Thesis (M. Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes special study report entitled: Implication of children's experience on spatial design. Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis investigates the difficult reality of children faced with illness, necessitating prolonged hospitalization. It takes a critical position with regard to the current approach to health care in Canada within the institution of the hospital. Through an exploration of environmental and experiential factors of proven importance to the child’s healing process, this thesis seeks to understand the role of architecture in healing. It does not presume that architecture alone has the power to heal, nor does it propose a tabula rasa approach; instead it seeks to explore the possibility of offering a complement to the current health care system, through the exploration of the potential positive physical and psychological impact of place in the healing process. Using Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and the IWK Children’s Hospital as a context for investigation, this thesis explores the design of a satellite healthcare building situated in Point Pleasant Park (Halifax), where uninterrupted medical treatment is to be offered, supported by a home-like setting and constant contact with nature.

No description available.

Thesis (M.Arch.) - Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 114-116). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes special study report entitled : Implication of children's experience on spatial design. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--Dept. of Architecture, Design Science and Planning, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sydney, 2003. / Bibliography: leaves 164-171.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Sydney, 2003. / Title from title screen (viewed Apr. 28, 2008). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy to the Dept. of Architecture, Design Science and Planning, Faculty of Architecture. Degree awarded 2003; thesis submitted 2002. Includes bibliography. Also available in print form.

M.Tech. (Architectural Technology) / The inner city space is a living and working locale for diverse population groups. The central business district provides job opportunities for a multitude of skilled and unskilled workers who either live in the city or who commute from outlying areas and suburbs. In other words, it serves many purposes for many people. Yet it is rarely acknowledged as an appropriate space for young children. Reality, however, shows that children should and are accommodated within the inner city. They are part of the families that engage with the city on a daily basis. The research question addressed by this study mainly concerns how the architecture should respond to a situation which acknowledges the presence of children in the inner city in a way that is not only safe and secure but also draws on the unique learning experiences that the city offers. In this respect there are endless possibilities for discovery and sensory exploration. The city is a sensory cornucopia, of sorts. The challenge is therefore to create a relationship between the pre-school and the city that is symbiotic. Because life is the generator of the city, children add another layer to its intriguing complexities. In return, the city provides exciting educational experiences which "have the potential to ensure that memories are made and remembered. An urban preschool is not typified by the way it mirrors the urban context or incorporates it thematically, but by the way it engages and becomes part of its pattern language. Existing boundaries which are often restrictive and prescriptive are deconstructed and reconstructed, and, in doing so, the identity and the conventional stereotype of the urban preschool is redefined. The challenge that this study purports to address is to create a balance between two realms: the preschool as a place of ultimate safety and the public realm as a place of ultimate freedom. It takes into consideration how these issues have been addressed locally and overseas from the point of educational principles and, specifically, how the architecture supports and incorporates these principals within the urban context. Such an exploration of factors that typify an urban preschool (as opposed to the more familiar suburban model) will culminate in the development of a preschool that is completely context specific, especially with regard to the sensory references in the city.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

The modern world is rapidly advancing towards a technological age where every aspect of people’s lives revolves around scientific innovations and consumerism. These advancements have allowed architects to traverse many boundaries and the design of buildings almost seems limitless. However, this has also caused a shift in architecture to focus on the visual aspects of buildings. Most human beings are born with the use of all of their senses and it is through this that we use, understand and appreciate the built environment. However, if a building fails to entice one’s sense of touch or even smell, then architecture has lost its true meaning; that of designing for people and not solely for consumerism. More often than not, children are also avid users of buildings and architecture, which has lost its essence of appealing to all of our senses, also loses its fascination to children as well. Early childhood is the stage in life where people use their senses to the fullest capacity and it is through the perception of our surroundings that we learn, form meanings and identities. This dissertation thus aims to understand how the built environment psychologically affects children and how also, children perceive their surroundings. With that in mind, the purpose of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it sets out to investigate aspects of architectural psychology/perception and its relation to children and secondly, it will seek to understand how physical disabilities such as blindness and mobility impairments impact upon the design of buildings. This will set the brief for the design of an Educational Facility for Physically Disabled children, where all of these characteristics will be considered. Through this study, specific characteristics of architectural psychology will be investigated. These include the following: understanding the human senses, sensory emotions and experiences, the effects of colour and light, legibility, wayfinding, place identity related to personal identity and thus critical regionalism and phenomenology. Lastly, the importance of creating sustainable environments and the importance of nature to children will also be looked into, as well as creating safety for children in any type of environment. This research will study the multi – faceted aspects that comprise architecture for the disabled. Therefore, the research will encompass both primary and secondary sources, including relevant precedent and case studies. This research will ultimately provide a design brief, which will inform the eventual outcome for the design of an Educational Facility for Physically Disabled Children. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.