Eco-Psychological Architecture: A Multisensory Approach to Promoting Environmental Mindfulness

ECO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE

A Multisensory Approach to Promoting Environmental Mindfulness

An Architectural Thesis By:

SHERISE ZAPANTA

ECO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE A Multisensory Approach to Promoting Environmental Mindfulness

A Thesis Presented to the Undergraduate Faculty of

The NewSchool of Architecture & Design

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Architecture

by

SHERISE C. ZAPANTA June 2021

ECO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE A Multisensory Approach to Promoting Environmental Mindfulness Copyright © 2021 Sherise C. Zapanta All rights reserved. No part of this book may be produced in any form by an electronic or mechanical means including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retreival without permission in writing from the author.

All artwork, projects, drawings, layout design, writing, and editing was produced by author, Sherise C. Zapanta.

For details, write zapanta.sherise@gmail.com

ECO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE

A Multisensory Approach to Promoting Environmental Mindfulness

ECO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE A Multisensory Approach to Promoting Environmental Mindfulness

A Thesis Presented to the Undergraduate Faculty of

The NewSchool of Architecture & Design

by

SHERISE C. ZAPANTA

Approved by:

Undergraduate Chair: Date:

Studio Instructor: Date:

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DEDICATION

Grace, beauty, and kindness— Everything I embody is a reflection of your strength and unconditional love. Thank you for raising me to be the woman I am today. I am forever grateful for you, mom.

To my dad who’s creative curiosity has influenced me to always think outside of the box. I hope this rich, insightful, and unique journey of mine makes you an even more proud father.

To my life’s greatest treasures, Nikki and Trisha, who have inspired me to be the role model I am today. I hope this motivates you to live an intentional life and to shoot for your dreams. Ate Sherise loves you!

To my sidekick, Kuya Jorell, you are the only person in this world who understands the becoming of my being. Even from the other side of the world and several miles apart, you’ve always been by my side.

To my lover and best friend, PJ, who has wholeheartedly supported me throughout the years. Your values and unique character encourage me to be the best version of myself. I am truly blessed to have someone so one of a kind.

Lastly, to the greatest artist, God: My inspiration manifests from your canvas of creations. Nature will always be at the heart of my work.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Words cannot fully express my deepest sense of gratitude to all those who have helped me in my personal and academic journey. Passion, Purpose, and People have always played a key role in the success of my ventures, and for that, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation: To all my family, friends, mentors, classmates, and teachers, whose names simply may not all be enumerated, for enlightening me with wisdom, confidence, and motivation at every stage of my growth.

To all my relatives, friends, and others who in one way or another shared their support, either morally, financially, and physically, thank you.

To my best of friends across the globe, for being my cheerleaders and favorite human beings, thank you for giving me a sense of belonging.

Your support is immeasurable.

Special thanks to my professor, Dr. Eric Farr, for your guidance, honest feedback, and optimism throughout the making of this thesis project; as well as my mentors and advisers, Abby Sanchez, Diane Zoura, Julio Medina, Harry Mallgrave, Barbara Camacho, Lani Stoner, and Shannon Jackson, for broadening the depths of my knowledge and sharing a piece of their expertise with me. I offer my heartfelt thanks for the learning opportunities provided by my committee.

This thesis was completed during unprecedented times, and would not have been possible without each every one of you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

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ABSTRACT

The

interconnected

relationship

between

humans

and

nature shapes the understanding between the physical and perceptual human-nature interactions. Our adaptive synergy and coevolutionary experiences with our planet help us feel and understand our surroundings, and continue to link us with nature.

The built and natural environments are experienced and perceived with our entire body, with all of our senses. While the many benefits of spatial stimuli include: heightened awareness, a sense of cause and effect, cognitive development, and opportunities for choice and self-determination, how can we use this idea to respond to the evident environmental issues? Using an ecopsychology ideology and multisensory case study analysis, this architectural thesis examines the role of sensory environments in human consciousness. The expected outcome is a design methodology that improves mindfulness outcomes to expand the emotional connection between individuals and the natural world in order to understand the state of environmental concerns.

