college class. Louis usually comes two times a week and arrives by a bike.

figure 20. may circulation

figure 22. -

255


>proposal For each milestone of developing the design process has led to the final design proposal. The design focuses around developing spaces of interacting, treating, exercising, administrating, and supporting. Recognizing that different design propositions will need to be met in order to satisfy occupants and provide a flexible environment is necessary in moving forward in the design process. Building materials will be explored in order to provide a sustainable and healing environment. User engagement is important not only in the visible context but in the physical as well, so some therapeutic activities revolving around physiotherapy will be analyzed. Finally, the building will be broken down in a site plan, ground floor plan, sections, and perspectives to get a wider understanding of spatial function and organization of the California Center for Torture Survivors.


SECTION IV >proposal


precedent studiespreliminary research >analysis To begin creating healing architecture that focuses on physiotherapy, precedents were observed and noted for successful and constraining spatial design. These precedent buildings were studied at a descriptive and analytical level. The projects include an educational facility, a museum, and a hospitals. These precedents variations helped derive different spatial functions, building forms, and occupational usage. These qualities provided helpful insight to the studio project and it’s ongoing development. The end goal of this research was to learn design strategies and techniques from the surrounding context and building layout of the precedents. This knowledge could then be altered to be more successful when applying these ideas to the California Center for Torture Survivors.

258


>rehab basel The REHAB Basel Centre for Spinal Cord and Brain Injuries is designed by Herzog & de Meuron and located in Basel, Switzerland. The center focuses on being an environment that doesn’t look or feel like a hospital, which contributes to a healing environment where users can learn to deal with the changes in their life (Herzog & de Meuron). The design forms a multi-functional, almost town like environment with streets, plazas, neighborhoods, and community centers. The overall massing of the design is broken down through the public courtyards into five different spaces, or neighborhoods. These neighborhoods form a sense of identity that is shaped around the neighborhood’s smaller more private courtyard. The design layout provides patients with control over their choices and decisions as they move, sleep, play, or eat in the built environment. High visibility provides freedom and security for patients and staff supervision. The architects and clients wanted to create an environment that allowed patients to become independent again.

figure 1. rehab basel

figure 2. forming of neighborhoods

figure 3. second floor plan

259


>beyeler foundation The Beyeler Foundation, designed by Renzo Piano, is an art museum located in Riehen, Switzerland. The building focuses on natural light, surrounding landscape, and the floating pavilion roof. The museum was divided into three zones: eastern service wing, central gallery space, and western winder garden. This division was created through a strong structural grid of concrete columns and reinforced concrete walls. The roof was then attached through a metal bracket to give the illusion of weightlessness. The glass roof acts as the primary enclosure and provides uniform natural light for the works of art below. The lighting is controlled by sensors and louvers. Artificial lighting runs on tracks between the glass roof panels. The light is used to emphasis different art pieces being displayed. The architecture overall tranquility preserve the viewing experience of the artwork. Putting the building as a backdrop and highlighting the pieces of art in the focal view of the occupant. Analyzing aspects from the museum, such as the different ways natural light and nature can be integrated into the overall organization of the program, can contribute to the overall design for the California Center for Torture Survivors.

figure 4. beyeler foundation

figure 5. section

figure 6. gallery

260


>maggie’s centre gartnavel Maggie’s Centre Garnavel, designed by Rem Koolhaas, focuses on creating an environment of emotional support for users with cancer, their families, and friends (OMA). The center is located in Glasgow, UK. The center houses counseling rooms, a library, kitchen, dining room, office space, and a central courtyard. The center is formed through irregular interlocking L-shapes that come together to form a circle. The L-shapes create masses and voids throughout the building floor plan. These masses divide the different zones throughout the building. Program is houses in the masses and in the voids of the building. Circulation runs around the courtyard. Large windows provides magnificent views out to the exterior to establish a connection with nature. The centralized scheme allows for high viability for users to know what is occurring in the building. Smaller rooms break off to provide privacy. The corridor that circles around the courtyard establishes a sense of connection and community. The circulation path is designed to set up areas of spontaneous and organized social interactions. Users have choice whether they would like to participate in group activities, or seek privacy.

figure 7. maggie’s center gartnavel

figure 8. mass vs. void

The center consists of natural materials that highlight the exterior courtyard. The center uses concrete, wood, non-loadbearing glazing, and tourmaline flooring.

figure 9. circulation

261


review one proposal >design process The California Center for Torture Survivors explores the relationship between physiotherapy and ecotherapy. In designing a rehabilitation center, the focus has been to create a celebration of life, healing, comfort, and an engagement of the environment for survivors of torture with the community. The vision for achieving this has been to create a Pavilion in the Park like setting. This is done through the sensory stimulated journey that immerses the user into nature through a light, airy, and welcoming building that offers magnificent views out to the pre-existing landscape while providing flexible spaces inside. The center began the endeavor by preliminary research, site selection, program and evaluation, and then final proposal. The building on the site plan shows a spatial connection of nature between the interior and exterior. This is done by creating a agricultural scape of community gardens, a “green� designed parking lot, and outdoor activity space that involves exercising, interacting, and treating. Each of these outdoor spaces corresponds to one of the pavilions in the overall design. The building responds to the urban context and also creates two new public spaces on the street edge, while more semi-private spaces are on the eastern side.

figure 10. view from jackson st.

262

figure 11. aerial view

figure 12. view from buchanan ave.


research farmland

figure 13. site plan

263


figure 14. parti

figure 15. grid

figure 16. structure

figure 17. mass vs void

figure 18. circulation

figure 19. spatial organization interacting treating exercising administrating supporting

figure 20. private vs public public semi-public semi-private private

264

figure 21. ventilation


figure 22. jackson street entrance

figure 23. section a

265


a

med. dance studio

trh

gym

fitness studio fitness studio

b conf. admin

conf.

mail demo kitchen ther.

figure 24. ground floor plan

266

figure 25. section b

ther. art ther. studio tele. ther. ther.

class class


>building organization The building program is organized into three bars. The northern most bar consist of the exercising zone, the middle bar consist of the interacting and administrating zone, and the southern bar houses the treating zone. The connections between each bar house the support and act as access points into the variety of spaces, including the courtyards. The front entrance focuses on hospitality through a cafÊ lobby combination. This allows users to enjoy coffee or a snack while waiting for their therapy session. The structural system consists of loadbearing reinforced concrete walls and a steel structural system of columns. The concrete walls would appear light and smooth shaping the masses of the building’s support spaces. Glazing would wrap around the pavilions to provide a sense of transparency, welcoming, openness, and a connection to nature. The glazing will also contribute to the roof appearing weightless and floating. Steel columns would be laid out on a structural grid to provide vertical support. Reclaimed wood would be the finish material over the load-bearing walls. Since wood is a natural material it expresses age, human warmth, and invites touch contributing to a healing environment.

figure 26. cafe

figure 27. lounge alcoves

figure 28. therapeutic gym

figure 29. art studio

267


activities proposal >activities Due to the patient’s physical restrictions, activities focus on conditioning the mind-body. Staff and patients collaborate in the healing process together to help patients learn how to cope with their changed life. Patient’s learn life skills in fitness, education, and safety. The center offers multiple different interactive, therapeutic, educational, and recreational opportunities. Some examples include; pilates, yoga, meditation, community engagement, art therapy, health and safety classes, therapeutic trail, and much more. Concerns involving physical restrictions will be addressed by patients learning how to be safe during their healing process at home and in daily routines, learning how to operate equipment, relearning how to swim, a place to meditate, and a place to be informed about activities going on in the facility and the community that they can become involved in.

