becoming much more meticulous and systematic than when she started here as architectural intern, fresh out of University.
I can therefore, without hesitation, recommend her for any Post Graduate University Course that she might consider.
I trust that you’ll find this satisfactory. Please do not hesitate to contact me if anything is unclear or if you should require any further information.
Yours truly
Tiaan Meyer
BArch MCPUD Pr Arch, MUDISA
contact information
Hermien Relling
Master of Architecture (Professional)
+27 83 561 0407
hermien.relling@gmail.com
@hermienrelling
Hermien Relling
about me
I am a 25 year old Candidate Architect. I completed my undergraduate degree in architecture in 2019, my honours degree in 2021 and obtained my Masters Degree in Architecture in 2022. After completing my undergraduate degree with a GPA of 71% and the highest History and Theory of Architecture mark in my class, I continued to work as an architectural Intern at Meyer & Associates Architects and Urban Designers. I am currently part of a leading architecture firm in Cape Town, Peerutin Karol Architects. Prior to this, I completed my Post Graduate Studies. I am a dedicated and hard working individual. I tend to set high, but achievable, goals that keep me motivated and focused. Throughout my university experience, I developed a strong skill for time management and working efficiently. Since 2018, I am part of the Golden Key Society. I hope to be able to continue my work experience in the architecture field and further my knowledge.
skills
experience
Primary and secondary education completed at Christelike en Nationale Meisieskool Oranje in Bloemfontein
Tertiary education completed at the University of Cape Town, Bachelors of Architectural Studies
at UCT
2018 Completed several weeks of work experience at Reinier Bronn Architects in Bloemfontein
20202021 Completed a year & two months of work experience at Meyer and Associates Architects and Urban Designers
2023Current Peerutin Karol Architects
other skills
Other than the above mentioned skills, I am also capable of using Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint. I am also equipped to use Macintosh Office Software, which includes Mac Pages and Keynote. Over the past two years I have also developed my photography skills and know how to take both automatic digital and film photos. The past year also allowed me to develop digital drawing skills. If there are any skills not mentioned, I am determined to learn if need be.
I am fluent in both Afrikaans and English, completed my DSD B1 in German, and I have just started learning French.
2. Practical Work
Meyer & Associates Architects and Urban Designers
House Meyer-Appleby
46 Ocean View Drive, Green Point
Residential Project for Meyer & Associates
House Meyer-Appleby
A residential project with new contemporary alterations. Tiaan Meyer, managing architect at Meyer and Associates, wanted to bring about changes to his existing house in Green Point.
I was tasked with drawing up the entire existing building, new Municipal Drawings as well as multiple 3D renders to benefit the design process. The municipal plans were approved.
Furthermore, I was also tasked with completing the construction drawings, as well as the Heritage Submission for this project.
2. Practical Work
Meyer & Associates Architects and Urban Designers
House Clark
78 Loader Street, De Waterkant
Residential Project for Meyer & Associates
House Clark
This was a residential Project that I worked on with one of my colleagues. The project involved proposed alterations to an existing house situated in De Waterkant. I was given the task to draw-up Municipal Drawings, Construction Drawings as well as a few 3D renders for the clients.
The drawings that follow, include Council Approved Municipal Drawings, as well as Construction Drawings.
Masters Final Project
3. Academic Work
Under Graduate Degree, Honours & M.Arch (Prof.) at the University of Cape Town 2017 - 2019, 2021, 2022
Sensory Stimulating Sanctuary Creating spaces that improve and benefit wellbeing and mental health through sensory stimulating architectural techniques
Sensory Stimulating Santuaries
The rise of the ‘modern-day illnesses’ such as anxiety, mental health struggles and issues relating to post-traumatic stress, influence people on a daily basis. I wonder how architectural techniques could be used to stimulate one’s senses so as to allow for a calming feeling or create a sense of wellbeing and safety within a space. In this paper I complete a study that focuses on ways in which architecture could be used to benefit one’s mental health by implementing trauma informed design techniques.
I draw on trauma-informed design theories, phenomenology as a philosophy, as discussed by Husserl, as well as its connection with architecture by referencing the work of Juhani Pallasmaa and Peter Zumthor. Therapeutic landscapes, as well as the theory of colour and biophilia help to identify the necessary spatial and material qualities that contribute to the favourable design of wellness centres.
The understanding of these studies lead to a set of design principles, as described by Christopher Alexander, that act as guide lines for the successful design of a traumainformed healing sanctuary, rather than the institutional approach. The literature and precedents used will influence the set of design responses and conditions that guides the design process.