Keywords: Multisensory Architecture Environmental Mindfulness Eco-Psychology Nature Connectedness Eco-Consciousness

CONTENTS

00 01 02 03 04 05 06

PRELUDE Dedication Acknowledgement Thesis Abstract

INTRODUCTION Problem Statement Critical Position Thesis Statement

LITERATURE REVIEW

Interconnectedness of the Human Self and the Physical Environment Spatial Perception: Information Processing of the Physical Environment

CASE STUDY ANALYSIS Mindful Presence Through the Senses Learning Through Multi-Sensory Experiences

DESIGN PROJECT Site Criteria Site Selection Contextual Analysis Concept + Typology Schematic Design

DESIGN PROPOSAL Final Master Plan Final Building

COMPOSITION

Recommendations/ Conclusions List of Figures References

INTRODUCTION

Problem Statement Critical Position Thesis Statement

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PROBLEM STATEMENT

As environmental problems continue to be a globalized issue in terms of their existence and impacts, there is a great urgency to raise public awareness and encourage intellectual empathy towards the well-being of our planet. Addressing climate change is arguably one of the most crucial issues facing our planet and its inhabitants. In bio and geophysical terms, climate change is defined as: periodic changes in global climate conditions such as the averages and variability of weather phenomena, surface temperatures, sea levels, ecosystems, and living organisms as result of changes in the interactions between atmosphere and geologic, chemical, biological, and geographic factors within the Earth system (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2021).

The distinct state of current global climate change, relative to historical changes, is the role of anthropogenic activity (environmental pollution and pollutants caused or influenced by human activity) as well as, the current and projected substantial changes in climate across the globe. Current scientific evidence strongly indicates that climate change has become a crisis leading to many major environmental issues such as: Ozone Depletion, Desertification, Deforestation, Loss of Biodiversity, and Disposal of Wastes (“Human and environment interaction: Anthropogenic Impacts | UGC NET Paper 1”, 2021). From more frequent and extreme weather conditions to unprecedented heatwaves, we are feeling the impacts of human-caused global warming on the health and well-being of individuals, communities, nations, and every species on this planet.

Unless significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions due to human activities are made, average surface temperatures on Earth are expected to rise 1.5° C (2.7° F) above pre-industrial levels over the next 30 years, posing severe threats to life on the planet (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2021). The environmental impacts of anthropogenic activity are especially noticed in natural ecosystems, degrading nearly a billion hectares of land around the world, increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere, global warming, reducing productivity of sea and forests, melting of ice caps and snow glaciers, increasing ocean temperatures and acidity, rising sea levels, etc. (“Human and environment interaction: Anthropogenic Impacts | UGC NET Paper 1”, 2021).

These conditions are causing the decline in various natural ecosystems worldwide and is evidently threatening the Earth and its inhabitants. Every single day, humans interact with the world. All of us are reliant upon the sun for energy, the earth for food, trees for air, and water for drinking, but when we go about our busy lives, it is easy to take the water, air and plants around us for granted. Climate change is an important concern for all of life and a call to action is needed to save the Earth and our environment.

FIGURE 1.0 Satellite image of Planet Earth during 1972 FIGURE 1.1 Satellite image of Planet Earth during 2021

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CLIMATE CATASTROPHE

DECLINE OF RESOURCES

WILDLIFE + HUMAN HEALTH

Scientists have high confidence that global temperatures will continue to rise for decades to come, largely due to greenhouse gases produced by human activities. the extent of climate change effects on individual regions will vary over time and with the ability of different societal and environmental systems to mitigate or adapt to change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increase in co2 levels are likely to be significant and will continue to rise.

The Earth provides for our basic needs with renewable resources, such as timber, clean water and air, healthy soils, and plants and animals for consumption. The Earth’s population is depleting our planet’s natural resources at a rate faster than what is needed for those resources to be replenished, putting increased pressure on biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Today, the 7.8 billion people on it are using more of its resources than it can provide, using those resources at almost twice the rate that the Earth can renew them.

Climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health- cleanr air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress.

Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy-use choices can result in improved health, particularly through reduced air pollution.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

UNSUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES

ENVIRONMENTAL MINDFULNESS

All people have the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, pollution-free air and water, land and soil, seas and oceans, and a life free from chemicals. Environmental injustice, poor governance, socioeconomic impacts, and climate change effects on children and future generations instigate that today’s climate crisis is a global emergency.

Current patterns of production and consumption are not sustainable and are responsible for the main categories for emmision such as: transportation, commercial & residential, industry, electricity, and agriculture. Developed nations have the most access to resources and therefore the greatest impact on the environment. Twenty percent of the US population is responsible for 86% of resource consumption.

The practice of mindfulness takes us off autopilot, allows us to pause, experience the present moment and give gratitude for all the elements of the natural world that support our daily lives. Having intrinsic motivation as well as a purposeful pedagoy to live sustainably increases our connection and engagement with nature, develops our curiosity, engages our senses, and envourages our interconnectedness with our living environment.

CRITICAL POSITION

95%

With more than probability of human-induced global warming trends since the mid-20th century, how can we make a difference in our planet’s health and well-being?

Connection with the earth and its systems are at the core of

Environmental Mindfulness.