268


figure 30. labyrinth

figure 31. therapeutic trail

figure 32. demonstration kitchen

figure 33. fitness studio

269


design propositions proposal >design propositions Design propositions help clarify and work deeper in the understanding of the science and experience in providing a healing environment. Research was conducted to better understand the realities and opportunities that all physiotherapy and therapeutic environments could face. By studying a broad spectrum of facilities, observing and documenting process and interaction lead to solutions for programmatic function. For most people, he therapeutic room is a major part of the healing process. It is no longer just a space for medical exams and treatment, but a space where one can go and learn how to heal and engage in their healing process. The space serves for consulting, learning and person-to-person sharing among patients, family, and care team. The space should provide flexibility for a successful healing experience. It has been shown that 80% of the experience in a therapeutic room is spent in conversation while only 20% is comprised of the physical treatment (Mayo Clinic).

Patient

Learning and Teaching

figure 34. two-way collaboration

270

Reason 1 Therapy rooms can be multi-functional for different activities such as, examinations, information sharing, discussions, and learning. Multiple participants can be involved with the patients healing process such as, patient, family members, and providers Providor

Reason 2 Providing therapy rooms with spatial efficiency and hygiene in a non-hospital like setting Reason 3 Providing therapy rooms for patients’ that support their emotional needs and comfort


provider space patient space

selves for patients to put belongings. Near door for easier access.

storage for therapy equipment. In provider’s area for easier access.

movable chair

for provider to have flexible movement around bed.

bed for patients

therapy. Bed is arranged to have visual sight of door and belongings.

elevated ceiling

for window to look more continuous. Window will provide soft glow on floor that patient can see when laying down.

figure 35. therapy room 1 with dimensions 10’x10’

windows

translucent sliding door allows physically disabled users easier entrance. Translucency allows viability for someone approaching door.

providing views to nature and lighting in room. Patients chair angled towards windows for views.

monitor for collaboration and learning between users. Provider can share information to patient. Patients chair is angled towards monitor.

movable seat and computer desk allows provider flexibility and efficiency when working.

reclining seat

is a movable seat that allows patients to be in a familiar posture. Provides for flexibility during therapy. Chair can be moved to desired location so patients don’t have to constantly get up.

seating and shelves

for visitors is situated for active engagement and participation. Shelves on each side for patient and visitor to place their belongings on. figure 36. therapy room 2 with dimensions 10’x10’

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review TWO proposal >part of process Following the first review the design began to take shape into a more open, spread out floor plan. This allowed for the pavilions to be highlight and the circulation space to be descended. The structural element of the pavilions consists of glazing with a pitched roof to allow northern light in. The building also continues a relationship with the urban context by addressing the street and neighboring building edge. Develop of the landscape has begun to take form within this scheme. The research fields and the community garden have been rearranged to the northern plots, allowing for the south to become a park for the pavilions. Physiotherapy and ecotherapy mix in harmony with the openness of the building out to the fields and nature. This review has provided further research in the decisionmaking process to help identify the needs of all users. As the development process continues, this step will serve as a guideline for identifying and elaborating on problems and qualities that can be developed to further create a center for healing.

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figure 37. view from jackson street

figure 38. view from buchanan ave.

figure 39. view from san pablo ave.

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figure 40. parti

figure 41. mass vs. void

figure 42. spatial organization

figure 43. security

interacting treating exercising administrating supporting

274


research farmland

community garden

figure 44. site plan

275


b

a

figure 45. ground floor plan

figure 46. section a

276


figure 47. view from cafe

figure 48. section b

277


review Three proposal >next steps Following the exploration of the second review, the building form was arranged to be more confined, allowing for easier walkability from space to space. The built environment design forms a town-like environment with streets, plazas, neighborhoods, and a town center. The four neighborhoods form a sense of identity that is connected to the smaller private courtyards. Each courtyard reflects the atmosphere of the neighborhood and acts as a way-finding element. The central courtyard, on the other hand, acts as the community link that brings the four neighborhoods together. In this review, the design homed in on users’ physical mobility through the space and how assisting architecture and corridor design could influence healing. This will provide opportunities for people to be physically active and develop independence. The design elements used to develop successful corridors include safety, comfort/convenience, and aesthetics. The design also explored sensorial stimulation in the built environment. The architecture can incorporate touch, smell, sound, and sight to create a multi-sensory level of information and understanding. Future explorations for the design should include integration of nature into the building, thus supporting the vision of Pavilions in the Park. The landscape will take on a public therapeutic trail that forms social zones for gather, being physically active, or gardening. The trail will also embrace the community garden to provide a stronger connection between the facility and the community.

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CALIFORNIA PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTER

figure 49. view of entrance

figure 50. north elevation

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figure 51. influences of physical environment

>influences of physical environment Perception of corridors can physically and psychologically impact users based on walk-ability. There are three different types of corridors: walking to destination, walking for exercise, and walking for interaction. The built environment can

figure 52. touch

figure 53. smell

achieve these three corridors through strategic placement of restrooms, fixtures, furniture, plants, and views.

figure 54. sound

figure 55. sight

>sensory stimulation The body and soul co-exist through the experience of architecture. According to Steven Holl, “senses relate to the image of the cosmic body; vision to light, hearing to air, smell to vapor, taste to water, touch to earth.� Architecture can incorporate these senses in a multi-sensory level, providing

280

information and understanding. The building becomes a place where one can identify themselves within the space, and become a part of the overall communal existence.


figure 56. assisting architecture

281


figure 57. parti

figure 58. forming of neighborhoods

arrival courtyard

meditative garden

central courtyard

sculpture garden

figure 59. program divisions + connections interacting treating exercising administrating supporting

282

reflection pond

figure 60. private vs public public semi-public semi-private private


figure 61. view down circuit

BUILT

BUILT + SYMBOLIC

BUILT + SOCIAL

NATURAL + SYMBOLIC

spatial divider

freedom not confinement

rewarding paths

aromatherapy + ecotherapy

NATURAL + SOCIAL

meditative experiences

figure 62. healing space attributes

283


figure 63. wall section

figure 64. daylighting

284

figure 65. structure


figure 66. view from cafe to lobby

NATURAL + BUILT

BUILT + SYMBOLIC

NATURAL + BUILT

BUILT + SOCIAL

SOCIAL + SYMBOLIC

building confidence on various terrains

developing independence

textures that invite touch

walkways encourage social interaction

making your mark

figure 67. healing space attributes

285


therapeutic gym privacy pod

privacy pod

meditation garden

inspiration wall

ďŹ tness lawn

stationary stretching

harvesting garden

community zone

educational playground

a water wall

perceptual awareness sculpture garden

figure 68. ground floor plan

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figure 69. section a

ďŹ tness studio

dance studio

therapeutic garden

full body


figure 70. view in therapy room

BUILT + SYMBOLIC

NATURAL + SYMBOLIC

NATURAL + BUILT

NATURAL + SYMBOLIC

BUILT + SYMBOLIC

developing

cleansing + reflecting

textures that invites

aromatherapy +

freedom not

touch

ecotherapy

confinement

independence figure 71. healing space attributes

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figure 72. therapy room structural grid

>therapy room The therapy room is organized through the steel frame roof grid. Before entering into the therapy session, users can gather in the waiting area. The translucent material in that area acts as a lantern, signifying if the room is occupied. Inside the room is broken down into the therapist support space, exam space, consultation space, and a outdoor terrace. figure 73. therapy room

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figure 74. view from jackson street

figure 75. view from buchanan ave.

figure 76. view from san pablo ave.

