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Dealing with the issue of buildings showing characteristics of sick building syndrome, could result in occupants suffering negative side effects. Healthy living is a primary need for society. Everyday pollution in society has led to these negative outcomes of physical and psychological well-being of space users. When investigating factors such as natural light, colour, fresh air, visual contact with water and nature or noise pollution, it is found that exposure to such natural elements positively influences human behaviour, health and productivity in a live, work and play environment. This dissertation is aimed at developing an understanding conducted under the hypothesis of how architectural environments, through the theory of environmental psychology: a study of the relationship between natural environments, affect human behaviour and well-being. A healthy environment requires regular contact with nature promoting physical and psychological benefits, crucial to an individual’s health and happiness. By reducing sick building syndrome, it could increase performance and improve overall health and well-being. Occupants of the chosen case studies completed questionnaires through distribution and structured interviews personally conducted, focusing on a qualitative method. Assessing and evaluating the aims, objectives and key questions and understanding of how Biophilic Architecture influences human behaviour and well-being was obtained. Case (Alexander Forbes and Nedbank Ridgeview) and precedents studies (Prisma Nürnberg and Khoo Teck Paut Hospital) were investigated through Edward, O. Wilsons’ Biophilia hypothesis theory of mans affiliation with nature and incorporating it into building forms, showing how architectural design can evoke human behaviour through natural design elements. Architectural design is about humanity’s ‘sense of place’ (concept of Genius Loci) in nature and where the natural environment fits into the physical environment. Biophilic designs’ sensory rich world affects human health, productivity, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being, as well as reducing stress levels and eases pain. Biophilic Architecture could be the solution through a link of natural and physical environments, positively influencing human behaviour and well-being. Futuristic sustainability should have the combination of biophilic design and low environmental impact, resulting in a restorative nature based design: a true result of a positive psychological environment, a ‘sense of place,’ people want to experience, that is healthy, nurturing, and delightful to its occupants, improving the experiential quality of architectural space. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

The care of planet Earth is the responsibility of all that inhabit it. Our environment sustains us, and choices we make can compromise the Earth's capacity to sustain life.This project explores how landscape architecture can be a tool that can aid in the process of sustaining certain systems of the Earth, while providing form and function for humans at the same time. Coupled with environmental education programming, the site design becomes the framework in which the programming is based.To sustain life, the Earth must give of its resources. It is well understood that the resources on the planet are limited. Altering systems of life support on the planet must embrace a holistic view in that all systems must be maintained, yet at the same time allow us to derive our means from them.Environmental education is a magical arena that allows for nurturing of human developmental needs by providing outlets for their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. At the same time environmental education provides answers to questions that children and adults have about the environment. Landscape Design in the arena of environmental education can provide a direct link to issues of sustaining life support systems and how people learn about maintaining those systems wisely. / Department of Landscape Architecture

Bibliography: leaves 172-182. / viii, 183 leaves, [96] p. : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Proposes that there are fundamental and inadequately recognised differences between architectural practice and the basis of much design advice about environmental issues in house design. Concludes by discussing the implications of these differences for understanding how environmental issues are currently addressed in house design in Australia. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Architecture, 2000

M.Tech. (Architectural Technology) / This thesis deals with the reappropriation of an existing parking garage into a language institute at Constitution Hill. Through the generation of a flu id conversation between architecture and people this thesis aims to address the underlying social miscommunication present within South African society through a socially motivated architectural manifestation. The underlining aim of this thesis will be the generation of a socially orientated architectural platform that allows and encourages cross-pollination. This architectural platform will revolve around and investigate the many opportunities that language offers asa social mediator and how these opportunities can aid in the democratization of identity generation. This new approach will be more representative of the complex multicultural society that is present within South Africa and as a result will end up being more democratic in nature.

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Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture: Professional)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2011. / This design dissertation will deal with the making of a gateway or portal in order to improve the imageability of the campus. It is thus based on the upgrading and integration of the existing Metro Rail Station and the design of a student centre on the Pretoria Campus in order to become a social interactive arrival space serving the people of the institution. The architectural intervention is based on the principle of a gateway, that illustrates a notable transition when entering the campus. The concept of a horizontal timeline is adapted that is symbolic of the advancement of technological development of the knowledge and skills generated by the university.

Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture (Applied Design))--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010. / The issues of concern addressed by this proposal are as follows: Firstly, inclusive housing that affords people from all walks of life the opportunity to partake in and benefit from urban living. Secondly, identification and incorporation of socioeconomic patterns that promote unbound social interaction with the people of Sunnyside and serve as an activity hub alongside the regenerated Walker Spruit. The third issue is the promotion of living that is energy saving. The fourth issue entails the urban regeneration of Walker Spruit. The argument is that housing typologies adjusted to utilising emerging socio-economic activities will mitigate the housing and energy crises and in turn contribute to a more inclusive South African City that will shake off the shadow of a derived past. The site is situated on Bourke Street, adjacent to Walker Spruit.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture