TLDR;
The presentation discusses the design of a wellness retreat that emphasizes biophilic design to address the increasing stress and disconnection from nature in modern society. It explores how natural therapies and architectural design can aid the healing process, incorporating elements and attributes of biophilic design to connect occupants with nature. The design incorporates elements like visual and non-visual connections with nature, thermal and airflow variability, presence of water, and biomorphic forms. Case studies, site selection, climate analysis, and conceptual design inspired by nature are presented, detailing the layout and functions of various blocks within the retreat.
- The retreat aims to restore health through natural therapies and biophilic design.
- Biophilic design principles are applied to connect occupants with nature.
- The design is inspired by nature, with a layout resembling a leaf and its veins.
Introduction: Designing a Wellness Retreat with Biophilic Design [0:01]
The presentation introduces the concept of designing a wellness retreat that focuses on biophilic design. It addresses the increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and disconnection from nature in today's urbanized and fast-paced society. The retreat aims to help people overcome lifestyle disorders, chronic diseases, and the effects of pollution through natural therapies, promoting a calm mindset. The design seeks to provide a unique experience by connecting guests with nature through biophilic design interventions, recognizing the global recognition of Indian healing techniques in restoring health.
Understanding Biophilia and Biophilic Design [2:02]
The presentation defines biophilia as an innate love for the natural world and explains biophilic design as a human-centered approach to improve our connection with nature in buildings. It highlights that connection with nature can enhance physical, social, and mental well-being, increase productivity, and reduce stress. Biophilic design aims to bridge the gap between humans and nature in built environments by addressing deficiencies in contemporary buildings. The goal is to explore the relationship between architecture, the built environment, and health outcomes on the human body.
Dimensions, Elements, and Attributes of Biophilic Design [3:04]
The presentation outlines the dimensions, elements, and attributes of biophilic design, including organic/naturalistic elements (environmental features, natural shapes, patterns, processes) and place-based/vernacular elements (light, space, evolved human-nature relationships). It references Professor Stephen Kellert's work, which assists designers in the practical application of biophilic design. Terrapin Bright Green's classification of user experience is mentioned, which includes nature in the space, natural analogy, and nature of the space, consisting of 14 patterns.
14 Patterns of Biophilic Design [4:00]
The presentation provides a quick overview of the 14 patterns of biophilic design, which include: visual connection with nature, non-visual connection with nature, non-rhythmic sensory stimuli, thermal and airflow variability, presence of water, dynamic and diffuse light, connection with natural systems, biomorphic forms and patterns, material connection with nature, complexity and order, prospect, refuge, mystery, and peril. These patterns offer a clear idea of how to implement biophilic design interventions in practical life.
Case Study 1: Naman Retreat, Vietnam [5:05]
The presentation discusses the Naman Retreat in Vietnam as a case study. The retreat is situated in nature with beach access, lush foliage, landscaped gardens, and rooftop terraces, offering abundant views of nature. It features tranquil open spaces, hanging gardens, large open-air atriums, and skylights that bring in natural daylight. Several bodies of water, such as pools, are present, and the exterior is reflected in a palm tree-lined body of water to create a softer transition between the building and the landscape. A gentle breeze passes through the inner courtyard, cooling the building and moving the trailing plants and shallow pools.
Biophilic Elements in Naman Retreat [7:29]
The presentation continues describing the biophilic elements of the Naman Retreat, including biomorphic bamboo pillars and structures, calming colors, and natural materials like stone and wood. Ambient lighting in bars and restaurants, along with secluded jacuzzis, create a sense of refuge. Open views around the resort offer prospect, while glass exteriors shaded by panels and plants create a sense of mystery. Hammocks, stepping stones across bodies of water, balconies, and elevated platforms give a sense of risk and peril. A chart shows the presence of various patterns in different spaces of the retreat.