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bibliography chapter X SECTION 1 -- TEXT Cama, R. (2009). Evidence-based healthcare design. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Center for Victims of Torture (CVT). “U.S. Home to Far More Refugee Torture Survivors than Previously Believed.” Center for Victims of Torture, 29 Sept. 2015. Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. http://www.cvt.org/newsevents/press-releases/us-home-far-more-refugeetorture-survivors-previously-believed Clinebell, Howard John. Ecotherapy: healing ourselves, healing the Earth. New York: Haworth Press, 1996. Print. Gesler, Wilbert M. Healing Places. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003. Print. Huber, Chris. Forced to Flee: Top 5 Countries Refugees are Coming From. World Vision. 28 June 2016. Web. 22 Oct. 2016. LEED. “Green Building Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED).” E Green Building Program. N.p., n.d. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. http://www. epositiveboston.org/?page_id=461. Lu, Zhipeng, Susan D. Rodiek, Mardelle M. Shepley, and Michael Duffy. “Influences of Physical Environment on Corridor Walking Among Assisted Living Residents.” Journal of Applied Gerontology. SAGE Journals, 14 May 2010. Accessed 02 Feb. 2017. <http://journals. sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0733464810370325>.

SECTION 1 -- IMAGERY Figure 1. Weber, Phillip. “Massage Brings Peace to Torture Survivors’ Bodies & Mind.” Massage Magazine, 11 Jan. 2017. Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. Figure 2. Kane, Geoff. “From Bar to Bars: Links between...” National Council on Alcoholism. 31 Mar. 2016. Accessed 2 April 2017. https://www.ncadd.org/blogs/addictionupdate/from-bar-to-bars-links-between-alcohol-andcrime. Figure 3. “Bariatric Parallel Bars.” Physical Therapy Equipment. Clinton Industries, n.d. Accessed 2 April 2017. http://www.clinton-ind.com/products/physicaltherapy-equipment/parallel-bars/bariatric-parallel-bars.

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Figure 4. “Stairs.” Claflin Medical Equipment, Hospital Associates & RSI. Accessed 2 April 2017. http://www. cmecorp.com/physicaltherapy/staircases.html. Figure 5. “Ramps.” Claflin Medical Equipment, Hospital Associates & RSI. Accessed 2 April 2017. http://www. cmecorp.com/physicaltherapy/staircases.html. Figure 6: “Exercise Aids.” Physical Therapy Equipment. Clinton Industries, n.d. Accessed 2 April 2017. http:// www.clinton-ind.com/products/physical-therapyequipment/exercise-aids. Figure 7. University Design Style. “Firefly Powered Handcycle for Wheelchairs.” University Design Style, 15 July 2014. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. http://www. universaldesignstyle.com/stylish-products. Figure 8. Dombrowski, Margie. “Lauded Landscapes: Inspiring Views from Award-Winning Outdoor Spaces.” Healthcare Design. 10 June 2014. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. Web. Figure 9. Paul, Sydell. Integration of Experience. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 10. REHAB Basel. “Caring for Sores.” REHAB Basel, n.d. Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. http://www.rehab.ch/en/ medical-services/special-skills/caring-for-sores.html Figure 11. “Respect and Interdisciplinary Cooperation Characterize our Actions.” REHAB BASEL, n.d.Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. Figure 12. REHAB Basel. “Care.” REHAB Basel, n.d. Accessed 2 April 2017. http://www.rehab.ch/en/medicalservices/care.html Figure 13. REHAB Basel. “SwiSCI Study.” REHAB Basel, n.d. Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. http://www.rehab.ch/ medizinisches-angebot/wissenschaft-und-forschung/ swisci-studie.html Figure 14. Paul, Sydell. Human Factor. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 15. LEED. “Green Building Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED).” E Green Building


Program. N.p., n.d. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. http://www. epositiveboston.org/?page_id=461.

University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 16. Paul, Sydell. Vision. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 14. Paul, Sydell. West and East Access Points. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 17. Paul, Sydell. Metamorphosis. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

SECTION 2 -- IMAGERY Figure 1. Wilson, Blake. UC Berkeley Research Field. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Photograph. Figure 2. Wilson, Blake. Ohlone Native American Circle. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Photograph. Figure 3. “Albany, California.” Map. Google Maps. Google, 2016. Web. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. Figure 4. “Albany, California.” Map. Google Maps. Google, 2016. Web. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. Figure 5. Paul, Sydell. Preserve the Green. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 15. Paul, Sydell. Wind. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 16. Paul, Sydell. Noise. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 17. Paul, Sydell. Providing Views. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 18. Paul, Sydell. Sun Path. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 19. Paul, Sydell. Axis. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 6. Paul, Sydell. Water Conservation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 7. Paul, Sydell. Create Visual Connection. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 8. Paul, Sydell. Long Live the Farm. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 9. Paul, Sydell. Context. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 10. Paul, Sydell. Urban Connection. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 11. Paul, Sydell. Private vs Public. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 12. Paul, Sydell. AC Transit Stop. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 13. Paul, Sydell. Street Hierarchy. Kansas State

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Figure 20. Paul, Sydell. Nolli Map. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 21. Paul, Sydell. Gardening. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 3. Paul, Sydell. Proximity. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 22. Paul, Sydell. Physical Exercise. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 4. Paul, Sydell. Parking and Plumbing Requirements. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 23. Paul, Sydell. Community. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 5. Paul, Sydell. Program Requirements. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 24. Paul, Sydell. Existing Agricultural Fields. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 6. Paul, Sydell. Program Percentage. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 25. Paul, Sydell. Future Field Opportunities. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 7. Paul, Sydell. Spatial Comparison. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 26. Paul, Sydell. Pavilions. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 8. Paul, Sydell. Users. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 27. Paul, Sydell. Box. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 9. “Caregiver Issues / Stress” Good Therapy. N.p., 9 Dec. 2015. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. http://www. goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/caregiverissues.

Figure 28. Paul, Sydell. Prosthetic. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

SECTION 3 -- TEXT “2015 International Building Code.” International Code Council. 2015. Web. “Albany, CA Land Development Code.” Coded Systems Powered By ClerkBase. 2017. Web. SteelCase. “New Solutions for Healthcares Places.” SteelCase. SteelCase, n.d. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. https://www.steelcase.com/content/uploads/2015/01/ Steelcase-Health-Insights-Applications-Guide-v2.pdf.

SECTION 3 -- IMAGERY Figure 1. Paul, Sydell. Adjacency. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

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Figure 2. Paul, Sydell. Spatial Relationship. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 10. “What’s Your Excuse?” All Right Choices. N.p., 19 Mar. 2015. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. https:// allrightchoices.com/2015/03/19/whats-your-excuse. Figure 11. “What Degree is Needed to become a Physical Therapist?” Top Mater’s in Healthcare Adminstration, n.d. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. http:// www.topmastersinhealthcare.com/faq/degree-neededphysical-therapist. Figure 12. Paul, Sydell. Providers. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. with reference to SteelCase. “New Solutions for Healthcares Places.” SteelCase. SteelCase, n.d. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. https://www.steelcase.com/content/uploads/2015/01/ Steelcase-Health-Insights-Applications-Guide-v2.pdf.