The sensory stimulating sanctuary is located on the Upper Campus of the University of Cape Town and prioritises the mental health of students attending tertiary institutions. The site allows for a biophillic design, as the strong relationship with nature is a noticeable feature. The structural and interior design elements of the design project prioritises a trauma-informed approach and finds the balance between sanctuary and institution to result in an efficient, yet inviting, healing space.
Introduction
Using Sensory Stimulating Architecture to create a space that prioritises Mental Health and Wellbeing Key Focus - Trauma Informed Design - Modernday illnesses such as anxiety, post traumatic stress and mental health struggles have become more and more prevalent in the lives of students. This dissertation is based on the belief that architecture can support the work of health practitioners through incorporating a sensory stimulating design. It is seen as a privilege to be able to take care of your mental health and by having access to mental health practitioners and professionals. This is supposed to be a human right. The concept of using architecture as a tool to benefit and improve the mental wellbeing of the person experiencing the space could be a very beneficial design approach to spaces that follow a programme dedicated to mental health. Upon entering a space, one might feel a sense of calm or safety. By hearing a certain sound, or by not hearing anything, the user’s senses are stimulated in a way to manipulate their experience within the space. The choice of materiality, the visible textures or the thermal quality of a space will have an impact on the lived experience of the user. This is a sensory stimulator. The question I am asking is ‘How can a sensory stimulating architecture improve or benefit one’s mental health and wellbeing?’.
Problem Statement - There is a social misconception when referring to ‘mental health facilities’. Often people would try to avoid visiting such facilities because of the stigma that surrounds it. It is necessary to provide a place for traumatised students or students suffering from anxiety to seek professional help that also offers healing through architecture.
I draw on theories and design techniques such as trauma informed design, phenomenology, biophilia and therapeutic landscapes. These studies lead me to a collection of design principles that can benefit a healing space without it becoming institutionalised, but rather become a sanctuary for people who struggle with anxiety, past trauma or mental health issues.
Trauma Informed Design - Trauma Informed design is a relatively new field of study that is being researched by J. Davis Harte and Janet Roche. A Trauma Informed Design approach follows a specific set of design principles of both what to include and what to avoid within the design. I Identify these principles and use them as guides for the design process.
Phenomenology - The philosophy of Phenomenology focuses on how one’s past experiences dictate your current ‘Life World’. The theories of Husserl and Heidegger help to understand the meaning of this
philosophy and the importance of the user’s personal experience within an environment. Architect Juhani Pallasmaa brings phenomenology to architecture and design and writes about the benefits of multisensory spaces. Architecture becomes a physical embodiment of phenomenology as the occupant’s consciousness becomes a priority in the design process. To further emphasize the phenomenological potential that architecture has, I reference the work of Peter Zumthor who often takes the idea of sensory stimulation into consideration in his own designs. The design report discusses three theories, Therapeutic Landscape, Biophilia and Colour Theory.
A healing atmosphere is produced when physical and built environments, the human perceptions and social conditions meet. This is how William Gezler defines a Therapeutic Landscape. This ties into the theory of biophilia which focuses on the affinity humans have towards nature. A biophilic design approach follows the design principles of a trauma informed design and will therefor be beneficial to the quality of the space. The calming qualities of greenery lead to the question of how colours could be used to benefit a space or affect people. Colour theories help to identify whch colours have calming influences or which disrupt. As the design of a wellness centre focuses on a peacful atmosphere, these theories indicate ways on how to prioritise the
users’ experiences.
By referring to the theories and philosophies mentioned, I am able to draw up a set of design principles to aid in the design process. These principles act as a pattern language, as described by Christopher Alexander, for the design of a wellness space. They also create a guide as to which materials would be best for these spaces, which colours would be most beneficial and what the programme will need to prioritise.
Research Questions - How can a sensory stimulating sanctuary be beneficial to people who have suffered from past trauma or anxiety? How can the institutional programme be designed by using trauma informed design principles?
Objectives & Aims - My aim for this design project is to identify ways in which architecture can be used to improve one’s mental health through sensory stimulation. The objective is to avoid the institutional design often associated with these kind of buildings and rather create a space that allows the occupant to feel safe and calm. Giving people the opportunity to improve their mental health is something that I believe is necessary. Furthermore, my approach will follow the set of design principles that is identified through the study of Trauma Informed Design.
