Engaging our Elders: Reprograming the Architecture of Continued Care Facilities to Engage the Community

The elderly are one of the most overlooked groups in our population. The poor attention to the design of their living spaces is a sad testament to this reality. Designed like hospitals and prisons, nursing homes are sterile environments, uninviting to guests and suffocating to residents. The person-centered care of new assisted living communities is an improvement, but often the design of these institutions is governed by economic factors and architectural code requirements that continue to create isolated environments. To create truly inclusive spaces for our growing elderly population, care-centered design must go a step further and find programmatic ways to integrate the less capable into the social fabric of our community. This practice has been lost in our modern, individualistic culture. By looking at alternative methods of elderly care throughout history, this research will propose architectural solutions to combat the isolation and loneliness. The goal of this project is to explore ways to improve the quality of life for people who rely on assisted care. By redesigning care-centered spaces to prioritize human dignity and not efficiency, this thesis will frame a new perspective of aging that is exciting and dignified

ROOTS OF RESILIENCE: DESIGNING CULTURALLY INFORMED HEALING SPACES FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

This thesis explores the role of culturally sensitive architectural design in immigration asylum centers, focusing on how these spaces can better support the well-being, dignity, and cultural identity of Hispanic/Latino asylum seekers. Current asylum centers often prioritize efficiency and functionality over the emotional and psychological needs of their occupants, resulting in environments that feel institutional, impersonal, and disconnected from the cultural identities of displaced individuals. This lack of consideration for the cultural background and emotional recovery of asylum seekers exacerbates the challenges they face, including isolation, trauma, and disorientation. The research in this thesis seeks to address these issues by integrating culturally sensitive design strategies that reflect the heritage and needs of Hispanic/Latino populations. Drawing from trauma-informed design principles, this study will explore how biophilic elements, adaptable spaces, and communal areas can create environments that foster emotional recovery, provide privacy, and encourage social integration. Additionally, the thesis examines the importance of incorporating architectural forms, materials, and spatial arrangements that resonate with Hispanic/Latino cultural identity to promote a sense of belonging and comfort in asylum centers. Through a combination of case studies, and design exploration, the project will develop a comprehensive architectural proposal for a humane asylum center. This proposal will integrate cultural elements with trauma-informed design principles to create spaces that support both the immediate needs and long-term well-being of asylum seekers. The design will prioritize community-building spaces to promote social interaction with the local population, facilitating integration and reducing isolation. Ultimately, this thesis aims to redefine the architectural approach to asylum centers by demonstrating how culturally sensitive and humane design can transform these spaces into environments that offer dignity, emotional support, and a sense of belonging for Hispanic/Latino asylum seekers

Thresholds of Healing: Rethinking Inpatient Mental Health Facility Design

Along Martha Berry Boulevard in the City of Rome, Georgia, is the proposed Tax Allocation District (TAD), which slates redevelopment for blighted areas, including motels that have been a hot spot for criminal activity in the area. Coupled with this blighted area is the need for mental health facilities to serve the needs of the community, specifically long-term facilities for patients with depression and/or self-harm concerns. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 10-24 in Georgia according to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). A new long-term facility is proposed within the Tax Allocation District that blends the community of Rome within the threshold of the facility, as well as designing patient rooms and day rooms to control daylight and artificial light to regulate circadian rhythms, therefore reducing self-harm incidents and improving recovery for patients diagnosed with depression

Architecture of the Second Sense: Inclusive Educational Spaces for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Educational settings in the United States are primarily geared towards hearing individuals, posing challenges for those with hearing impairments. In 2020, 95% of school-age students with hearing loss attended conventional schools, while only 47 schools nationwide catered specifically to the deaf or hard of hearing. This oversight in design leads to issues such as inadequate spatial acoustics and limited sign language space in classrooms. My thesis proposes Architecture of the Second Sense, advocating for a holistic approach to educational design, particularly targeting pre-kindergarten through 5th-grade schools. Drawing from phenomenological principles and the five key DeafSpace design elements—Proximity, Sensory Reach, Light, Color, and Acoustics—it aims to address the educational needs of the hard of hearing community. Motivated by my personal experience of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, I aim to raise awareness that hearing impairment affects individuals of all ages, including young children. Through collaboration with experts and the hard of hearing community, I aim to identify specific educational, communicative, and environmental needs of young hard of hearing students, particularly within traditional educational settings. Located 25 miles Northeast of Atlanta in Lilburn, Georgia, my proposed site aims to cater to the needs of hard of hearing students, building upon the existing Deaf and Hard of Hearing program in Gwinnett County Public Schools. By investigating the challenges faced by thousands of American children in mainstream classrooms, my goal is to bridge the gap between traditional educational environments and the requirements of the hard of hearing community. Ultimately, my thesis seeks to create inclusive spaces that promote a sense of belonging and facilitate cognitive development for all children, including those with hearing loss. By integrating DeafSpace design elements, phenomenology, and holism, it aims to empower young students whose voices may otherwise go unheard

