The implication of neuroscience within the architectural design process has been a concept I have attempted to understand over the last year. With multiple attempts over the previous year in my architectural education and internships, this project was by far the most successful attempt at understanding and incorporating this concept. The program for this one-week project was to design either a meditation space or a sauna. The building is a small (16’ x 8’ x 10’, 5 x 2.5 x 3m) lightweight rooftop structure designed for deconstruction located in Blacksburg, Virginia.
During the first one and a half days, resources were gathered regarding the effects mindful meditation may have on the brain. These studies showed that meditation decreases activity within the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and this led to my hypothesis: Moments after a meditation session, it may take some time (Time period unknown) for the PCC activity to regulate. Therefore, if one’s visual senses are controlled or limited, this may reduce the complexity of visual information to be taken in which may allow enough time for PCC activity to regulate while not overwhelming the visual systems. This concept was developed at the beginning of the design process for this architectural project, making this concept the main reason for this design decision
Introduction:
Architecture Studio Project Prompt:
A “Skin Space Pavilion”
Program: Rooftop Wellness Space – Meditation Room or Sauna
Size: 16’ x 8’ x 10’ (5m x 2.5m x 3m)
Site: Selected location in Blacksburg, VA
Technical Requirements:
- Lightweight
- Light Frame Wooden Structure
- Designed for disassembly
- Skin Material: Anything white or mirrored (no ETFE)
- Thermally Enclosed Space (Program)
- Thermally or non-thermally enclosed support space (changing room)
- Assume a green roof with a walkway to roof access ladder
- Visually disappear into the sky / visually ephemeral/light
Required Drawings:
1) Plan (including technical wall and floor assembly): 1”=1’ (1:1)
2) Section (including technical wall and floor assembly): 1”=1’ (1:1)
3) Axonometric Technical Detail
Above: The paper written which led to the development of the design process
Below: The scientific poster presented at the ANFA Conference