Figure 13. Paul, Sydell. Mutual Participation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. with reference to SteelCase. “New Solutions for Healthcares Places.” SteelCase. SteelCase, n.d. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. https://www.steelcase.com/ content/uploads/2015/01/Steelcase-Health-InsightsApplications-Guide-v2.pdf. Figure 14. Paul, Sydell. Transition Space Impact. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. with reference to SteelCase. “New Solutions for Healthcares Places.” SteelCase. SteelCase, n.d. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. https://www.steelcase.com/ content/uploads/2015/01/Steelcase-Health-InsightsApplications-Guide-v2.pdf. Figure 15. Shutterstock. “Achieving the Muslims in Finland Facilitated Slowly.” Seurakuntalainen, 2015. Accessed 14 Dec. 2016. https://www.seurakuntalainen. fi/uutiset/muslimien-saavuttaminen-suomessahelpottuu-hiljalleen. Figure 16. Paul, Sydell. Linh Circulation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 17. Gallagher, Leigh and Daniel Roberts. “40 Under 40: The Best Advice I Ever Got.” Fortune. N.p., 24 Sep. 2015. Accessed 14 Dec. 2016. http://fortune. com/2015/09/24/40-under-40-best-advice-2015. Figure 18. Paul, Sydell. Aaron Circulation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 19. Blessing Christopher. “ BN Prose: Boundless by Blessing Christopher.” Bella Naija. N.p., 6 Mar. 2014. Accessed 14 Dec. 2016. https://www.bellanaija. com/2014/06/bn-prose-boundless-by-blessingchristopher. Figure 20. Paul, Sydell. May Circulation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 21. Deering, Anya. “ Newest Pomona Student Just Wondered…” The Golden Antlers. N.p., 7 Jan. 2015. Accessed 14 Dec. 2016. http://www.thegoldenantlers. com/newest-pomona-student-just-wondering-if-anyoneelse-here-from-seattle-or-west-coast. Figure 22. Paul, Sydell. Louis Circulation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

SECTION 4 -- TEXT Herzog & de Meuron. “165 REHAB BASEL.” HERZOG & DE MEURON. https://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/projects/ complete-works/151-175/165-rehab-centre-for-spinalcord-and-brain-injuries.html. 04 Oct. 2016. Holl, Steven, Juhani Pallasmaa and Alberto P. ”Questions of Perception.” New York: William Stout, 2006. Print. Mayo Clinic. “Jack and Jill Rooms.” Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. N.p., n.d. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. http:// centerforinnovation.mayo.edu/jack-and-jill-rooms. OMA. Maggie’s Centre – Gartnavel. n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

SECTION 4 -- IMAGERY Figure 1. “Rehab Basel by Herzong & de Meuron, Basel.” M2C Blog. 5 Jan. 2013. Accessed 5 Oct. 2016. http:// memorandum2c.blogspot.com/2013/01/rehab-baselby-herzog-de-meuron-basel.html. Figure 2. Paul, Sydell. Forming of Neighborhoods. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 3. Paul, Sydell. Second Floor Plan. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 4. Renzo Piano Building Workshop. “Beyeler Foundation Museum.” RPBW, n.p. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. http://www.rpbw.com/project/38/beyelerfoundation-museum. Figure 5. Paul, Sydell. Section. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 6. N. Brauning. “The Monet Room.” Beyeler Foundation. Antiques & Fine Art, n.d. Accessed 2 April 2017. http://www.antiquesandfineart.com/articles/ article.cfm?request=960. Figure 7. “The architecture and design of Maggie’s Glasgow.” Maggie’s, n.d. Accessed 2 April 2017. https:// www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggiesglasgow/architecture-and-design. Figure 8. Kershner, Sarah. Form. Kansas State University. Survivors: Healing Architecture in Response to Political Torture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. with reference to: Dezeen Magazine. Maggie’s Gartnavel by OMA. 5 Oct. 2011. Web. 26 Sep. 2016.

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Figure 9. Kershner, Sarah. Building Circulation. Kansas State University. Survivors: Healing Architecture in Response to Political Torture. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. with reference to: Dezeen Magazine. Maggie’s Gartnavel by OMA. 5 Oct. 2011. Web. 26 Sep. 2016. Figure 10. Paul, Sydell. View from Jackson St. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Photograph. Figure 11. Paul, Sydell. Aerial View. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Photograph. Figure 12. Paul, Sydell. View from Buchanan Ave. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Photograph. Figure 13. Paul, Sydell. Site Plan. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 14. Paul, Sydell. Parti. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 15. Paul, Sydell. Grid. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 16. Paul, Sydell. Structure. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 24. Paul, Sydell. Ground Floor Plan. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 25. Paul, Sydell. Section B. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 26. “PCH International Innovation Hub / ChrDAUER Architects” PCH International Innovation Hub. ArchDaily, 08 Sep 2015. Accessed 14 Dec 2016. http://www. archdaily.com/773233/pch-international-innovationhub-chrdauer-architects. Figure 27. Gardner, Gareth. “ Lanchashire Insurance Group - London Offices.” Office Snapshots. EDGE, n.d. Accessed 14 Dec. 2016. https://officesnapshots.com/2015/05/04/ lancashire-insurance-group-london-offices. Figure 28. Sponsoring Firm. “D’Youville Center for Advanced Therapy Showcase Slideshow.” Healthcare Design Magazine. N.p., 3 Aug. 2012. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. http://www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com/ article/dyouville.

Figure 17. Paul, Sydell. Mass vs Void. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 29. Lee, Evelyn. “ Laguna Hona is California’s First LEED Certified Hospital.” Inhabitat. N.p., 24 Jan. 2011. Accessed 14 Dec. 2016. http://inhabitat.com/ solar-powered-teaching-hospital-currently-underconstruction-in-haiti/mirebalais-hospital-3.

Figure 18. Paul, Sydell. Circulation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 30. Watling, Sue. “Making a Chicken-Feed Labyrinth.” University of Lincoln, 26 Oct. 2010. Accessed 2 April 2017. http://labyrinth.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/tag/ university-of-kent.

Figure 19. Paul, Sydell. Spatial Organization. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 31. University Design Style. “Firefly Powered Handcycle for Wheelchairs.” University Design Style, 15 July 2014. Accessed 13 Dec. 2016. http://www. universaldesignstyle.com/stylish-products.

Figure 20. Paul, Sydell. Private vs Public. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 32. Smith, Sandy. “ Coming to West Powelton: A Dorm for Foodies.” Property. Philadelphia Magazine, 1 Mar. 2016. Accessed 14 Dec. 2016. http://www. phillymag.com/property/2016/03/01/coming-to-westpowelton-a-dorm-for-foodies.

Figure 21. Paul, Sydell. Ventilation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. Figure 22. Paul, Sydell. Jackson Street Entrance. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

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Figure 23. Paul, Sydell. Section A. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 33. “Soul Nourishment Through Ayurveda...” Cooking with Love, 27 May 2016. Accessed 2 April 2017. http://www.cookingwithloveretreat.com/home.


Figure 34. Paul, Sydell. Two-Way Collaboration. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital. with reference to SteelCase. “New Solutions for Healthcares Places.” SteelCase. SteelCase, n.d. Accessed 21 Oct. 2016. https://www.steelcase.com/ content/uploads/2015/01/Steelcase-Health-InsightsApplications-Guide-v2.pdf.

Figure 47. Paul, Sydell. View From Cafe. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 35. Paul, Sydell. Therapy Room 1 with dimensions 10’x10’. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 49. Paul, Sydell. View of Entrance. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 36. Paul, Sydell. Therapy Room 2 with dimensions 10’x10’. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Digital.

