Reiki Healing & Meditation Center

Capstone Research + Programming Book

General Design Goals
The center's main goal is to aid
strained men and women in stress relief.
as well as
educating them in reiki and meditation
practices. Philadelphia county local and
commuter workers are given the chance to heal
their mind. bodies.
and souls while preventing disease and
ailments.3
The space creates an immersive experience
that feels like a zen getaway from the urban
chaos
of the city. An interior park separates the main
meditation and reiki spaces from the entry.
acting as a transition space. The interior park
makes users truly feel like they have left the city
and are ready to decompress and unwind in the
center.
The Role of the Designer
The main objective of an interior designer
is to create an efficient. built-to-code.
and
aesthetically pleasing dwelling. Another key
role of interior designers is to create a space
with minimal waste that will have a direct and
indirect impact on the space's users. According
to international organization. The Reiki
Alliance. a full reiki session will span from 60 to
90 minutes; so a designer must create a space
that users will want to spend that amount of
time in4 As said before. a designer's goal is to
form dwellings in which people feel comfortable
enough to stay a while. This may be executed
by creating a spa-like experience; Things like
salt therapy rooms. floating rooms. and tea bars
are perfect examples of what can keep a user
happy and encouraged to dwell.
Research Goals & Methods
To create a building that achieves said design
goals. extensive research on must be done
on reiki and meditation. Interviews will be
conducted with practicing reiki masters and
psychic mediums. Tanja Wampler and Sharon
O'brien. These women own and run a healing
center. The Unity Healing House. making the
interviews and their information a reputable
primary source.Through these interviews
one can gather and understand how therapy
rooms must be organized and what each space
requires. General research on stress relief will
be done as well regarding color psychology,
natural light. plants. etc.
Sustainability Objectives
Because our world's environmental health is so
atrocious and uncared for. it is important that
designers and architects create spaces that
are environmentally conscious and sustainable.
The reiki healing and meditation center begins
its sustainable journey from the beginning; the
building is existing. making it an adaptive reuse
project. To achieve the utmost sustainable
practices. wasted lighting. energy. water. and
heating and cooling systems will be assessed.
Things like natural light. operable windows, a
green interior park. low-flow plumbing. daylight
sensors. movement sensors. rain cisterns. rain
gardens. solar panels. and geothermal heating
and cooling will be utilized.
secrion one I07
• I
Client
The client for this center will be the
International Association of Reiki Professionals.
the IARP: it is the global association for reiki
practitioners. reiki masters. and general
practitioners who include reiki in their practice.5
The IARP will have ownership of the
space and employ reiki masters involved
in their organization.
Socio-Economic Conditions
The reiki healing and meditation center is
designed for middle to upper class income
groups who live and/or work in the
Philadelphia area. As stated before. stressed
workers need an outlet to remove themselves
from the chaos of daily life and work. Those
who reside or work in urban cities are more
likely to be diagnosed
7
with mental disorders as well Since the center's
intended users hail from middle and upper
classes. finishes and materials match what
an upper to middle class home may use.
Most of
the budget will go towards comfortable furniture.
finishes. and materials, while the rest will go to
the construction and maintenance of the interior
park.
Users
The space's primary users are stressed
men and women ranging from ages fifteen
to eighty living or working in the
Philadelphia area. These men and women
will suffer from stress and/or anxiety,
unbalanced chakras,
or spiritual centers of the body, according to
Indian religions, or suffer from general stress 6
According to studies. current city dwellers
have an increased risk for anxiety disorders by
21'Yo, and mood disorders by 39'7o.
compared to those living in rural areas or
suburbs. Aside
from stressed workers and students, users who
practice mindfulness or meditation regularly
will enjoy the space as well. The center's public
users will use its salt room. meditation rooms.
reiki therapy rooms. and locker space. For users
who are not comfortable with reiki healing or
group meditation. private mediiation rooms will
be available. The center's employees require an
employee lounge. a private locker space. The
users' needs will impact the space's design
objectives by requiring numerous private
meditation rooms and vast transition space
between the main entrance and meditation
rooms.
section one I09
Eastern Meditation & Temples
Typical architectural features of ancient
Lhasa temples include a portico. an assembly
hall. sitting rooms for monks. skylights. external
service room. and a formal shrine or sanctum In
assembly halls. long rows of cushions between
pillars and elevated levels were built to show
importance of whom was sitting on it The
assembly hall is the largest space and open for
prayer. offerings. teachings. rituals. and
festivals. A large central skylight illuminates
assembly halls held up with tall pillars: the halls
have the qreatest
ceiling heights 5 v
Lhasa temple construction consisted
of internal timber frame. andjuniper wood sued
in the inner chapels and sanctums Walls are
built of rubble masonry and mud mortar joints
Roofs ore flot. constructed with loyers of
pebbles
and mud then waterproofed. Stone walls are
left visible. but mud brick interior walls are
plastered. smoothed. and polished and often
covered in murals. They were built using a
basic module consisting of a pillar and a
beam. with an average measure 2.2 meters
between each module. Sanctums and
protector chapels are typically painted maroon
while the public areas like assembly halls are
typically whitewashed: according to Asian
Buddhism. red and ochre are considered
6
sacred colors.
Western Meditation & Modernity
The first established retreat meditation
center in America. The Vipassana Meditation
Center. is found on 108 acres and contains a
bathhouse. two dining rooms. meditation hall
fitting 200. a pagoda. separate residences for
men and women and a manager's house. The
center began as a small two-story home that
fit no more than 25 meditators and students.
Demand had increased and it now fits up to
140 and offers classes and retreats to
children and teenagers The wand its
precedents are relevant to my project
because it provides information on concept
and design purpose. beneficial spatial and
construction plans. and most importantly.
7
spaces that users require
In the future. it is logical to predict
an influx in meditation cantors across the
globe The centers will become more
normalized as
yoga studios have. and will be more
incorporated into daily life like meditation in the
Eastern world. Meditation studios as well as
individual practice should be more widespread
to decrease stress and increase mindfulness
and zen.
In today's meditation centers. natural
light is typically favored over artificial light
Adjustable artificial lights on dimmers are
important if a meditation class requires
section two 115
 11
-
-••