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THESIS STATEMENT The body is a mediator between the self and its surrounding environment. The urban and natural ecosystems consist of coherent perceptual entities that allow human perception of the physical world to be experienced with a number of senses, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Multisensory experiences allow for information of the physical environment to be encoded into multiple areas of the brain which creates more brain connections, allowing for heightened awareness, a sense of cause and effect, cognitive development, and opportunities for choice and self-determination. In addition, humans’ co-evolutionary relationship with nature enables us to experience spatial stimuli in the environment for sensory based learning, while creating a multivariate sense of well-being, stability and togetherness.

Architecture has the ability to integrate and inspire these multisensory approaches and rekindle the natural balance between humans and the earth. While this profession exists to create the physical environment in which people live, it especially stands as a representation of how we see ourselves, as well as how we see the world. Multisensory Architecture could be used to feel and understand the natural world, and suggest how different sensory modalities interact with one another to influence adaptive behavior and perception towards environmental consciousness.

LITERATURE REVIEW Interconnectedness of the Human Self and the Physical Environment Spatial Perception: Information Processing of the Environment

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INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF THE HUMAN SELF AND THE ENVIRONMENT Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs The need to respond to environmental concerns and work towards climate solutions is analyzed utilizing Moslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This model reveals that we all share a common set of necessities we seek to achieve, and illustrates that our physiological needs are first essential in order to reach the higher tiers for safety, love, esteem, and selfactualization. Moslow’s framework and the essence of human–nature relationship has revealed the many ways humans are linked to the environment.

t

Maslow’s theory is useful for both personal development and sustainable lifestyle practices. By identifying what humans need and what drives and motivates people, architecture can be designed to encourage mutually beneficial relationships to the natural environment conducive to human’s sense of responsibility to take care of planet Earth.

ro w

The highest level of the hierarchy which includes personal growth and self-fulfillment.

These are only obtainable once the lower tiers have been satisfied.

ESTEEM:

s

t h

s e fu lfl fi ll

m

e

n

SELF-ACTUALIZATION:

g

1

e n l a

Feelings of respect and achievement that are classified into two categories: the desire to respect yourself and the desire to have respect from others within the community.

ic

&

e

d

2

lo

g

LOVE & BELONGING: fi

sy c

e c

p

The needs of humans to receive and give affection and be part of a community.

d

h

o

3

i e

SAFETY NEEDS:

n

d e e

n e

n

The fundemental needs of humans to feel safe, secure, stable, and protected from natural elements and other potential threats.

y

s

c

4

s a

s

b

d

ic

e

5

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS: The basic biological needs of humans to survive, such as food, air, water.

FIGURE 2.0 5 levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs describing patterns through which human’s instrinsically partake in behavioural motivation.

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Self Determination Theory The Self-determination Theory (SDT) is a broad theory of human personality and motivation concerned with how individuals interact with and depend on the social environment. This need-based theory illustrates the compatibility of ecological sustainability and personal well-being, more specifically, how ecological degradation can interfere with an individual’s well-being and satisfaction of needs for safety/security, competence, relatedness, and autonomy, as well as how ecologically sustainable environments and behavior can promote satisfaction of these four needs and thus higher well-being and the desire to engage in an eco-friendly lifestyle. Self-determination theory explains that environmental behavior that is not motivated intrinsically is not persistent. On the other hand, when selfdetermination is high, behavior is more likely to occur repeatedly.

FIGURE 2.1 3 Components of Eco-Consciousness

C Embodied Cognition In addition to Moslow’s framework of basic needs and the Self-Determination Theory wherein the consciousness of ecological responsibility is explored, the relationship between the mind, the body, and the environment is explored in an area of cognitive science called “Embodied Cognition” which emphasizes the formative role the environment plays in the development of cognitive processes. The general theory contends that the mind is not only connected to the body but that the body influences the mind.

Theories of embodied cognition share a common goal of developing cognitive explanations that capture the manner in which mind, body, and world mutually interact and influence one another to promote an individual’s adaptive success. The particular way in which we move our body, how we’re standing, or what we touch/ hold will influence how we perform goal-directed actions in the world, and the particular sensorimotor experiences connected with these actions will serve as the basis for category and concept formation.

FIGURE 2.2 Embodied Cognition shows the general process of information processesing in respect to the interaction of humans and the physical environment.

C Relationship between the Human Self and the Environment Given the significance of one’s innate connection to nature for personal needs and behavioral outcomes, the critical question in this architectural thesis addresses how architecture would be a vital role in revitalizing the connection between humans and nature. That is, what are ways the built environment could transpire an individual’s consciousness and emotional intelligence towards the natural environment?