Figure 50. Paul, Sydell. North Elevation. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 37. Paul, Sydell. View From Jackson Street. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph.

Figure 51. Paul, Sydell. Influences of Physical Environment. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 38. Paul, Sydell. View from Buchanan Avenue. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph. Figure 39. Paul, Sydell. View from San Pablo Avenue. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph. Figure 40. Paul, Sydell. Parti. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 41. Paul, Sydell. Mass vs Void. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 42. Paul, Sydell. Spatial Organization. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 43. Paul, Sydell. Security. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 44. Paul, Sydell. Site Plan. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 45. Paul, Sydell. Ground Floor Plan. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 46. Paul, Sydell. Section A. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 48. Paul, Sydell. Section B. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 52. Otal, Astrid. “Cotard’s Syndrome: the delusion that leads one to believe that one is dead.” Playground, 14 Sept. 2016. Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. http://www.playgroundmag.net/noticias/actualidad/ sindrome_de_Cotard-trastorno-personas-creen-estan_ muertas_0_1828017204.html. Figure 53. Schepers, CJ. “Why your Thoughts Matter.” CJ Schepers, 20 Aug. 2014. Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. http://cjschepers.com/portfolio/why-your-thoughtsmatter. Figure 54. McSween, Dachell. “Careeer as a Field Botonist.” The Nest, n.d. Accessed 17 Mar. 2017. http://woman.thenest.com/career-field-botanist-21277. html. Figure 55. “Sentosa House / Nicholas Burns” ArchDaily, 04 Dec 2012. Accessed 17 Mar 2017. http://www.archdaily.com/301786/sentosa-housenicholas-burns. Figure 56. Paul, Sydell. Assisting Architecture. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 57. Paul, Sydell. Parti. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 58. Paul, Sydell. Forming of Neighborhoods. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

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Figure 59. Paul, Sydell. Program Divisions + Connections. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 60. Paul, Sydell. Private vs Public. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 61. Paul, Sydell. View Down circuit. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 62. Paul, Sydell. Healing Space Attributes. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 63. Paul, Sydell. Wall Section. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 64. Paul, Sydell. Daylighting. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 65. Paul, Sydell. Structure. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 66. Paul, Sydell. View from Cafe to Lobby. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 67. Paul, Sydell. Healing Space Attributes. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 68. Paul, Sydell. Ground Floor Plan. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 69. Paul. Sydell. Section A. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital. Figure 70. Paul, Sydell. View in Therapy Room. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

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Figure 71. Paul, Sydell. Healing Space Attribute. Kansas State University. Strength: Healing Architecture through Physiotherapy and Ecotherapy. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Digital.

Figure 72. Paul, Sydell. Therapy Room Structural Grid. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph. Figure 73. Paul, Sydell. Therapy Room. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph. Figure 74. Paul, Sydell. View from Jackson Street. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph. Figure 75. Paul, Sydell. View from Buchanan Avenue. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph. Figure 76. Paul, Sydell. View from San Pablo Avenue. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, 2017. Photograph.

THANK YOU!




PLAY

>healing architecture for survivors of political torture chapter XI



>foreword The studio project will explore the relationships between human well-being and architecture through design of a facility, the purpose of which is to support the rehabilitation of torture survivors. While the center’s main therapeutic approach is focused towards children, it also seeks to reach out to the community as a place in which anyone is welcome. This facility seeks to be a place of refuge and restoration for all, a place that people can come to learn, to be empowered and to connect with others who can relate to them. The center is a place of healing. Supported by architecture and design, healing can take place and people can take a step in the direction of overcoming the physical or emotional chains that once held them back. Here, they can connect with people who can relate to them and care for them. Here they can learn about the world and themselves. Here, they can be empowered to overcome the past and embrace the future.



THE AUTHOR chapter XI >blake wilson And so it concludes, the journey that started five years ago here at Kansas State University. Growing up in Dubai, I lived in an architect’s playground, seeing some of the tallest, largest and craziest buildings in the world. That experience built the foundation for my love of architecture. This love (and hate) grew with the countless number of designs, sleepless nights and the silly antics in studio at 4 a.m. But it all lead to this; the end that marks the beginning. This studio has proven itself to be the most challenging project, but without a doubt one of the most rewarding. It challenged me to view architecture in a new mindset. It allowed me to see that architecture can, and should be, about people. As I continue into my professional career I hope to never lose what I learned in this studio. I am grateful for the challenge of this project, but even more so grateful of the people that helped me get to this point. To my family, I would not be where I am, or who I am, were not for you all. To my studio, who became a second family, thank you for all the moments we shared in laughter and in frustration. I could not have asked for a better group of people to share this final year with. I wish all of you the best,

Blake Wilson



TABLE OF CONTENTS

chapter XI

section I _ preliminary research _ torture & its effects _ healing places _ defining the users _ building operation _ concept & architectural idea _ precedent studies _ building program section II _ site selection _ site context _ site conditions _ form exploration _ site selection section III _ design proposal _ sustainability considerations _ material selection _ design considerations _ building diagrams _ design proposition BIBLIOGRAPHY

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>preliminary research Before any thought could be put into the design of the center, there had to be a deep understanding of what torture is, how to overcome its effects, and of course evidence based design decisions to encourage healing. To better understand torture and its effects, research was conducted. From the research, decisions impacting the program and the design were made. Based on the research studied, a framework that included the users of the center, the therapeutic approach and the necessary spaces to include was developed. General user groups were selected based on the research. The groups allowed for an idea of what the aim of this facility would be. These groups allowed a program to start forming. The program was developed by studying multiple preexisting buildings and their programs were analyzed and adapted to start creating a program for this center. This section details the findings from the research and how that allowed for the creation of a program specifically based on the findings.


SECTION I >preliminary research


Torture & its effects preliminary research >why the need for a center? Many countries currently face or have faced conflict, whether it be political and civil unrest or war.. As a result, many people become victims to varying degrees of torture. While many people seek refuge in other countries to escape the conditions of their home country, the effects of torture and trauma follow survivors long after they have found refuge elsewhere. In the United States, there are nearly 3.2 million refugees from numerous countries. Of the 3.2 million refugees, an estimated 40% are survivors of torture (Partner News). The reason torture survivors need a facility like this is due to the long term effects torture has on an individual. Some experience physical effects from torture, but the psychological effects can be much greater. Victims live with constant fear, depression and regular panic attacks which can prevent them from caring for themselves or their family (The Center for Victims of Torture). The aims of torture are to “degrade, break the will, terrorize of gain cooperation� of the victim (Goleman). Due to the intense psychological effects of torture, most survivors develop post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Syptoms can include nightmares, higher stress levels, or intrusive memories of the event. It causes the victim to feel intense fear, helplessness and horror (Hauksson 21).

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>why a center for children?

>what is play therapy?

While torture is traumatic to anyone, the effects of it on children can be more intense, leaving deep emotional scars that can last a lifetime and affect how they develop as an adult. Child torture is more likely among refugees, children soldiers and child laborers, however, children sometimes are also tortured as leverage against their family.

There are many models and aspects to play therapy, however, they are all based on the same idea: children learn through discovery and play which can be used to help a child express complex feelings and emotions they may not be able to do through words.