darkness for pondering. but natural light
makes users feel more connected oneself.
Many projects featured on ArchOaily employ
methods to avoid glare and direct light that may
bother users. Methods such as fuzzy screens,
courtyards surrounding meditation rooms, floor
level windows. small skylights. and zenithal
windows have been done. In most projects.
natural lighting is used with warm artificial
lighting when needed. 8
Modern meditation centers. or the West's
derivative of temples. are designed to feel like
retreats and stem from the globalization of both
Buddhism and general meditation practices 9
Their spatial plans are similar to Buddhist
temples in that they have a main assembly-like
space with adjacent support rooms. This main
space is central. free open plan with the largest
ceiling height of the building. These modern
centers are mostly marketed towards middle
and upper class users from suburban and urban
environments Though the centers are designed
for both men and women. women use these
services more often Religion and race are not
directly associated with meditation centers. but
many converted Buddhists and Hindus do
attend
because of the relation of meditative practices.
The socio-economic and demographic
conditions of modern meditation centers have
impacted the spa-like experiences of the spaces
and additional luxurious services like floating
rooms. saunas. jacuzzis. yoga. massages.
himalayan salt rooms.
10
and even swimming pools These conditions
have also caused an influx of meditation retreat
centers in which 10-day or 60-day meditation
excursions are offered. 11 Due to the targeted
socio-economic and demographic conditions.
the budget is quite high. The reiki healing and
meditation center will have intricate structures
inside the building shell along with high-quality
materials. furniture. fixtures. and equipment.
The center will also have luxurious amenities
such
as a salt room and possibly a floating room. A
floating room is essentially a pool of water
large enough for a body and about 12 inches
deep. Its water is doused with 900 to 1.300
pounds of epsom salt until it dissolves to
create a
"weightless" effect on the user 12
Modern meditation centers do not
require specific climatic conditions or physical
contexts and can be constructed in most sites.
The centers are constructed in rural. suburban.
and urban sites and in all climates. tropical to
temperate to cold. Ancient Buddhist temples.
on the other hand. did require specific contexts
but are found in a range of climates from hot
and arid. like in India. to snowy and somewhat
temperate. like in Tibet. Ancient Buddhist temples
are built on hills and mountains. to illustrate their
power. importance. and divinity. The mountains
place temples closer to the heavens and offer
geographical hierarchy amongst their sites' small
towns. 13
section two 117
Case Study #11 MNDFL Meditation Studio
Overview & Design Style
MNDFL is a 2.100 sq. ft meditation center
located in Williamsburg. Brooklyn. NY. It was
designed for owners Lodro Rinzler and Ellie
Burrows by Shelley Sparks with a middle to
high budget.
MNDFL Williamsburg is relevant to the
proposed reiki healing and meditation center
because it is a meditation studio marketed to
middle to upper class young adults. Its design
and style is relevant because it is sleek yet
homey with a monochromatic palette limiring
distractions and overstimulation. The cemer is
related to contemporary design issues because
more and more designers find that users crave
a dwelling place. not just a pit stop that they will
spend an hour or less at
The owners. clients. and users of the space
are typically the same group of individuals with
similar interests. ages. and genders. The typical
clients and users are aged from their early
twenties to mid thirties with an equal distribution
of male and female. Most users are from the
area of Williamsburg or nearby in Brooklyn
but many visitors do come in; many users are
freelancers. artists. or students from nearby.
About 3 employees. not including management.
work during a typical shift and one meditation
instructor will arrive for the upcoming session.
The average number of users per class is fifteen.
and the most popular class times are both before
and after typical9-5 work hours.
Design Concept & Style
The style of the exterior is original to the
building; thin charcoal gray brick on the lower
level and thicker. more square gray bricks on
the top two floors. used as apartments . The