Sensory Stimulating Santuaries Sections
The following sections show how the building is sitting within the landscape. The site was once rich with vegetation, but after the wild fires that happened in 2021, this was all burnt, leaving the site scarred. The concept of the site also being ‘traumatised’ further motivated the site choice. It is also in need of healing, just like those who would be occupying the space.
The sloped roof mimics the slope of the site. By making use of green roofs, it allows the roof design to be tied into the landscape. It is as if the site has been extruded. The green roofs also act as a biophilic design element.
By making use of clerestory windows, courtyards, balconies and exterior circulation routes, all the spaces within the building will have either physical or visual access to nature and the surrounding views.
Sensory Stimulating Santuaries
Ground Floor Plan
Thev circulation route connects the in patients to the office spaces and consultation rooms. The courtyard separated the private office from the group therapy or group discussion studio space, which could be opened up onto its own private deck area, allowing for sessions to take place outside.
The orange area will act as the main circulation zone, it connects the public to the private, public movement happens all along the north deck of the building but is stopped by the vegetation, directing the user into the building. The glazed corridor leads one to the communal work area. This space is fully public. And it is linked to, bit can be separated from the physical activity studio, this will mainly be used for activities such as pilates, yoga, etc. This placement is further motivated by drawing the connection to the UCT sport centre access point.
Consultation Rooms
Group Meetings/ Discussions
General Circulation Public Work Space
Yoga/ Pilates/ Studio Space
Courtyards/ Gardens
Sensory Stimulating Santuaries
First Floor Plan
One enters the building on the first floor by the south entrance point. The entrance foyer gives the user the option to move out onto the northern terrace, the south circulation route, or the seminar room. The seminar room will mainly be used for talks and discussions related to mental health and well being. These could be presented by the medical professionals who practise on site. The foyer is also connected to the ground floor with a circulation node in the centre.
Furthermore, the public cafe can be accessed from the previously mentioned circulation routes. The cafe includes both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water. This moves on to the reception foyer which serves the private offices and in-patient units. The orange area is a conference room for staff members which is connected to the staff lounge. Both these spaces spill out onto the balcony on the east or into a therapeutic landscape on the west. And on the most private part of the site, the in-patient units. This concept could be further developed by placing more of these units along the curve of the site. This is also connected to the more private outdoor seating on the north end, which could lead the in patients to the medical professionals on the floor below
The precinct is situated on the university of Cape Town’s middle campus. This sits between The upper and lower campus and allows for access to campus via two major traffic routes and multiple secondary road ways. Currently, the pedestrian routes present on middle campus are extremely underdeveloped. This leads to a potentially unsafe route to walk or not allowing for an accessible and easy way to move between campuses. Middle campus has the ability to act as a very successful tool to connect these different nodes and becoming a very accessible and safe space. The under- activated spaces just need to be developed.
The initial site investigation lead to identifying the main pedestrian route that cuts through middle campus. This route sits between trees and does not follow a clear path. This means it is not pedestrian or disability friendly. It includes steep slopes, Views are buffered by large trees and there is very little activity happening along this path of travel. Making this path safer would be an important element to the project, considering this is the route student use to get to campus or to their residences.
The idea to improve safety along the route, lead to the decision of placing the main intervention next to the cricket oval on a rather steep part of the site, as well as the middle of the route. This is done to activate a very under activated zone, as well as to improve the quality of access. Furthermore, the placement of smaller interventions along the site would be proposed to draw people onto the route and create a sense of safety and friendly activity.
As mentioned earlier, the question of “What kind of spaces are missing along the route, or what would students benefit from along the route?” Lead to the creation of the agenda and the building programme. The agenda of the space would be to create a safe and healthy space for students to work and connect along campus routes.
The creation of low density workspaces is something that has increased significantly over the past two years due to the COVID 19 pandemic. However, the main purpose of this building is to promote health and safety. This includes both physical and mental or emotional health and safety. By having a space on campus for students to either feel safe with their emotional struggles or simply knowing that there is a building on campus that focusses on the protection of students, would be beneficial. It would also benefit the quality of the existing pedestrian route.
Factors such as natural light, green areas and larger open spaces would benefit mental health and improve the quality of a space. Physical activity is also a way some people choose to practise self care, or perhaps by isolating and being in a contemplative space. These elements all helped to create the building programme.
Student Self Care Center Concept Development
After identifying the placement of the main intervention, precinct analyses continued.