Not only are children directly tortured, but children also face a higher risk of developing psychological issues when a parent is a torture survivor, even if the parent experienced torture before the child was born. Adolescence is a crucial time in one’s life, therefore a center for children is necessary in order to help children learn to cope with the trauma they’ve experienced and allow for a healthy development as they learn to overcome the trauma. Children who have experienced trauma deal with many psychological issues and it can affect their development through their adolescent years. While traditional cognitive behavioral therapy can help, often times children don’t know how to express what they feel through words. This is where play therapy becomes a way for children to express their feelings through what kids do best, discovery through play.

>design for play therapy This center will offer traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, however, the main focus will be on play therapy. Aided by the architecture, there will be multiple spaces designed to facilitate play in a way that allows for children to heal through learning and discovery in play. The spaces will include an interactive play space, art, music, dramatic play, outdoor play spaces and group play rooms. Each space will focus on a specific type of discovery, allowing multiple options for children with different interests both in small or larger groups. The rooms will be designed with children and play in mind. They will become a secondary element of play as the design creates different opportunities for play as the building becomes a element of discovery.

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>healing through community While the center will focus on therapy for child survivors of torture, a center like this lends a great opportunity to create a place of community. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, another important aspect of this center will be a community center. The idea behind this is to create a place that will allow for people of all nationalities to come together and share experiences, connect and grow together. The intent is for people to come

together in one place, but also to reach out to the surrounding community in order to create a diverse and culturally unified community. The functions will include classes for languages, arts and cultural awareness, services to help internationals, as well as a place to host larger events to draw in the surrounding community.

LEARN

CONNECT

figure 1. vision statement

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EMPOWER


>healing places

_ symbolic

The events taking place inside the center will of course themselves be healing, but the design of this center will have a great opportunity to exemplify the healing therapies inside while acting as a separate element of healing through deliberate design decisions.

The building can serve as symbolic, a place people can call their own and feel safe and protected by. Nature can also play a role in symbolism, water and vegetation can act as physical elements that are both symbolic and healing. The symbolism can be healing in the sense that it can be a ritual.

Wilbert Gesler presents this idea of architecture that is healing in his book “Healing Places�. He proposes four aspects of healing environments: natural, built, symbolic and social. (Gesler) This center seeks to achieve these four aspects in order to create a facility that enables healing, both through the activities that take place as well as the design.

_ natural This environment is widely associated as healing as many people connect nature with healing properties. Within this environment, one of the most important elements is water. Other elements also include visual and physical access to greenery, light and aromas. All these elements will help contribute to a natural environment that aides in healing.

_ social The community part of the build encompasses this environment. This center can serve as a place where everyone comes as equals. It also serves as a place of community, that people with similar experiences can come together in support of one another, becoming therapeutic through the social interactions of the people who use this facility.

>vision statement The center focuses on these three concepts: enhancing and facilitating learning; empowering people to overcome their past; and creating bridges that connect all ages, ethnicities and cultures.

_ built The built environment includes several aspects that invoke the senses, create a safe place and create a place in which people can feel pride in and call their own. The building itself can also serve as a physical symbolic element.

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Defining the userspreliminary research >user groups There are three main user groups. There are the users of the community spaces, the children spaces and the administration. Within each of these groups, there are various user types. Some users may utilize more than one part of the building and fall under more than one group. _ community - _ community members (all ages) _ staff/volunteers _ children - _ children who have been exposed to trauma (specifically 12 years and younger) _ parents/family members of children _ social worker representing child _ staff/volunteers _ administration - _ paid staff (administrators, child therapists) _ volunteers (translators, teachers, etc.) _ social workers

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>avatars _ amiir & mansuur rahim Amiir is five years old, his brother Mansuur, is only two. During the ongoing armed conflicts in Somalia, Amiir was kidnapped and held captive by a rebel group as leverage against his father. His father was killed but his mother was able to seek refuge in America with her two sons. figure 2. amiir & mansuur rahim

_ aboud family The Aboud family is from Syria. They were able to seek refuge in California as conflicts continue in Syria. Amena, a mother of five girls was tortured over 10 years ago. Though time has passed, she still has PTSD and the emotional trauma has affected her family, specifically her youngest daughter, Maya, age 6.

figure 3. aboud family

_ kim nguyen Kim, 32, was born in the USA to refugee parents who fled from Vietnam in 1979. Kim received a degree in sociology from UC Berekely and now lives in Albany. Due to her parents experiences, she cares for refugees and is an active community member in the area seeking to reach out to refugee populations.

figure 4. kim nguyen

_ lynette dressler Lynette, 46, received her Master’s Degree in Psychology from UCLA. She has worked as a child therapist for 18 years now and has a passion for helping children heal from trauma. Recently she has started working with refugee populations specifically, helping children to overcome their past. figure 5. lynette dressler

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>center hours of operation The center serves several functions and due to this, the center has varying hours of operation. The play therapy sessions typically last one hour and can be done between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those hours also generally apply to the rest of the center as well. Classes are offered at various times throughout the week. These classes include art and yoga classes, as well as different classes that serve as a resource for refugees or for people wanting to learn how they can be a part of helping refugees. The event space is the one space that has variable times. This space is to be used as a flexible space, housing potential lectures, movies, plays, large group gatherings such as weddings or a community market space on the weekend. As such, this space is sometimes open in the evenings or on weekends for specific events.

>two programs, one building Given the two different programs, specifically the event space, the design should allow for closing off certain parts of the facility while others remain open. The form may play a part in this, separating the various components while still creating one uniform facility.

>architectural idea Stemming from the conceptual approach, the architectural idea relates to this and works in union with that approach. The separation of programmatic elements allows for separation of spaces. However, with the goal being to create a unified center that reads as a whole, the idea of a village is proposed. The center would become like its own “village”, multiple parts unified as one. 314

The idea is furthered by the desire for a strong connection between the interior and exterior. By considering the center to be a village, then it is necessary to assume that the building will start to shape exterior spaces so that connections between different parts of the center are made, as well as a connection to nature. The reason for choosing a “village” as the architectural idea is to further the idea of a community hub, a place in which people come together in support of one another as well as a play of refuge and safety. Not only this, but the idea of a village allows for outdoor spaces to be deliberately thought out, both directly around the building, but also in the way that they reach out to the surrounding context as if they are a road to other “villages” in the surrounding area.

>conceptual approach There are several important aspects that the center strives to serve. The two most important is the community connection and a place to allow children to heal. With two different programmatic elements, the idea is to split them, but still have them communicate with one another. An element, most likely another programmatic element will act as a separation of and a connection between the community spaces and the children spaces.

>precedent studies Throughout the process of developing the center, many precedent buildings that covered a wide range of buildings types, from schools, community centers, healthcare centers and rehabilitation centers. Each contributed ideas towards the program or influenced aspects of the design proposal.


>maggie’s centre lanarkshire _ reiach and hall architects _ lanarkshire, united kingdom _ 3,230 sqf _ 2014 Maggie’s Centre Lanarkshire is designed in three parts, 2 exterior courtyard separated by the interior building. The main design consideration was the relationship between the interior and exterior. At all points in the building you have a visual connection to the exterior (Reiach & Hall). What can be drawn from this precedent and used in the design of the center is that interior-exterior relationship. There is something healing about nature and natural light. Also, the separation of spaces can lead to a possible division of space in the center, where private spaces are separated from a main circulatory space.

figure 6. zoning and separation of space

figure 7. interior courtyard

>sos children’s village in djibouti _ urko sanchez architects _ tadjoura, djibouti _ 2014 This SOS Children’s Village is a compound of 15 housing units all compiled into one “village”. Each of the houses is very open to the exterior environment, allowing for private outdoor spaces as well as more public spaces (ArchDaily).

figure 8. children’s village floor plan

The idea drawn from here is the way that there are many parts that all come together as one. The housing units create different outdoor spaces between one another. It becomes a unified village that still allows for moments of privacy as well as connection to various other spaces.

figure 9. exterior courtyard

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>program administration and outdoor spaces. The program is made up of 41 spaces totaling 13,020 s.f.