exterior is very minimal and monochromatic
with no protrusions. The interior reflects the
minimalism and smooth design of the exterior
with similar materials. shapes. forms. and colors.
The interior and exterior seem holistic and
integrated with one another. mainly because the
building was designed to be a yoga studio and its
project needs were similar. The overall concept
of the designer. Shelley Sparks. was to
create a space reminiscent of home that
created no distractions.
The space's floor plan consists of one floor
with a slightly meandering circulation path. Its
ht1ilrling nrg;:mi7Atinn ir.IP.m Anrl rlirw t with
spaces going from the loudest to the most quiet;
it is a clear distinction of public v. private. To
help ease the transition of city to meditation
center. there are meandering pathways and a
transition hall between the entry and the
meditation
rooms. Hierarchy is most prevalent in the main
meditation space as it is the largest and most
open of the spaces. equipped with two skylights
and a small outdoor space. Specific groupings
and adjacencies are: lobby and retail,
kitchenette
and lounge. and main meditation room and
private meditation room.
As for MNDFL's circulation. it is slightly
section three I21
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meandering and processional. with branching
from a central path. refer to page 30 for
diagrams. No formal wayfindino system is
needed in the space because it is so open and
everything is seen from the entry
The building's construction is typical to row
buildings with 2 load bearing walls and no
interior columns. There was a renovation done
on the space which took an 11' deep by 12'
wide space from the row home next door. One
of the load bearing walls underwent
construction and an overhead beam was
installed to take on the load. Detailing of
construction systems are easy to understand.
macrame detailed partitions are located in post
and frame constructions near the entry. as well
as an overhead "beam" detail near the lounge.
refer to page 30 for diagrams.
The space's environmental system is a typical
HVAC system with one control panel found in
the general storage room. This system is
successful for users because it heats/cools the
entire space very quickly and efficiently as
climate
calls for it.
MNDFL is sustainable through methods of
skylights and daylighting. indoor plants and a
moss wall. low flush toilets. and low-energy
emitting artificial lighting. Artificial lighting is
not used often in the space because of its
abundance of daylight. whose placement is
based on its south facing meditation room.
The light disperses through at least three-
quarters of the entire space. making reliance
on artificial
light low. While walking through the space. users
can feel the holistic approach of its natural light
and the placement of potted plants throughout.
Design add-ons such as the moss wall. which
are found in all MNDFL locations. seem like
an afterthought to unknowing users of
the company
Site & Context
MNDFL's site is located in Williamsburg,
Brooklyn. an urban neighborhood full of m-iddle
to upper class young adults. Williamsburg is
fast-advancing, post-industrial neighborhood
with emerging restaurants. galleries. and
unique shoppes in adaptive reuse factories
and tenements. 1The inhabitants are generally
artistic people such as designers. freelancers,
writers. etc. The site's climate is temperate with
four changing seasons. making the southwest
facing meditation room a colorful view of
summer sunsets and sunrises.
Interior Design
Predominant finishes and materials include:
gray slate tile. light wood. and brass. These
materials are appropriate for MNDFL because
they have a subtle presence that don't create
distraction Brass finishes are used minimally,
though they are noticeable and provide a bit of
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tile is found in every space except the meditation
rooms and is heated for the cold winter New
York months. None of the materials seem to be
sustainable.
The entry and lobby require cubby space and
seating for users to put away their belongings
and take off their shoes. The transition areas.
the kitchenette and lounge. need ample
seating for users waiting before or hanging
around after class sessions The kitchenette
specifically needs space to store mugs. a
dishwasher. a small fridge. an island. and
seating for users. The
space's lounge consists of deep and comfortable
seating for users to relax. The meditation rooms
section three I23
• •