In order to further understand ways architecture could be used as a tool to redirect our focus back to the human body and reconnect us to nature, the interconnectedness between the human self and the physical environment is categorized into four elements: body, mind, nature, and architecture. (FIGURE ) A cross-disciplinary approach relating architecture to collective theories of psychology, neuroscience, and environmental science informs the process and concept needed to form a design suitable to respond to this research question. Research on the conditions that foster a sense of presence, growth and development, understanding, and being with nature fall under the main sections: Spatial Perception, Multi-Sensory Experiences, Eco-Psychology and concepts of Biophilia.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT the particular surroundings that encompasses all living and non-living things, natural or man-made

MIND BODY

that affect our physical well-being and mental state

the interrelationship between the body and mind

THE HUMAN SELF

NATURE

ARCHITECTURE

Eco-Psychology

Spatial Perception

the psychological presence of the natural environment has therapeutic influences to our connection to the nonhuman world. A therapeutic technique and ideology, Ecopsychology, treats people psychologically by bringing them spritiually closer to nature.

the basic mental processes people use to make sense of information, the cognitive structure of our brain, involves our unique perception of the built environment.

Understanding this helps provide insight into the environmental characteristics which impact human interpretation.

Biophilia

Multi-Sensory Experience

humans posses an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life SImilar to humans, natures is alive, moving, reproductive. In nature we observe growth and development in living things

people experience and react to space in many ways- subtle and obvious, consciously and unconsciously. Sensory experiences can enhance the user experience through practical applications, unique unto themselves or, in combination with other stimuli

FIGURE 2.3 The interconnected relationship between humans and the physical environment is defined and organized into subcatagories of interdisciplinaryareas that help us further understand the human-nature connection respective to the field of architecture.

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SPATIAL PERCEPTION: INFORMATION PROCESSING OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The Creation of Place: Sensory Integration How did we come to know what we know? A simple branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge called “Epistemology” suggests that the three main ways to make sense of the world consists of at least: (1) Experiential, (2) Cognitive, and (3) Constructed fundamentals. As one continues to learn throughout their life, one can challenge themselves to perceive their surroundings from observation/experience, rationalization, or creation. The core study of this thesis focuses on Empiricism, a view in the theory of knowledge which focuses on the role of experience, especially experience based on perceptual observations by the senses, in the creation of knowledge.

Our senses are our learning tools. As children, we innocently come to gain understanding of our environment by touching or biting everything that comes our way. Growing up from our youth, we are easily fascinated by the world and develop our abilities to recognize different sights, sounds, textures, and odors. Playgrounds are very exciting places for kids because, aside from providing a safe place for children to exert their energy and engage their senses, it allows children to have fun while interacting with others, creating a valuable learning environment where children of all ageas can develop their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills. As we get older, we still have the need for sensory engagement to recall information we’ve come to know or store and collect information new to us.

Sensory rich environments allow us to learn about our bodily functions relative to the environment around us. On a nice sunny day, we see the sun shining bright and can also feel the warmth on our skin. On a rainy day, not only do we feel the rain drops and hear the sound of raindrops falling onto the roofs of buildings, we smell the earthy scent permeating the air. The senses give us something to remember and create images in our minds we are able to visualize. When all of these senses are engaged, our experiences are enhanced resulting in heightened awareness, cognitive development, and potentially more positive experiences. Perceptible environments as such, give individuals the opportunity to explore and learn, expanding their knowledge to the fullest and creating more positive memories of these spaces.

Encouraging people to appreciate their senses through multisensory experiences invites people to look into the world, not just with their eyes, but with their entire body as well as welcoming a a greater sense of self.

Cognitive Mapping of Spatial Perception The Information-processing model describes how the human mind handles information similar to a computer. Essentially, a computer codes (i.e., changes) information, stores information, uses information, and produces an output (retrieves info). The idea of information processing was adopted by cognitive psychologists as a model of how human thought works.

For example, the eye receives visual information and codes information into electric neural activity which is fed back to the brain where it is “stored” and “coded”. This information can be used by other parts of the brain relating to mental activities such as memory, perception and attention. The output (i.e. behavior) might be, for example, to read what you can see on a printed page.

Hence the information processing approach characterizes thinking as the environment providing input of data, which is then transformed by our senses. The information can be stored, retrieved and transformed using “mental programs”, with the results being behavioral responses.

Sensory Stimuli

the perceptual process begins when our sensory receptors (eyes, ears, tongue, nose, skin) come in contact with sensory stimuli (sight, sound, taste, odours, and textiles) around us

receive information through our senses

Sensory Receptors

use it to interact with environment

organize this information

exposure

attention

interpretation

adaptation

FIGURE 2.4 Information processing through sensation and perception

FIGURE 2.5 Information processing cycle between our senses and our external environment

C Sensation and Perception How do sensation and perception affect people’s understanding of their environment?