The building has four main parts of the program: community center, play therapy, administrative spaces

Child Specialist’s Office

2,500 s.f.

Translator’s Office Meeting Room

Staff Room

D. Office

C.D. Office

Staff Locker Room

V.C. Office

A.D. Office

common spaces

Lobby and Reception

1,330 s.f.

Event Space Lobby

Public Restrooms

Waiting Area

Entry Foyer

community center spaces

Event Space

6,750 s.f.

Library

Yoga Studio

Cafe w/Seating

Interactive Classrooms

Art Room

play therapy spaces

Group Play

Youth Restrooms

play therapy

Server Room

Quiet Spaces

280 s.f. Janitorial Closet

A/V Storage

outdoor spaces

Parking Lot (36 Spaces)

316

Gallery

2,160 s.f.

services spaces Mechanical Room

Staff WC

11,860 s.f.

Interactive Playground

Outdoor Market Space Bicycle Racks

Trash and Recycling


Center for Survivors

Albany, California Room

Administration Center Director's Office Volunteer Coordinator's Office Activities Director's Office Child Therapist's Offices Mixed Office Space Staff Meeting Room Staff Room/Break Room Staff Restrooms Staff Shower and Locker Room

Service Spaces Janitorial Closet Mechanical Room A/V Equipment Storage Server Room

Common Spaces Entry Foyer Lobby and Reception Waiting Area Lobby for Event Space Public Restrooms

Community Spaces Interactive Classrooms Yoga Studio Art Room Gallery Library Event Space CafĂŠ w/Seating

Youth Spaces Youth Restrooms Play Therapy Rooms Individual Quiet Spaces Group Play Room Net Square Footage Circulation Square Footage (20%) Outdoor Spaces Outdoor Event Space Parking Bicycle Racks Outdoor Playspace Trash and Recycling Outdoor Spaces Totals Total Site Square Footage

# of Rooms Occupancy

Square Footage

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 11

3 3 3 9 8 15 15 4 8 68

200 150 150 400 400 400 400 100 300 2500

1 1 1 1 4

1 2 1 2 6

50 100 50 80 280

1 1 1 1 2 6

4 30 5 10 12 61

80 300 250 300 400 1,330

2 1 1 1 1 1 1 9

30 15 10 10 15 80 20 180

1,000 750 400 400 1,000 2,000 1,200 6,750

2 4 4 1 11 41

6 16 2 10 34 349

400 1,000 160 600 2160 13,020 2,240

1 1 1 1 1 5

44 20

Special Notes

shared office space to be used by variety of staff/volunteers basic kitchen appliances, spaces for small or large social interaction adjacent/connected to locker room adjacent/connected to restrooms

contains basic cleaning supplies

projector, a/v equipment, moveable furniture, storage storage, adjacent outdoor space storage for art supplies, projector, a/v equipment public space to display community works resources for refugees, parents, community projector, a/v equipment

toys for play, built in storage off of play therapy rooms to allow for privacy toys, equipment, movable furniture, built in storage, flexible space

1,000 9,100 160 1,500 100 11,860 27,120

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>site selection Following the development of a program for the facility, the site was analyzed in order to understand all factors that could impact the design of the center. Factors that were studied included urban conditions, preexisting site features, relation to the surrounding context and the potential for community interaction. The site was studied for initial impressions based on research, then studied again in person. The results from both researching the site and seeing it in person lead to decisions regarding potential building placements and building masses. This section explores the findings of the site research as well as the exploration of site selection based on the findings from studying the site.


SECTION II >site selection


site selectionsite selection >site strategy The goal of the site study is to figure out all of the positive and negative aspects of the site, as well as to determine the best location for the building in order to address several factors. Since the center serves both the community and a place for play therapy, a connection to the surrounding context is one of the most important considerations. This includes the surrounding neighborhood including the elementary school on Jackson street as well as the preexisting community garden already on the site. Another important consideration will be that the center aims to allow people a safe and secure place to come to. The placement of the building will play a role in this as it could be situated in a way that addresses the urban context, but also allows for privacy and security at the same time. Given that the site as an elevation change of 12 feet from east to west, another factor will how the topography shapes the building or vice versa.

320


>site context

figure 1. immediate related context

The site is situated in Albany, CA on what the Gill Tract, land owned by the University of California Berkeley. The site is currently used as a community farm and agricultural research fields for the university. Surrounding the site is primarily residential, as well as some commercial buildings. Within a mile of the site, there are 2 elementary schools, one immediately adjacent off of Jackson ST. to the west. There are also 2 community centers within a mile of the site.

VIEWS FROM SITE Mt. Tamalpais Albany Hill Ridge

View Down Ohlone Ave.

figure 2. views from site

321


322

figure 3. noise

figure 4. transportation

>site noise

>public transportation

Buchanan and San Pablo are busy and generate a lot of background traffic noise. I-80 traffic creates a hum to the west that can be constantly heard from the site. Jackson street to the west, is less busy however generates inconsistent noise as cars speed up along the street.

There is a bike path north of the site. There are numerous bus stops marked by the orange rectangles above. Many of the users of the building will arrive by public transport, so consideration of building placement and paths to the building are important.

figure 5. privacy and access

figure 6. figure/ground

>site privacy & access

>figure/ground map

The further back towards the trees, the more private and secluded it becomes. Part of the building may want to be situated more towards the private and secluded area, however, other portions of the building might want to address the public street more.

Albany is a very urban area. The site is very large however. Pushing more towards the edges fits with urban context better. A large grove of various types of trees that provide shade and privacy sit on the south edge of the site. The other three edges are defined by roads.


>site & form proposals

>site selection This portion of the site was selected for multiple reasons. _ public access on the west side of the site along Jackson St. but still allows for privacy _ positioning on the west allows the community garden to remain as is as well as connect to it from the building _ views to San Pablo ridge and Albany Hill

figure 7. the honeycomb

_ accessible by routes of public transport as well as easier access for cars off of Jackson St. _ direct relationship between elementary school and facility _entry sequence in line with existing cross walk for easy access

figure 8. the L shape

figure 9. the pods

figure 10. site selection

323


>design proposal The preliminary research, creation of a program and the site selection all lead to this section. Using all the findings and considerations from previous sections, a design proposal was created. This section looks at that design proposal and the decisions that lead to its creation.


SECTION III >preliminary design


DESIGN PROPOSALpreliminary design >design proposal The preliminary research, creation of a program and the site selection all lead to this section. Using all the findings and considerations from previous sections, a design proposal was created. This section looks at that design proposal and the decisions that lead to its creation.