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require long. open spaces with cubby space for
hl;=mkP.ts ;:mrl mAts r.ttshions stAy on thP. floor.
AS each user is assigned a specific one.
The space utilizes its natural light to the
fullest extent. but meditation rooms have lights
on dimmers and two large statement
pendants.
Artificial lighting is found throughout the space
and is used in the winter during morning
sessions. and after sunset during night sessions.
The natural lighting is extremely successful in
the space because it makes users content.
relaxed. and is almost always peeking through
the skylights. Track lighting and recessed lights
are in each space of MNDFL for necessity.
All of the accessories and decorative elements
in MNDFL adequately support the functional
and psychological needs of the users
Macrame detailing from a locally known artist
supports the space's local users and artists in
the area
of Williamsburg No formal art is displayed in the
space. which is perfect for its minimalist style
and its goal to decrease distractions A moss
wall element is incorporated in the kitchenette
as well as various potted plants throughout the
space
to increase indoor air quality and an
aesthetically pleasing space The space's
lighting acted as both fixtures and decorative
elements; each chandelier is polished brass.
and all pendants near the entry are hung close
together like an art installation.
Post Occupancy Survey
According to users. the most positive things
about MNDFL include its natural light. its
homey
feel. its no-shoes policy. its communal vibes.
Anrl its rP.tAil ArP.A FAr.h ownP.r Anrl tP.Ar.hP.r
rir.k their favorite personal books and/or
products and display them on shelves for
purchase each month. Users called out negatives
such as: sometimes there is not enough cubby
space.
the private meditation room is too small. and the
bathroom is too close and too loud to be near
the meditation rooms.
Evaluation
Overall I find the space to be adequate.
generally meeting its needs spatially. As far as
the design and concept. I found it very appealing
and it truly did feel like a space I could dwell in.
like a home. Its natural light was sublime. and
the frosted doors separating the meditation
rooms and transition space amplified the light
even more. reminiscent of glowing planes The
private meditation room was too small for users.
although it was adequate for two to three people
RP.sirlP.s smAll srAr.P. MNrJFI is A WP.II rlP.signP.rl
and organized space.
Spaces, Rooms & Adjacencies
Acoustics are generally successful in the
space. but the meditation rooms do not have
enough acoustical privacy and it is apparent
when classes are in session. Employees have
to be sure to be quiet in the lobby as classes
are in session. When users flush the toilet. it
can also be heard in the meditation rooms
since it is so close to the their entries.
section three I25
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 MNDFL Adjacency Matrix