Variant Minds - Designing for Neurodiversity in Offices

High-functioning adults with cognitive disorders such as ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety are often overlooked when considering solutions to help neurodiverse individuals thrive. While low-functioning neurodiverse adults often receive support through specialized programs and care facilities, high-functioning neurodiverse individuals are expected to integrate into traditional work environments, which can severely impede their ability to succeed. Despite growing awareness around creating neurodivergent-friendly workplaces, many office designs continue to follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach, typically featuring open desk arrays, a few private offices, and meeting rooms. This setup fails to provide adequate separation from distractions such as noise, smells, visual glare, and other sensory inputs, all of which can be overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals. Additionally, the lack of choice in work location and environment within the office further limits productivity and well-being. For neurodiverse employees, the inability to control their workspace can be not just uncomfortable but debilitating. To better accommodate these needs, workspaces should incorporate more flexible designs, including quiet zones, customizable workstations, private or semi-private spaces, and sensory-friendly areas where individuals can decompress. Providing more options for how and where employees work within the office can significantly improve the work experience for high-functioning neurodivergent individuals. Addressing these needs is essential for fostering inclusivity and enabling neurodiverse adults to succeed in the workplace

Bringing Biophilic Design to the Art Farm at Serenbe

People are drawn to nature, therefore are genetically biophilic. As third-year architecture students working on the future expansion of the Art Farm at Serenbe, we are investigating the incorporation of biophilic design concepts into architectural practice. This project sheds light on the effectiveness of biophilic strategies in improving human well-being and environmental sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of biophilic design principles.Through their seamless integration, our architectural strategies seek to improve people\u27s physical, mental, and overall health and wellness, as well as reduce stress levels and promote a deep connection with nature. Based on the scientifically proven research that the built environment has a significant impact on people\u27s health, this research studio aims to apply biophilic design techniques to establish built environments that are healthier, connected to the natural environment, and more harmonious for occupants. Based on the influential studies of “Designing Resilient Communities for the Future” by Dr. Phill Tabb, “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design” by Terrapin Bright Green, and “The Practice of Biophilic Design” by Stephen Kellert, this literature review of the emerging field of biophilic design addresses demands such as urbanization, environmental deterioration, and the increasing awareness of the role of nature. Employing a multifaceted research methodology, this study integrates various techniques to explore the complexities of biophilic design in architectural contexts. Biophilic pattern languages are utilized to distill design strategies rooted in nature\u27s inherent patterns and processes. Three-day on-site research in Serenbe, GA was conducted where ethnographic and phenomenological data gathering and analysis were performed as well as pre-design tasks and first-hand encounters with community members. The project aims to influence architects to create communities that support holistic health and create a closer connection with nature by clarifying effective design techniques and pointing out areas for the development of the Art farm at Serenbe

Harmony in Nature and Community: The Biophilic Union of Art, Design, and Well-Being in the Serenbe Art Farm Expansion

How does the integration of biophilic design principles and the concept of Union contribute to the enhancement of community well-being in the expansion of The Art Farm Campus in the Serenbe Community? Serenbe, located in Georgia, is a renowned biophilic community that fosters connections between individuals, nature, and the community. Within this community, the Art Farm is a unique location that hosts various events, programs, and workshops centered around the celebration and exploration of the arts. This semester, third-year architecture students are collaborating with stakeholders from Serenbe, The Biophilic Institute, and the Art Farm to embark on designing proposals for phases 1 and 2 of the expansion of the Art Farm Campus. This endeavor represents a holistic approach to community outreach; the students conducted thorough research, including site visits, engaging with residents, and interviewing professionals involved in Serenbe\u27s development. The scope of exploration delves into the surrounding areas for cultural insights. Along with detailed measurements to inform our design decisions. The concept of Union emphasizes bringing elements together to achieve balance and tranquility among people and between people and nature. We drew inspiration from Dr. Phillp Tabb\u27s book on Biophilic patterns, particularly Sensory Connections, Inside-Outside Relationships, Numinous and Noetic Moments, and Centering and Nucleation. Union is demonstrated through spatial arrangements and circulation, creating interconnected spaces and paths that foster communal experiences and artistic freedom. Our design prioritizes central communal spaces, encouraging guests to share experiences, connect with nature, and engage in the artistic offerings along the artwalk. Our objective is to foster well-being by creating environmentally sustainable structures that align with Serenbe\u27s commitment to sustainable living. This project embodies Union, blending cultural vibrancy, social connectivity, and sustainability. Our designs responds to Serenbe\u27s unique context and supports the community\u27s vision of creating spaces that celebrate nature, culture, and social interaction

Reviving Neurodivergent Workplace

The post-pandemic era has left the United States with nearly one billion square feet of vacant office space, creating significant economic and social challenges. Alongside this, many employees continue to work from home, often experiencing adverse effects on their physical and mental well-being due to environments that are not conducive to long-term productivity. Addressing these issues, this thesis explores how outdated and underutilized office spaces can be revived, reinvented, and renovated to not only attract employees back to the workplace but also to accommodate the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergent people, representing millions globally, often encounter sensory overstimulation and heightened anxiety in traditional office environments, reducing their productivity and well-being. This study proposes that inclusive, adaptable design particularly through biophilic design principles, sensory-friendly environments, and ergonomic flexibility can transform office spaces into welcoming, supportive places for all employees. By incorporating natural elements like plants, dynamic lighting, and varied workspaces such as quiet zones and open areas for collaboration, organizations can foster environments that enhance focus, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. The thesis employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating literature reviews, case studies of companies with successful inclusive office designs, and qualitative research through interviews with neurodivergent employees. These insights will inform practical design guidelines aimed at creating workplaces that support neurodiversity while simultaneously revitalizing office space usage. Ultimately, this research seeks to demonstrate how a thoughtfully designed office environment can cater to diverse needs, helping organizations retain talent and improve productivity across the board