326


figure 1. sketch of potential lighting strategy

>sustainability considerations While this center has the opportunity to be a unique, healing place, sustainable considerations can also contribute to this, creating a healing building both for people and for the environment. Some strategies the center will strive to fulfill are: _ operable windows for passive ventilation _ sun shading on windows to prevent unwanted solar gain and allow for solar gain when desired

_ green roof for insulation and more green areas _ water retention to be reused on site _ promoting public and clean transportation by providing showers and changing rooms _ PV panels to generate electricity _ using natural, local and reusable materials _ easy access to natural environments _ windows that allow for natural daylighting and views to the exterior

327


>material selection

328

figure 2. operable windows

figure 3. kalwall

figure 4. textured wood

figure 5. textured stone

figure 6. green roof/ rooftop terraces

figure 7. light/muted calming colors


>design considerations _ relationship between exterior and interior spaces _ welcoming entrance that embraces users

_ compression and release _ moments of discovery _ interaction with public _ a place the community can call their own

figure 8. Moscow medical center courtyard

_ open areas to allow views in _ inner intimate outdoor spaces

_ connect to the rest of the site _ facility and site becomes an oasis

figure 9. hidden area of discovery

figure 10. relationship between interior and exterior

329


330

figure 11. permeability

figure 12. access and security

figure 13. program separation

figure 14. zoning


figure 15. proposed formal strategy

>design proposal In keeping with the architectural idea of a village, the proposed design will be more spread out, allowing the separation of programmatic spaces in order to zone the building and create exterior environments

in the process. The various forms will all communicated with one another, creating a unified center that allows for separation. The outdoor spaces between the forms will serve as a place of activity and gathering. 331


bibliographychapter XI SECTION 1 -- TEXT

SECTION 1 -- IMAGERY

Arch Daily. “SOS Children’s Village in Djibouti/Urko Sanchez Architects.” 10 September 2015. http://www. archdaily.com/773319/sos-childrens-village-indjibouti-urko-sanchez-architects. 28 September 2016.

figure 1. Wilson, Blake. “Vision Statement”. Kansas State Univeristy. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital.

Center for Victims of Torture. ww. cvt.org. Accessed 27 Aug 2016. “Project History”

figure 2. Wesolowski, Emil. Burundian girl carrying her brother on her back in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Tanzania. 2015, photograph, Plan International.

Gesler, William. Healing Places. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003. Print. Goleman, Daniel. 25 April 1989. http://www. nytimes.com/1989/04/25/science/grim-specialtyemerges-as-therapists-treat-victims-of-torture. html?pagewanted+all. 26 August 2016. Hauksson, Petur. n.d. http://www.cpt.coe.int/en/ working-documents/cpt-2003-91-eng. Digital. 26 Aug 2016.

figure 3. Aboud family. 2017, photograph, NCPR. figure 4. 2014 Project Inspire finalist. 2014, photograph, Project Inspire. figure 5. Lynette Dressler. Photograph, Seaside Medical Practice.

Partner News. Nationalities Service Center. 14 October 2015. Web. 10 April 2017.

figure 6. Wilson, Blake. Exterior and interior floor plan. Kansas State University. TBD. Manhattan, KS, 2016. Diagram. With reference to Reiach and Hall Architects. “Maggie’s Centre Lanarkshire.” sleeper publications, 2014.

Reiach and Hall Architects. “Maggie’s Lanarkshire.” sleeper publications, 2014.

figure 7. Interior courtyard. 10 December 2015, photograph, Mondoarc.

Centre

figure 8. Urko Sanchez Architects. Floor Plan. 2015, Diagram, ArchDaily figure 9. Callejas, Javier. Exterior Courtyard. 2015, photograph, ArchDaily.

SECTION 2 -- TEXT --

332


SECTION 2 -- IMAGERY

SECTION 3 -- TEXT

figure 1. Wilson, Blake. “Immediate Site Context”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital.

--

SECTION 3 -- IMAGERY

figure 2. Wilson, Blake. “Views from Site”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital.

figure 1. Wilson, Blake. “Sketch of Potential Lighting Strategy”. Kansas State University. Play: Helaine Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Sketch.

figure 3. Wilson, Blake. “Noise”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital.

figure 2. Thomas McConnell. Operable window. 2014, photograph, Rehme.

figure 4. Wilson, Blake. “Transportation”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 5. Wilson, Blake. “Privacy and Access”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 6. Wilson, Blake. “Figure/Ground”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 7. Wilson, Blake. “The Honeycomb”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 8. Wilson, Blake. “The L Shape”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 9. Wilson, Blake. “The Pods”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 10. Wilson, Blake. “Site Selection”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital.

figure 3. Kalwall. 2007. Photograph, Archiexpo. figure 4. Champion, Mike. Textured wood. 2009, Photograph, My Product Rep. figure 5. Gruber, Cortney. Textured wood. 2006, Photograph. figure 6. Green roof/rooftop terrace. 2017, Photograph, Orchid Lagoon. figure 7. Dujardin, Filip. Light/muted colors. 2015, Photograph, ArchDaily. figure 8. WE Architecture. Moscow medical center courtyard. 2015, Photograph, ArchDaily. figure 9. Geron, Amit. Hidden area of discovery. 2014, Photograph, ArchDaily. figure 10. Douglas Murray Architect. Sheltered hallway with long skylight and enclosed garden room. 2014, Photograph, Douglas Murray Architect. figure 11. Wilson, Blake. “Permeability”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital.

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figure 12. Wilson, Blake. “Access and Security”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 13. Wilson, Blake. “Program and Separation”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 14. Wilson, Blake. “Zoning”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital. figure 15. Wilson, Blake. “Proposed Formal Strategy”. Kansas State University. Play: Healing Architecture for Survivors for Political Torture. Manhattan, KS. 2016. Digital.

THANK YOU!

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BIBLIOGRAPHYcitations citations GENERAL CITATIONS -Climate Data --

Section Images –

_ Climate Consultant Robin, Liggett, Murray Milne, Carlos Gomez, Don Leeper, Andrew Benson, and Yasmin Bhattacharya. Climate Consultant. Computer Softward. Vers. 6. UCLA Energy Design Tools Group, n.d. Web. 24 Sep. 2016.

_Brigette. Sand Pyramid. parentsavvy.com. Digital.

Maps and Geographic Data -_ ArcGIS Basemaps ESRI 2011. ArcGIS Desktop. Redlands, CA: Environmental Systems Research Institute, n.d. Web. 19 Sep. 2016. _Google Maps Google. Google Maps. n.d. Web. 19 Sep. 2016. Cover Images – _Wilson, Blake. ”Untitled”. Photograph. 2017.

_Cotton, Alistair. “Learn Music South African or African American Teacher or Student Writing Chalk Music Notes on Blackboard Background”. Photograph. 6 April 2017. Chapter Images -_Berkut, Anna. Untitled. 8 August 2016. Photograph. Accessed 2 December 2016. _Brigette. Sand Dough. parentsavvy.com. Digital. _Corbis. Girl Playing with Building Blocks. n.d., photograph, Livewelltherapygroup. _“Hands Holding Potatoes.” 2014. Encinitas, CA. “Good Neighbor Gardens.” Accessed 04 April 2017. Images.”

_ Schirillo, Cheryl. After my sunrise walking mediation at Folley Beach, SC. 9 September 2016. Photograph. Accessed 2 December 2016.

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_Pressmaster. “Wheelchair Stock Shutterstock, n.d. Accessed 4 April 2017.

Images.”

_“Soil For Your Plants.” 2015. Palm City, FL. “Neptune Nursery”. Accessed 04 April 2017. _Zen Gardens. 12 January 2012. Photograph. Accessed 2 December 2016. _ all uncredited photography is property of the authors & the Department of Architecture at Kansas State University

THANK YOU!

_A Refugee Crisis is a Symptom of Government. Photograph. Accessed 26 Nov. 2016.

_Pressmaster. “Wheelchair Stock Shutterstock, n.d. Accessed 4 April 2017.

_Corbis. Girl Playing with Building Blocks. n.d., photograph, Livewelltherapygroup.



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