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Browsing by Author "Hernandez, Jessica Maria"

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    Embracing the biophilic flow
    Reddy, Aishwarya (Virginia Tech, 2024-06-07)
    In the context of hospital architecture, the incorporation of biophilic elements, such as natural light, greenery, and organic materials, is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and well-being. These elements not only evoke a sense of connection with nature but also contribute to stress reduction, improved cognitive function, and accelerated recovery rates. Through the lens of Vastu Shastra, which emphasizes harmony between the individual and their surroundings, we explore how the alignment of architectural elements with natural forces can create environments that resonate with the inherent flow of life energy, or prana, within the human body. Furthermore, this abstract delves into the nature of space within hospital environments, recognizing it as a dynamic continuum that encompasses mystery, refuge, and prospect. By creating spaces that evoke a sense of mystery through subtle interplays of light and shadow, hospitals can offer moments of contemplation and introspection for patients and staff alike. Similarly, the provision of refuge zones, characterized by tranquil green spaces and secluded alcoves, serves as havens for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the bustling clinical environment. Additionally, spaces designed to offer prospect, such as panoramic views of natural landscapes or expansive skyward vistas, instill a sense of hope and optimism, inspiring patients to envision a brighter future beyond their current circumstances. Central to this exploration is the role of materiality in shaping the permeability of hospital spaces. By carefully selecting and deploying materials that evoke tactile sensations and visual richness, it can enhance the sensory experience of occupants while fostering a sense of connection with the natural world. Whether by using sustainably sourced wood for interior finishes, biophilic patterns in architectural ornamentation, or the incorporation of water features to evoke a sense of fluidity and renewal, materiality becomes a powerful medium through which the essence of nature can permeate the built environment, promoting healing and well-being.
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    Intertwinements: Building Community Through Intertwining Conditions
    Freireich, Jenna Leigh (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-31)
    To intertwine: to twist or connect together. Intertwinement can be two or more elements, physical or metaphysical, that interlace and fuse with one another. Architecture that is designed for people and the human experience, as all architecture should be, must be intertwined in many ways at a variety of scales. As said by Steven Holl in his book titled "Intertwining", "By weaving form, space, and light, architecture can elevate the experience of daily life through the various phenomena that emerge from specific sites, programs, and architectures." Architecture that intertwines with its surroundings and encourages entwinements within is what impacts and builds the human experience. Throughout this year long exploration, ideas of intertwinements have been a reoccurring theme that's been studied under three main concepts: •Relationships – Perceptual and physical relationships, the relationship of the building to the site, and how the architecture impacts human relationships and interactions. •Ideas of pushing and pulling as a condition of intertwinement •Ideas of unrestrictive, loose, ambiguous boundaries These three main concepts were analyzed at a variety of scales including site scale, building scale, and spatial or room scale. Each example of these ideas at varying scales is in the form of a duality, exploring how two or more opposing ideas intersect and entwine with one another. These dualities include: •nature/campus •movement/node •stone/glass •social/recreational/study •together/separate •in/out •table/object •active/quiet •large group/small group/individual Examples of these dualities of intertwinements were studied through the design of a residence hall on Virginia Tech's campus to explore how the architecture of a residence hall can also contribute to building community and fostering an inclusive environment.