This drawing shows how the site has a large area of green spaces. Multiple spaces along the main access route almost seem forest like. These spaces, although beautiful, are often quiet and have little to none activity happening within them. It would be beneficial to introduce the smaller interventions within these spaces such as developed paths or designated seating.
Student Self Care Center
Concept Development
The main function of the building is to be a safe and healthy space for students on campus. This safety refers to physical & emotional security.
To further better understand the way one would have to cut into the slope, a digital massing model could be used to illustrate this. As shown, the red area is cutting into the landscape along the steep slope,
This is followed by placing a massing model into the site. This leads to understanding floor levels and access points.
Finally, the building can be designed and placed into the cut out of the site and speak to the respective floor levels.
The building caters to different ways to improve mental and physical health. It includes offices for mental health professionals and consultation rooms if needed. There will also be a space dedicated to campus security for physical safety.
To cater to differently abled people, the building will host a large ramp connecting the different floors, as well as an elevator. These tools all speak to the idea of improving the existing access routes. These spaces make up the three main cores of the building, the wellness and safety area, the services and wet core and circulation. Furthermore there are multiple green spaces throughout the building that improve the quality of the space.
Student
Self Care Center
Ground Floor Plan
The Ground Floor of the building is made up out of multiple large, open plan spaces, as well as a closed off work space & consultation offices for mental health professionals.
The space also includes an open kitchen/ dining area for students to warm up lunch, make coffee etc. with the option to either sit outdoors by the large exterior space or indoors.
The First floor could either be accessed via the Ground floor, or through the main entrance space which sits along the existing pedestrian route.
This floor also connects to the sport clubhouse by means of a small bridge (1). Furthermore, the programme includes more consultation spaces, a coffee bar, offices for campus security and ample work space.
1. Connection Bridge 2. Contemplation Space 3. Consultation Space & Balcony 4. Receptionist 5. Campus security 6. Coffee Bar 7. Vending area
Student Self Care Center
Second Floor Plan
The Second Floor/ Roof area is made up out of two large studio spaces; one indoor and one outdoor. These spaces allow for multiple group activities to take place in this space. (Yoga, Pilates, Dance Classes, Art Exhibitions, etc.)
Two green roofs are also accessible, creating spaces to rest and sit on whilst having access to beautiful views over campus.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. Access to Fire Escape Stairs
2. Indoor Studio
Outdoor Studio
Studio Foyer & Lounge
Outdoor Seating
Green Roof 1
7. Dressing Room
8. Green Roof 2
Third
Year Final Project Art Center in Wynberg Connecting community with the urban fabric through architectural connections and art.
Introduction
When thinking about an art center or a building with this function, I can’t help but think of a hypothetical link between the spaces, something that connects all the spaces within the building. This can be executed in multiple ways; through successful circulation, certain elements repeating itself throughout the building, the use of light, etc. wanted to capture that connectivity , that bond between different art forms, I wanted to embrace the fact that different artistic elements and ways of creative expression, connect with one another. My concept was to link these spaces with one another, but in a bigger picture, also link Wynberg to the Art Center, and the Art Center to the school that is located on the south end of the site. My goal was to design a monumental space in a way that it does not disregard the vernacular. Instead of the space just being one large monumental building, have it rather integrate the community. In the same way, it will have all its functions integrated on the inside.
Wynberg Art Center
Floor Plans
As mentioned in the introduction, for this project I wanted to allow for a clear connectivity between spaces and functions, both internal and external, of the building. The ground floor plan clearly shows how this idea is executed.
The building consists of one main entrance point, two secondary entrances as well as one private entrance for residents. The main entrance is located in a recessed space, creating the idea of being pulled into the space.
A large courtyard accommodating outside seating for the cafeteria, as well as access into the exhibition space. The main art studio is also located on the ground floor, connecting it to the exhibition space.
One reaches the first storey by utilizing either one of the two main circulation services or by using the secondary staircase the leads to the auditorium entrance points.
To allow for successful circulation, a large mezzanine connects the east and west sides of the building. This space also allows for someone to look down into the exhibition space, as well as onto the courtyard. The generous glazed curtain wall on the south side of the building makes it possible to have a clear view onto the outside space.
The circulation then follows to the secondary art studio, as well as the library and small study room. The library is placed in the south west corner as this would be the space with the least noise.
The second storey accommodates one of the building’s most special spaces, the outside performance space and rooftop garden. It is located on the east side of the building and allows for views over Wynberg. This space can be used for more intimate performances. The private residential area is also located on the second storey, as well as offices and lecture rooms.