Sensation and perception work coherently to allow us to experience the world through our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin, but also to combine what we are currently learning from the environment with what we already know about it to make judgments and to choose appropriate behavior. Sensation provides information about the psychical and perception interprets those psychical sensations from the environment.

Sensation occurs when a stimulus (e.g. a sound, light, smell, touch, or taste) is detected by receptors in your body. For example, your skin might sense a change in temperature, your eyes might sense an increase in orange light, your nose might sense the odor of smoke.

Perception occurs when the brain receives the sensory input coming in from the body, organizes it, and interprets it. This is what leads us to our experiences of the world.

FIGURE 2.6 Top-Down Bottom-Up Processing Model FIGURE 2.7 Influence of environmental stimuli

C Brain Region and Cognitive Structures The Cerebral Cortex is made up of tightly packed neurons and is the wrinkly, outermost layer that surrounds the brain. It is also responsible for higher thought processes including speech and decision making. The cortex is divided into four different lobes, the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital, which contain sensory areas and motor areas responsible for processing different types of sensory information. Sensory areas receive input from the thalamus and process information related to the senses. They include the visual cortex (sensation of sight) of the occipital lobe, the auditory cortex (sensation of hearing) of the temporal lobe, the gustatory cortex, (sensation of taste and smell) and the somatosensory (sensation of touch) cortex of the parietal lobe.

FIGURE 2.8 Map of sensory functions within the Cerebral Cortex

CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

Mindful Presence Through the Senses: Precedents Learning Through Multi-Sensory Experiences: Precedents

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CASE STUDY ANALYSIS: MINDFUL PRESENCE THROUGH THE SENSES Case Study #1: Therme Vals Architects: Peter Zumthor Location: Vals, Graubünden, Switzerland Type: Hotel Year: 1996 Area: 15,000 ft²

scenescape

light plays

warmth + intimacy

The immersive journey begins, by walking through the hotel foyer, via a darkened tunnel, having a dislocating effect from the outside world into the illuminated reception area. The senses are ultimately enaged as users pass through a shadowy corridaor and hear the surrounding elements of nature and meticulous architectural designs to enhance the senses of nature. This space was designed for visitors to luxuriate and rediscover the ancient benefits of bathing. The combinations of light and shade, open and enclosed spaces and linear elements make for a highly sensuous and restorative experience. The underlying informal layout of the internal space is a carefully modelled path of circulation which leads bathers to certain predetermined points but lets them explore other areas for themselves.

This case study acknowledges the qualities of a the built environment within a natural scenescape, for darkness and light, for light reflections on the water or in the steam saturated air, pleasure in the unique acoustics of the bubbling water in a world of stone, a feeling of warm stones and naked skin, the ritual of bathing – these notions guided the architect. Their intention to work with these elements, to implement them consciously and to lend them to a special form were studied in this thesis to further understand mindful presence through multisenosry experiences.

horizontality + linear movement

body + mind

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CASE STUDY ANALYSIS: MINDFUL PRESENCE THROUGH THE SENSES Case Study #2: Fujian Yanlin Building Architects: Reese Studio Location: Fuzhou, China Type: Studio Office Year: 2020 Area: 138 m²

Resee is a studio of a sculptor located in an office building in high-tech zone. It covers the functions as workspace, reception and meeting. The design aimed to guide the spectators through a spiritual reading journey, in which the spectators experience their moments of enlightenment and deliverance. This is achieved through interior gardening techniques to capture the surrounding spaces for a sense of presence. Interior gardens mainly use the traditional method of borrowing scene in a modern way. When viewed from the Zen room, the landscape is completely different, which leads to the reflection on different perspectives of a problem. The blocking of the light takes advantage of the natural light to show the beauty of space in different times of a day.

Framing the outdoor natural scenescapes, the usage of natural lighting and shadows, walll opening to allow a sense of connection to the external world, as well as the careful usage of materials are referenced in this case study in attempts to achieve a naturehuman connection and a mindfulness through the senses.

“Although it was made by humans, it looks like formed by nature”.

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CASE STUDY ANALYSIS: LEARNING THROUGH MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCES Case Study #1: Cooled Conservatories at Gardens by the Bay Architects: Wilkinson Eyre Architects Location: Singapore Type: Climate-Controlled Greenhouses Year: 2012 Area: 20,000 m²

The Largest climate-controlled glasshouses in the world brings life to Singapore in creating a ‘City in a Garden Sitting in the heart of Bay South Garden, the Cooled Conservatory Complex provides a spectacular, all-weather attraction, comprising a 1.28 hectare cool dry conservatory (the ‘Flower Dome’) and a 0.73 hectare cool moist conservatory (the ‘Cloud Forest’). Each has its own distinct character, but both explore the horticulture of those environments most likely to be affected by climate change. The project has been acclaimed worldwide for its remarkable blend of nature, technology, environmental management and imagination and is a showcase of horticulture and garden artistry that brings the world of plants to Singapore and presents Singapore to the World. All the levels offer different horticultural experience by replicating conditions from different biodiversities an unique geology designed to allow visitors to experience different environments due to climate change

