Rossi, Maria Alejandra2017-09-152017-09-152017-09-14vt_gsexam:12309http://hdl.handle.net/10919/78904Biophilia: the close relationship between architecture and nature. In my thesis, I look to embrace that relationship by designing housing for homeless veterans. For veterans, this connection helps the space become a place of healing and reconnection to nature, which is proven to have a positive impact in our health and wellness. The building becomes a container of nature, where the presence of green features and natural elements are present from the moment you come into the building, the choice of materials, the different activities and position of the spaces to welcome the most amount of natural elements into the building. This creates an indoor/outdoor environment where the resident feels secure by the walls but also welcome by nature. The building captures nature through different activities and moments, where both nature and architecture work together to create a space of healing and peace, a place of freedom, but at the same time a place of security and stability. An oasis in the city, which helps homeless veterans start over and create a space they can call home. The building is equipped to offer different activities and purposes not only for the residents, but also for the employees and visitors. The building becomes a welcoming space for the neighbors but also for nature. The building welcomes different species and promotes the creation of different habitats that can serve the growth of the ecosystem.ETDIn CopyrightnaturebiophiliahousinghealinghomelessveteransptsdThesis