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Harmony in Contrast. Architecture, Wellness, and the Art of Balance: Exploring Active and Passive Spaces through Materiality and Light

In today's rapidly urbanized world, this paper expores the urgent need to reclaim tranquility and practice wellness through Architecture. Emphasizing the significance of reimagining communal spa experiences as sanctuaries for nurturing well-being and fostering genuine connections, it focuses on the symbiotic relationship between light and architecture. The thesis focuses on the therapeutic characteristics of light and space as it takes inspiration fromthe ancient Roman Bath, highlighting the calming effects of water features and mood-altering properties of light. Recognizing light as essential for survival and integral to our daily lives, the project seeks to harness its potential alongside water to create harmonious sensory experiences.

In an endeavor to revive communal bonds and elevate collective wellness, this project embarks on a journey of contrast, juxtaposing light and water within spa design. Acknowledging the properties of light that play an indispensable role in human survival and its profound influence on our circadian rhythm, the project strategically integrates diverse lighting techniques. From natural daylight streaming through strategically positioned apertures to carefully curated artificial illumination, every aspect is orchestrated to evoke specific moods and enhance the sensory journey. Complementing this interplay of light, water features are strategically incorporated within the project. These elements are not merely aesthetic additions but are imbued with therapeutic properties, providing avenues for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Through this integration of light and water, the spa becomes a canvas where contrasts converge, offering visitors a multifaceted experience that stimulates the senses and nurtures well-being. The juxtaposition of light and shadow, stillness and movement, creates dynamic spaces that encourage contemplation and connection. As individuals immerse themselves in this harmonious environment, they are invited to rediscover a sense of unity with their surroundings and with each other. Thus, the restoration of communal bonds and the enhancement of collective wellness emerge as inherent outcomes of this deliberate synthesis of contrasts within spa design. / Master of Architecture / In an era where the rush of modern life overwhelms our senses, designing a spa isn't merely an architectural endeavor; it's an act of reclaiming tranquility. The disappearance of communal spa experiences mirrors our detachment from shared spaces and genuine connections. In order to address the recurring issues, this thesis explores how we can resurrect the spa, we rekindle a sanctuary where people converge to nurture their well-being, fostering a sense of unity and rejuvenation. Beyond luxurious amenities, it's a symbol of restoring communal bonds and prioritizing collective wellness.

As this thesis aims to tackle the connection between Light and Architecture, the core ideology is to find therapeutic spaces that are driven by light. Our sense of sight and touch has always been an intergral part of experiencing a space. Light can affect our mood, both its presence and absence has remarkable effects on our mind. As the primary source for photosynthesis, light is crucial to our food cycle, therefore is the major deciding factor for our survival. Our circadian rhythm is attuned to daylight and contributes to our biological clock. Understanding the importance of light and water in our everyday lives, as well as the importance of contrast to our sense of perception, this project aims to maximize their concerted effort to create a harmonious journey orchestrated to explore the full potential of the sensory experience.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/119234
Date03 June 2024
CreatorsMimma, Raihatul Zannah
ContributorsArchitecture, Jones, James R., Wheeler, Joseph H., Gipe, Andrew
PublisherVirginia Tech
Source SetsVirginia Tech Theses and Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
FormatETD, application/pdf
RightsIn Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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