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CASE STUDY ANALYSIS: LEARNING THROUGH MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCES Case Study #2: Garden Art Museum of Nanning International Garden Expo Architects: China Architecture Design & Research Group Location: Nanning, China Type: Exhibition Center Year: 2018 Area: 25,570 m²

2018 China International Garden Expo was held in Nanning, positioned along a river in the city’s hilly outskirts . Distinguishing restoration methods and intervention approaches are adopted according to various scale, space structure, and characteristics of these quarries.

The towering cliffs, fragmented rocks, bottomless pools, stacked soil, slag stones, and rusty quarrying machinery are all regarded as landscape resources to be integrated into the design, and on the basis of which, space shaping, vegetation restoration, paths and viewpoints position are conceived. The quarry gardens not only preserve the site’s unique history and characteristics, incorporate the theme of horticulture and landscape art, also create a rich sensory experience for visitors, showcase inspiring ways for revitalize a derelict mining site, as well as a forward-looking demonstration of urban ecological restoration and a reference for sustainability practices.

With the design well-fitted with its original landform and landscape features, seven quarries have undergone a fascinating transformation into a series of unique gardens. They demonstrate the promising possibilities and showcase to the public the diversified methods of quarry eco-restoration as well as the multiple dimensions of landscape art.

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CASE STUDY - SUMMARY Our life experiences are multisensory in nature. All these different sensory inputs influence the experience that you have about about everything. What if we could design such multisensory arrangement to create a given, intended, experience?

Through evaluating the sensory impact on mindful presence and learning opportunities across different case studies, designs concepts and approaches for the proposed Welcome Center and Experiential Museum can be better informed. Utilizing the natural environment and intentional designs has the ability to engage oneself into immersive experiences. In addition, our understanding of the human senses and perception will become more precise through large scale data from human-environment interaction and integration research. As such, there is the potential to further understand our definition of multisensory experiences, through adaptive, computational design.

Although exciting, it carries a big questions on the implications of multisensory experiences as well as our responsibility in them. However, when it comes to human experience design, both designers and users should promote an ongoing evaluation.

DESIGN PROJECT

Site Criteria Site Selection Contextual Analysis Concept + Typology Schematic Design

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SITE CRITERIA

Environmental Essence Community Involvement Multi-sensory Influences Accessibility

The project site was selected based on a site criteria developed to challenge the integrity of the thesis research.

The following factors were considered during the site selection process and mainly derived from previous investigations on mindful presence and educational benefits through sensory experiences: environmental essence, community involvement, multi-sensory influences, accessibility. This resulted in the selection of a site that would potentially foster these goals.

COYOTE HILLS, FREMONT, CA Site Typology: Nature Park A nature park, or sometimes natural park, is a designation for a protected landscape by means of long-term planning, sustainable use and agriculture.

These valuable landscapes are preserved in their present state and promoted for tourism purposes

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SITE DESCRIPTION

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TRI-AREA

VICINITY MAP

UNION CITY

SAN FRANCISCO

CITY OF FREMONT

BAY AREA MAP

SITE

Coyote Hills Regional Park is a regional park encompassing nearly 978 acres of land and administered by the East Bay Regional Park District. The park, which was dedicated to public use in 1967, is located in Fremont, California, USA, on the southeast shore of the San Francisco Bay and northwest of the cities of Fremont and Newark.

CITY OF NEWARK SONOMA

SOLANO

Address: 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont, CA 94555

MIRIN CONTRA COSTA

Coordinates: 37.554103°N 122.079963°W

Created: 1967 Size: 978-acres (397 ha) Comprised of marshland and rolling grassland covered hills

SAN FRANCISCO

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Type: Regional Park, Nature and Wildlife

NAPA

RNIA IFO AL

SAN MATEO

TRI-VALLEY

ALEMEDA

SAN FRANCISCO

SANTA CLARA LOS ANGELES SAN DEIGO

Administrated by: East Bay Regional Park District FIGURE 3.0 Vicinity Map

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CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

SITE SELECTION

The selected site neighbors a variety of urban and natural landscapes capturing a dynamic 360 view of both the built and natural environment. The accessibility of such a site to the neighboring cities suggests opportunities to encourage human-nature connection.

ZONING

The adjacent zoning plan includes tech facilities, residential neighborhoods, city centers and neighborhood parks. This highlights the function of Coyote Hills Regional Park as a valuable nature park accessible to Live-Work-Play spaces within the neighboring cities.

