Senses are the new brick

Design that can transform how a person feels by introducing an experience that is rich in every
sense. When imagining just the word ‘tranquil’, what is the first thing that runs across your mind?
A scenery perhaps? What if we could have a space that would feel safe, where one could go to for
refuge amidst the busy, chaotic city? Where one could connect to nature physically, emotionally
and spiritually.
Through stimulation of certain senses a space can affect the mental and physical state of an
individual, it can optimize or impair the process of healing. Excessive stimuli in our environment
tends to cause cognitive discomfort. The concept revolves around creating a harmonious
surrounding to stimulate the senses by integrating nature in the form of water, foliage, wind and
light. Using these natural elements and portraying their symbolic meaning. Water for instance is
symbolic for purity. The idea is of a retreat. An escape for people who might need help but not
hospitalization.
Over the years art therapy has been utilized to treat serious symptoms of trauma and major
mental illnesses. It was found to be very successful as it helps the individuals deal with their
depressive symptoms and pain. It is helpful in letting out emotions that cannot be described
with words. Therefore, the question here lies whether architecture can do the same. Can a
space make you feel ill or fasten the process of healing? Healing is to become whole again. A
very important factor in the process of healing are the tangible attributes of the context. The
idea of a window as a portal into a space of meditation. It’ll take the individual to a zone of
isolation to reflect on oneself.
We spend most of our time indoors, which is a huge participant in the present rise of mental
health issues. The reason for that is artificial environments. We live in spaces artificially lighted
and artificially cooled. All this combined with the same routine every single day gets very
exhausting. The chaos we are surrounded by has a very negative impact on us.
Nature brings in the aspect of calmness and serenity, it is how we relate to it. Whether it is water
or foliage. It provides a space to breathe and escape the surrounding for a while. Thus, an ideal
healing space would be one where nature and architecture are weaved together. We examine
and experience the environment through architecture. The experience can be elevated by
incorporating spatially sensorial features with in architecture. To get a better understanding of
this, imagine complete sensory deprivation? Think of a room completely painted white, with no
views, enclosed in it you with a pair of gloves stuck to the palms. How would that feel? We as
humans require variations in our sensory stimulation. Sitting in the same environment all day
long can get quite disturbing. Observing nature itself for instance? Sunlight changes throughout
the day, the year. How about leaves on a tree? Same conditions, same lighting. Yet, no two leaves
will be exactly the same in shape, size and color. Thus, Variations in external and internal stimuli
are necessary for a healthy living environment.
Noor-Ul-Eman