Case Studies 2 & 3: Asiana at Goa and Sakia at Bangalore & Comparative Analysis [8:57]
The presentation briefly mentions two additional case studies: Asiana at Goa and Sakia at Bangalore. Both case studies integrate with their surrounding landscape and blend into the site with minimal disturbances. The buildings are based on functional needs and practicality, with light and ventilation being key considerations. The structures are made of natural and locally available materials. A table shows a comparative analysis of all the case studies, which helped in carving out the design brief.
Site Selection and Analysis: Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam [9:36]
The presentation discusses the site selection for the proposed wellness retreat, located at Rushikonda Village in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The site is situated on the southeast side of the existing Beach Road and falls under the coastal tourism zone. Visakhapatnam has a tropical wet and dry climate. The project aims to connect with nature and the openness of the natural ecosystem. The main concept is to combine the function into nature to form a suitable microclimate for the site.
Conceptual Design: Biomimicry with a Leaf [10:38]
The presentation explains the conceptual design of the wellness retreat, which is biomimicked with a leaf. The paths of the leaf's nodes serve as major junctions, the midrib as the major circulation pathway, and the distributing veins as the functions. The design process involved various iterations before finalizing the site zoning. The functions are placed at branched positions from the major circulation pathway, depicting a tree trunk with nodule points connecting various functions.
Site Zoning and Planning [11:30]
The presentation details the site zoning and planning, emphasizing the central axis that welcomes users into the center. The central axis has three nodes depicting the main functions, each with more exposure to nature through green spaces, water bodies, and landscaping. Services are provided at the backside corner of the site, with a visual buffer created through trees. Meditation and yoga pavilions are placed in the northeast direction to maximize morning sun exposure. The project has two main entrances: a visitor's entrance and a service entrance, with no vehicular movement in the interior of the site.
Functional Placement and Layout [12:38]
The presentation describes the functional placement and layout of the wellness retreat. The service and staff accommodation are located on the west side, while dining and accommodation are kept close to each other. Meditation, consultation, treatment rooms, and recreational zones are clubbed together, offering beach views and lying in a less noisy zone.
Administration Block Design [13:02]
The presentation showcases the floor plan and section for the administration block. Upon entering the site, the first building encountered is the administration building, featuring huge mushroom columns that showcase grandness at the entrance, with Ivy creepers falling out of the roof.
Meditation Hall Design [13:22]
The presentation details the ground floor plan and section for the meditation hall, which is the heart of the site. Surrounded by lush greenery and a water body, it helps users connect with nature and blurs the boundaries between the outdoors and indoors. The design integrates natural textures, forms, and patterns, promoting human experience with nature. The symbolic roof of the meditation form is a constructive interpretation of the phenomenon, and daylight enters through a glazed opening in its zenith.
Treatment Blocks Design [14:02]
The presentation provides plans and sections for various treatment blocks, including the Ayurveda and Panchakarma massage block, the acupressure and acupuncture block, and the mud therapy treatment block. These blocks feature various rooms and spaces for specific therapies.
Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy Blocks Design [14:34]
The presentation includes plans, sections, and views for the hydrotherapy steam and sauna treatment block, as well as the physiotherapy, Shatkarma, and Shatkriya treatment block, which features a central courtyard in its planning.
Dining and Accommodation Blocks Design [14:59]
The presentation showcases the plan and sectional view for the dining block, which uses a T roof to provide eco-friendliness and beach views while dining. A water body helps regulate the ambiance of the space, with a bridge connecting to the central axis and accommodation quarters. The guest accommodation features luxurious cottages overlooking a water body and beautifully designed landscape, with leaf-shaped roofs made of slit bamboo shingles, giving a vernacular vibe.
Staff Accommodation, Gymnasium, Yoga Shala, and Beach View Pavilion Design [15:31]
The presentation includes the plan and section for the staff accommodation, gymnasium, and yoga shala. It also presents the plan for the beach view gathering pavilion, located just in front of the beach.
Landscape Elements and Closing Remarks [15:59]
The presentation concludes with views depicting various landscape elements used throughout the site.