8/13/2019 Final Thesis Synopsis

1/5

College of Arts and Design

University of Punjab

ARCHITECTURAL THESIS

Submitted by: Fatima Zehra

Department of architecture

B.Arch. (17)

SYNOPSIS

7THOct13

FINDING PEACE IN ARCHITECTURE

8/13/2019 Final Thesis Synopsis

2/5

1) PROJECT:a) Title:

Finding peace in architecture

b)Description:A study of how architecture can play a role of more than just a building form, by the analysis

of psychological effect of spaces and forms to reduce depression in the society.

2) INTRODUCTION:a) Client: World Health Organization (WHO)b)Users:

Main target: women and youth, Secondary target: General public, especially non-affording

class lower middle class.

c)Approximate Area: 100,000 sq.ft.d)Background:

The overall prevalence of depressive disorders in Pakistan stands at a staggering 34%, with

regions reporting as high as 66% women and 25.5% men suffering from this non-

communicable disease. The socio-economic factors of the country put a large population at

the risk of developing depressive disorders.

According to a survey conducting by WHO there is a rising trend of depression among the

youth of the country owing to the high unemployment, women are also at a high risk due to

an overall suppressive society and no facilities for pre/post natal stress.

Other reasons for depression involve genetic and environmental factors. Physical, sexual or

emotional abuse, certain medication; and personal conflicts/disputes with friends or family.

e) Reasons for Selecting:The main symptom of depression is that people are unable to participate in work or leisure

activities and become introvert and secluded. Due to a lack of activities, recreational areas

and landscapes in the country people are only dependant on restaurants and movie

theatres to help get out depression. The purpose of this project will be to provide such,individual and group, activities and spaces to relax and relieve stress. Secondly the rate of

8/13/2019 Final Thesis Synopsis

3/5

increase in depression in Pakistan is alarming and if the situation is not controlled through

different measure will be the cause of depression in every third Pakistani. Thirdly,

depression is one of the leading cause of suicide in people; especially young adults.

f) Scope of Work: Master planning Detailed planning Detailed exterior views Detailed interior views Sculptures Landscapes 3D views Animations

3) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:a)Aims:

To increase awareness about depression in people Make people understand that hopelessness and lack of interest in life is the

major symptom of depression which can be treated

Increase the facilities, activities and indirect therapies to reduce depression insociety

Special consideration for females and the young in regards to depression Finding ways to help reduce the rise in depression in society by introducing

activities that reduce stress and provide a peaceful environment for the users.

Understanding healing architecture. Study environmental psychology and how it can help in developing healing

spaces.

Since the major purpose of this project is to reduce depression from the societyas a whole, the project will not be for the depressed but every one so depression

can be eliminate from the society.

b)Objectives: Finding the link between architecture and mental wellbeing of the people, who

are in early stages of depression and can be saved through indirect approaches.

Understanding the role of senses in architecture Development of link between sensory architecture and therapy Developing architecture that act as therapy for people, by understanding the role

of senses Study of the types of activities and spaces that can be used to treat depression

8/13/2019 Final Thesis Synopsis

4/5

Create an area for the awareness of depression and consultation of theinterested people, as a secondary purpose.

The main objective is to revive activity, communication, communal andinteractive spaces for people to help them from going into depression

These will involve such spaces which soothe and calm people and also involvefunctions and human interactive programs to relieve stress and frustrations.

c) Research Questions: Types of depressions? Percentages of depressed people? Causes of depression? Treatments used for depression? What is human psychology? What is environmental psychology? What is healing architecture? What is sensory architecture? How can understanding environmental psychology help in developing healing

architecture?

How does sensory architecture and involving the role of senses help indesign?

What activities are most suitable to develop a positive and confident attitudein people?

What kind of spaces and environments help in reducing depression?4) METHODOLOGY:

a) Research Methodology: Literature Review Interviews with professionals Case studies Surveys with common people Site Analysis Design Consideration Architectural Program Zoning Master Planning Detailed Planning Presentation

b)Research Aspect: Healing Architecture Sensory Architecture

8/13/2019 Final Thesis Synopsis

5/5

Environmental Psychology Psychology of Space Therapies for Depression Transform therapies into shape and form

5) SITE:Reports and statistics show that Lahore has the highest rate of depression, 53.4%. Hence,

considering the need for such a place in the city, the site will be in one of the corners of

Lahore; which will be approached privately or by fixed bus routes provided by the

organization.

Near LSE, Ring Road

Raiwand Road Near river Ravi

6) PROBABLE OUTCOME:a) Building Typology:

The project will be a healing amusement hub, which will consist of:

Community/Activity Centre

Amusement Areas Stress relieving exercise areas Induced therapy units Spiritual and Meditation Centres Consultation and Awareness Clinics Botanical and Flower gardens Hard and soft sitting spaces Landscapes (hard and soft) Restaurants

b) Outcome: Encourage people to become active and go out to relax Heal people through design and spaces Create a healthy environment Change in attitudes of people Introduction of mentally and physically relaxing activities