Time-Traveler’s Guide to Well-being in Architecture
Non Architecture March 27, 2024
Alright, guys, buckle up! Before we hit the road, don’t forget to check out the materials section at the top of the page, as always. Now, we’re about to hop into our DeLorean and take a rad trip through time. You might think the whole “designing for well-being” gig is a trendy hashtag, but trust me, it’s as timeless as vinyl records and classic kicks.
Ancient Vibes 🏛️
We kick things off in the lands of the ancients—think Greek amphitheaters that harnessed natural acoustics or Roman bathhouses where social well-being and hygiene were the orders of the day. These OG architects knew what was up! They crafted spaces that were not just eye-candy but also nourishing for the soul and body.
Feng Shui & Zen 🎍
Next stop? Asia! From the Chinese masters of Feng Shui to the tranquil Zen gardens of Japan, there was a deep understanding that architecture could either mess with your Chi or totally boost it. It was all about harmony and balance, baby!
The Cathedral Code 🕍
Fast forward to Medieval Europe, where cathedrals were the skyscrapers of the day. The play of light through stained glass wasn’t just for show; it was a spiritual experience aimed to elevate your emotional well-being straight to the heavens.
Industrial Revolution’s Wake-Up Call 🏭
Zooming into the Industrial Age, the script flipped a bit. We got so caught up in productivity that well-being took a backseat. Crowded cities, dingy factories—yep, it wasn’t pretty. But hey, it sparked a revolution in urban planning and design principles. Architects became the new age heroes, campaigning for better living conditions and greener spaces.
Modern Marvels 🏙️
Here we are, back to the future! From biophilic designs to smart homes, we’re seeing a renewed focus on holistic well-being. Green roofs, ergonomic furniture, soundscapes—these aren’t luxury add-ons; they’re essentials for the modern dweller.
What’s the Big Deal?
Why this detour down history lane, you ask? Because the essence of well-being is in the DNA of architecture! From stone to pixels, it’s the constant thread that weaves through every era, every culture, and every blueprint.
So, you ready to join the lineage of architects who are not just builders but healers of the human spirit? 🌟
And that, my friends, wraps up our time-travel adventure. Let’s bring that rich history into the now as we master the art and science of designing for well-being! 🌈🕰️🛠️
🎯 Your Challenge
(Please note that this challenge is entirely optional. Choosing not to do it will not compromise your final result or your ability to earn a certificate for this course. The challenge is designed to offer an additional layer of engagement and practical experience, but it is not a requirement for successful course completion.)
Hey history buffs and future visionaries! For this activity, we’re creating a digital “Time Capsule” that captures the evolution of well-being in architecture. So, let your inner historian meet your modern-day innovator, and let’s make some architectural magic!
What You Need:
- Your preferred research tools (think Google, digital archives, or e-books)
- A digital platform for your Time Capsule—could be a Google Slides deck, an interactive timeline on Sutori, or a thread on Twitter. Pick your playground!
How to Roll:
- Epoch Selection: Choose one time period or architectural movement that particularly interests you. Maybe it’s the Classical Age, the Gothic era, or the Sustainable Age.
- Deep Dive: Dive into how that epoch addressed well-being in their architectural designs. Did they focus on social well-being, psychological benefits, or physical health? Find images, articles, or blueprints that bring this to life.
- The Capsule Curation: Open your digital platform and create a section for that epoch. Populate it with facts, images, and your own insights on how well-being was conceptualized.
- Fast Forward: Add a section to your capsule that imagines architecture 50 years from now. What do you envision as the future of well-being in design? Go wild—doodles, AR mockups, or poetic descriptions are all game.
- The Ribbon on Top: Add a final slide or section that ties together what you’ve learned. What are the recurring themes? What has changed dramatically?
What’s Next?
- Once your Time Capsule is ready, share it in Meditation Roofs Competition Group!
- Engage with the capsules created by your peers. Maybe you’ll find some time-travel buddies for your next architectural adventure!
Alright, architects of time and space, the floor is yours. Unearth the past, explore the present, and dream the future—All in the name of well-being! 🚀🌌🏛️
- HISTORY OF WELLNESS
Wellness is a modern word with ANCIENT roots. As a modern concept, wellness has gained currency since the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, when the writings and leadership of an informal network of physicians and thinkers in the United States largely shaped the way we conceptualize and talk about wellness today.
The origins of wellness, however, are far older—even ancient. Aspects of the wellness concept are firmly rooted in several intellectual, religious and medical movements in the United States and Europe in the 19th century. The tenets of wellness can also be traced to the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome and Asia, whose historical traditions have indelibly influenced the modern wellness movement.