The Affect of Architecture: Details for Meditation and Well-Being (Respite Time for the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre)

This thesis investigates the idea of designing for meditating in healing spaces in order to foster well-being. In this regard, the Rehabilitation Center of The General Hospital, in Ottawa, Ontario, has been chosen as the primary location of the project. The goal of this thesis is to design a space that can support spirituality and sustain happiness in such a way that when passing through and spending time in one such space one would feel different from when they entered. Nature has a catalyst role in the project and will be introduced into the space to settle people’s mind and to realize the benefits of practicing Dharma. The project which is integrated with nature while providing a meditative environment for people to learn, contemplate, and to validate the Dharma. It also emphasizes the development of wisdom, facilitating a connection between spirituality, art, and sense of place.