WATER

Natural water features such as watersheds connecting through the on-site marshes into Alameda Creek and the San Francisco Bay are integral to contributing to the scenescape, sea level rise analysis, ecological integrity, and design utilization.

VEGETATION

The adjacent parks are small private neighborhood parks limited in usage and sensory experience. Coyote Hills Regional Park is admired for having nearly 978 acres of land featuring hilltops, grasslands, marshlands, dirt roads wherein users participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as jogging, biking, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, etc. making it a valuable site for outdoor nature activities.

MARSHES

The four on-site marshes contribute to the ecological essence of Coyote Hills and are home to many native plants and animal species, creating a greater opportunity for visitors to connect with biodiversities.

MINOR ROADS

The network of roads connects visitors into the site while having an appropriate greenspace to act as a buffer between the selected site and neighboring cities. The buffer mitigates city noise pollution, views obstructive to nature, high density pedestrian/vehicular traffic.

INFRASTRUCTURE

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CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

NEIGHBORING CITIES

UNION CITY

FREMONT

NEWARK

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CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

CLIMATE

DEMOGRAPHICS

SEE HEAR TOUCH TASTE SMELL

- Open landscape (marshlands, grasslands, hills); natural colors - Wildlife + Species (water, land, air) - People walking, bird watching, picnicking, jogging, exploring nature, - Scenic views of Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco + Oakland Peninsulas - Neighboring cities (Tri-Area) - One long 2-way winding asphalt road - Animal species (birds, ducks, squirrels, etc.)

- Sound of wind against tall grass, trees, plants - Water current from the bay - Footsteps along dirt path, wooden walkway, grass - Bicyclists along dirt path - Cars near the road - Crunchy vs soft; rapid vs smooth sounds - Breeze of the wind - Warmth of the sun (vitamin d) - Shade under the trees - Different landscapes (grass, dirt ground, asphalt road/pathway, wooden planks) - Change of climate throughout the seasons - Connection to the earth - Connection to the community - Tree trunks; oaky wood - Flowers - Grass - Salty water - Fresh air - Nature - Natural scents; earthy smell - Salt water from the bay - Vegetation; grass - Flowers - Dirt - Fresh air; scents from the bay - Wood - Animal scents

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SCHEMATIC DESIGN General zones appropriate for the masterplan were observed throughout different areas within the macro site selection. The series of spaces were considered within a sequential experience in reflection of a narrative design ascending from one one space to the next in respect to the topography of the site.

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CONCEPT + TYPOLOGY MINDFULNESS PROCESS The model structures the process into five main tiers: The driving motivational factors (tier 1- Sustaining) determine whether and how an individual engages in the mind training (tier 2- Distraction). Regular engagement in mindfulness practice develops and refines the mental core processes (tier 3- Monitoring), primarily based on the refinement of attentional functions that interact with and facilitate regulatory processes of emotions and cognitions. Improvements in these core processes result in a changed and more balanced mental stance or attitude (tier 4- Disengaging), that will result in a positive outcome (tier 5- Shifting) in terms of physical and mental wellbeing, and the quality of behavior. Each tier and component of this model, as well as the interactions and assumed causal relationships between them, warrant further detailed research and render the model a suitable roadmap in this endeavor.

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CONCEPT + TYPOLOGY Building Typology: Experiential Museum This museum will show natural history as a progression. Each room or section will exhibit a particular theme by featuring subject matters relative to elements of social ecology (human and non-human entities that interact within an ecosystem) through multisensory experiences.

DESIGN PROPOSAL

Final Master Plan Final Building

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MASTERPLAN Project Description The creation of a multipurpose building and landscape design for Coyote Hills Regional Park, a 978 acre natural environment in Fremont, California is proposed as a gift of open space for people to experience nature, encounter the art of mindfulness, pursue the senses, and explore connection to oneself and one’s environment. The facilities of the building will be a site for public amenities and programs ranging from educational classes, community activities, galleries, exhibits, walking trails, and scenic views to a curated, multisensory series of the built and natural environment.

Landscape Approximately 920 of 978 acres of Coyote Hills Regional Park are retained in sustaining the open grasslands, wetlands, marshes, willow woodland, hilltops and views of the San Francisco Bay. Preserving and enhancing the existing habitat for native flora and fauna while integrating a community meditation garden, walking trails, regenerative agricultural farming, and nature museum. Existing infrastructures and programs such as the visitor center, nectar garden, campgrounds, and parking will be converted or modified to address the overall design needs and enhancements.

