Bruneau_1998 (1)

A %$treat Centre for Wfwk
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1.5 Health Through Design
The healing process can begin anytime with a positive outlook and strong
self-esteem. Healthy people contribute to society, their community, their
families and themselves. They find nourishment in food, air and sunlight, as
well as interaction with others. Problems are not problems, but challenges
that can be overcome. If one cannot respond to opportunity with flexibility
and inner resources, s/he is unhealthy. 12 The ability to adapt to new
environments and situations is necessary to decrease the burden of disease.
This adaptation is accomplished by understanding our nature and how we
are interwoven with it. If we do not realize our interrelationship to the
environment, then high self-esteem, self-expressiveness, self-awareness and
a feeling of belonging is unattainable. 13 To resist disease, coping skills are
crucial. For any system to function effectively, there must be balance. Selfassertiveness
requires cooperation. Determination requires flexibility.
Learning, that is, mind, body and spiritual advancement, through
cooperation and flexibility, requires the will to do so. Awareness of our
environment and our abilities to cope within that environment are
fundamental with respect to the to the realm of personal health. The
following sections outline aspects of architecture and environments as
health-giving entities.
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