Aims and Objectives

Aims and Objectives Having identified the current issue of mental health and wellbeing, this project aims to suggest ways in which architectural design can enhance and structure the sounds, aesthetics and physical touch of water, to create sensory experiences that will stimulate emotional wellbeing. This will be conducted by critically examining one’s experience with water, using phenomenology and sensory ethnography. Following extensive research related to phenomenology, sensory connections and pool environments, the main objective of this project is to explore an individuals relationship with water that enhances all the senses which will ultimately improve mental health and emotional wellbeing to give a lasting benefit to individuals and to society.

The importance of pool environments

In our rapidly changing society and increasingly interconnected and competitive world, new challenges are being faced which are already having profound effects on our communities (Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project, 2008, p. 4).

If we are to create a better community and flourish in the evolving environment, then ‘experiences that stimulate the sense, evoke emotional and intellectual response and contribute to the creation of ethical and beautiful environments’ (Peri, 2015, p. 264) are important to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential (Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project, 2008, p. 4).

One study has shown that ‘pools are all about experience’ (Gendall and Amelar, 2007) and that they were once used for bathing and immersion. It is identified that pool environments are currently used for leisure, consequently remaining unsympathetic environments (Gendall and Amelar, 2007). Therefore, the goal of this literature review is to address the three main themes that have emerged throughout the research in order to understand how these elements create sensory connections with water and emotional wellbeing.