Noor Abid_2016-02-19

1.7 Methods
The first stage has involved research for design; studying the current
state of knowledge in the field (including literature and precedents), as well
as understanding the chosen site and context.
Elements related to architecture and therapy were researched first to
gain some knowledge about the ways architecture can heal, which then
influenced the inclusion of nature as a healing aid. Precedents’ analyses of
wellness architecture have developed an understanding on how
therapeutic elements can be implemented into the built environment, and
how nature can increase from the healing value of the building.
The site and context analysis, on the other hand, have included:
-looking at the envisaged growth of the East Tamaki precinct, targeting
population and business.
-looking at types of amenities available on site, in order to ensure the
viability of the proposed intervention.
-looking at the Auckland Council’s development plans, in order to work
with the current and the future proposals of the area.
-looking at (age, ethnicities, family types) statistics during the period of
2006 and 2013 of East Tamaki and the neighbouring communities to help
with choosing the right programmes for the intervention.
The second stage, however, included research through design, which
has involved utilising the knowledge and understandings gained from
stage one and implementing them into design. However, design process
stages included the following:
-Site was modelled at an early stage to understand the nature of land
and its topographical movement. The model was generated digitally and in
3 dimensions after gaining the accurate land information from Auckland
City Council website. 15
-Building forms were also generated digitally at an early stage of the
design, placed and tested on site model after cutting multiple sections in
order to understand land-form relationship (since building form was
concluded to play a significant role in providing the therapeutic
experience).
-Constant changes were applied on form as a response to zoning and
planning.
-Roof shape, on the other hand, was a response to the floor plans’
movement, and it was changing according to plans.
-Atmospheres were developed to be implemented in each activity,
using different approaches for each zone. However, in some atmospheres,
models were used to test light quality coming from the façade systems.
Other atmospheres, on the other hand, were designed and tested using
photo collaging and computer rendering in order to test and understand
light, materials and colours relationship, and whether they deliver the
desired atmosphere.
-Sections, however, were produced in each zone to test roof-wall
relationship and understand the air flow and thermal comfort within each
space.
-3d sketches were also produced at each stage of the design to
understand plan-roof relationship, and indoor-outdoor connection. Since
the emotional feel of a place is considered essential to deliver therapy.
15 Auckland Council, “GIS Map Viewer,” accessed September 2 nd , 2015,
http://maps.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklandcouncilviewer/
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