Architectural Directive The overall design of the site that would encourage sustainable behavior and environmental interest via natural landscapes, architecture, art and design is intended to provide people with the opportunity to:

LEGEND A Welcome Center B Experiential Museum 1 Transportation Hub 2 Outdoor Play 3 Picnic Gazebos 4 Regenerative Agriculture 5 Greenhouse Cafe 6 Farmers Market 7 Community Garden 8 Species Habitat/ Shading Structure 9 Outdoor Yoga 10 Sensory Garden 11 Zen/Meditation Garden 12 Scenic Promenade Park 13 Outdoor Ampitheater

Public Restrooms Existing Primary Road Existing Walking Trails Proposed Pedestrian Pathway Proposed Tram Stop Water Trees Flora Hilltop Open Landscape Marshland

MARSHLAND WALKING TRAILS

GREENHOUSE CAFE

MASTERPLAN

AMPITHEATER/ OUTDOOR WORKSHOP AREA

GROUNDED ESSENCE:

A MUSEUM FOR ECO-MINDFULNESS

Building Type: Experiential Museum Architectural Concept The connected series of indoor-outdoor galleries is inspired by the architectural narrative reflecting our coevolutionary experience with Planet Earth. These galleries cater to specific themes which, altogether, aspire towards the main idea of Environmental Mindfulness.

The semi-underground museum pierces through the natural topography of the site, creating a seamless connection between humans, nature, and the built environment. With the intention of having architecture and its users “become one with the earth”, the dynamic program and design features allows for users to have a uniquely diverse experience with one’s mind, body, and the environmental context. The building orientation is situated on the East to West wing of the site, wherein various natural landscapes and scenic views of gardens, wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands gradually increase in elevation. The organic design continues to the highest level. The ecological essence and the design intervention work harmoniously, while preserving the site’s natural beauty.

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CONCEPT + TYPOLOGY USER EXPERIENCE STRATEGY This intended concept was developed through referencing a user experience strategy which mainly focus on the meaning, feeling, experience, and objective of each area of the design narrative. It was categorized into 5 general zones: Birth, Discovery, Issues, Value, and Proactivity.

COMPOSITION Projected Schedule List of Figures References

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PROJECT SCHEDULE

JUN - AUG Field of Interest Selection of Topic Literature Review AUG 2020 Proposal

Research Phase

Summer 2020

Preliminary Phase

OCT-DEC

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Data Collection Findings Conclusion/Result

Fall 2020

Hypothesis Thesis Objective Research Methodology

Research by Design JAN-MAR Schematic Design

Design Development Masterplan Programming Building Plan Programming Materiality Study Passive Strategies

Final Design

Final Master Plan Final Building Design Structure Materiality Journey/Experience

APR-JUN Final Building Diagrams Final Master Plan Diagrams Concept Diagrams Renderings Video Presentation Book Compilation

Spring 2021

Post-Production

Winter 2021

Schematic Masterplan Schematic Floor Plan Schematic Building Plan Form Finding

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LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1.0 Satellite image of Planet Earth during 1972 FIGURE 1.1 Satellite image of Planet Earth during 2021 FIGURE 2.0 5 levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs describing patterns through which human’s instrinsically partake in behavioural motivation FIGURE 2.1 3 Components of Eco-Consciousness FIGURE 2.2 Embodied Cognition shows the general process of information processesing in respect to the interaction of humans and the physical environment.

FIGURE 2.3 The interconnected relationship between humans and the physical environment is defined and organized into subcatagories of interdisciplinaryareas that help us further understand the human-nature connection respective to the field of architecture.

FIGURE 2.4 Information processing through sensation and perception FIGURE 2.5 Information processing cycle between our senses and our external environment FIGURE 2.6 Top-Down Bottom-Up Processing Model FIGURE 2.7 Influence of environmental stimuli FIGURE 2.8 Map of sensory functions within the Cerebral Cortex FIGURE 3.0 Site Selection FIGURE 3.1 Zoning Map FIGURE 3.2 Water Map FIGURE 3.3 Vegetation Map FIGURE 3.4 Map of On-Site Marshes

FIGURE 3.5 Road Network Map FIGURE 3.6 Map of Existing Infrastructures FIGURE 3.7 Map of Tri-Area FIGURE 3.8 Demographics FIGURE 3.9 Demographics FIGURE 4.0 Collage of Site FIGURE 4.1 Illustrative Site Section FIGURE 4.2 Site Selection- Sensory Analysis FIGURE 4.3 Axonometric of Existing Conditions of Site FIGURE 4.4 S.W.O.T. Analysis FIGURE 4.5 Schematic Design FIGURE 5.0 Mindfulness Process FIGURE 5.1 Topography Study FIGURE 5.2 Concept Sketch FIGURE 6.0 Proposed Masterplan FIGURE 6.1 Design Directive FIGURE 6.2 User Experience Strategy

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