Lounge
Bathroom
Private Meditation
Rm. Main Meditation
Rm. Corri or
Key: e 0 0
1 2 3

• Lobby & RetailSpace

CommunalTransitionSpaces

• Meditation Spaces

• Ancillary I Employee Spaces

space size {sq.ft) privacy acoustics function

•
lobby 150-200 public moderate cubbies.seating,reception desk
retail space 20-30 public moderate merchlike:books.oils.bracelets,etc.
kitchenette 130-150 semiprivate moderate tea bar,island, transition space
lounge 110-120 semiprivate quiet/moderate comfortable seating, transition space
corridor 60-70 semiprivate quiet/moderate transitionspace to meditation rms.

••
bathroom 80 public+privat moderate ADA toilet room
storage 200 e private n/a generalstorage
private private
70-80 (for quiet seating for 3
meditationrm.

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meditationrm
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users)
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users)
quiet seating for 20,for meditation classes

section three I27

Case Study #211nscape Meditation Studio
Overview & Design Style
lnscape is a 5.000 sq ft meditation studio in
the Flatiron District of Manhattan. New York.
The space consists of one public plus a private
basement space for corporate offices. It was
designed by Winka Dubbeldam with a high
budget for client and fashion designer. Khajak
Keledjian
It officially opened in 2016.
lnscape is relevant to the proposed reiki
healing and meditation center because it is a
meditation studio marketed to middle to upper
class young adults in a wealthy area. Its
design and style is relevant because it is
completely neutral to limit distractions. bright
colors only coming from artificial lighting in
meditation rooms. The center is related to
contemporary design issues because it has
structures inside a structure. a popular design
today. and creates dwelling spaces in which
users are comfortable enough to stay a while.
The owners. clients. ond users of the spoce ore
typically the same group of individuals with similar
interests. ages. and genders. The typical clients
and users are aged from their early twenties to
mid thirties and mostly female. Most users live
or work in the Flatiron District and stop in before
or after work. or after dropping their children
off at nearby schools. Many walk-ins do come
in. drawn in by retail shown in the storefront.
and find out what lnscape is: some even sign
up for
memberships on site. many users are freelancers.
artists. or students from nearby. Not including
lnscape's corporate office employees. about
2-3 employees work during a typical shift. The
average number of users per day is about 50 with
the busiest day being Friday and users reaching
up to 60.
Design Concept & Style
The style of the exterior is original to the
building. beaux arts style cornices. pediments.
and quoin detailing New windows have been
added to the facade. smooth glass with thin
black dividers. A recessed entryway is placed
off center. drawing users in through the
expansive amounts of retail in storefront
windows The ground floor is used for the public
spaces of lnscape. and a private basement is
used for
its corporate offices.The renovated exterior is
very minimalistic and monochromatic with no
protrusions. The interior contrasts the minimalism
and smooth design of the exterior with angular
reception furniture, dome forms. and more use of
natural and seemingly natural materials. Besides
form. the interior mirrors the exterior's color
scheme using blacks. grays, and beiges. intended
to limit user distraction.
The interior and exterior seem somewhat
contrasting. mainly because the storefront is
light and modern while the interior is heavy and
dark with use of thick materials. The overall
concept of the designer. Winka Dubbeldam.
was to mimic and evoke the feeling of
underground Lebanese temples. inspired by the
owner's travels.
The space's floor plan consists of two floors:
a main ground level for the public. and a
basement level for lnscape's private corporate
offices.
Its building organization is mysterious to
users. unclear of what lies around the
cenual dome structure they are invited to
explore.
Its organization is direct. however. with the
procession of spaces going from the loudest to
the most quiet it is a clear distinction of public
v. private To help ease the transition of
Manhattan
sec-cion rhree I29
chaos to the meditation center. there are two
lounges. a large retail space. and a transitional
path between the entry and the meditation
rooms. Hierarchy is most prevalent in "the
dome· meditation space as it is the largest
structure and only spherical form in the space.
Specific groupings and adjacencies are: lobby.
lounges. and retail: lockers. the "dome", and the
"alcove"; and lockers and bathrooms.
lnscape's circulation paths are reinforced using
carpet runners. as management found that users
had a slightly difficult time navigating. It is slightly
meandering and processional. with branching
from an off centered path. Wayfinding in the
space is painted on the existing columns of the
space. Arrows. words. and graphics are illustrated
on columns for both wayfinding and quiet rules.
Images along with text reinforce rules of "no
speaking. no technology, no shoes·.
The building's construction is typical to row
buildings with load bearing walls and no
structural intP.rior r.olt 1mns nP.tRiling of r.onstrt
Jr.tion systems are easy to understand. the
dome's bamboo structure is pure bamboo built
with a steel frame underneath. It meets the floor
on a curve which is held up by said steel
structure. All other structure on the ceiling is
visible except for the alcove's wall which is
comprised of a curved bamboo plane. held up
with steel. The space
does have existing columns. although they do
not seem to be structural, and are currently used
as wayfinding posts.
The space's environmental system is a typical
HVAC system with one control panel found near
the general storage room. near the lockers. This
system is successful for users because it
heats/ cools the entire space very quickly and
efficiently as climate calls for it.
Nothing in lnscape is visibly sustainable
except for the unintentional use of improved
indoor air quality through potted plants. Low
flush toilets are employed. however there is a
huge reliance
on artificial lighting; it is used throughout the
day due to the lack of natural light. While
walking
through the space. users can feel the neglect of
sustainable options and feel as though the
space is very high-tech and artificial.
Site & Context
lnscape's site is located in the wealthy Flatiron
District of Manhattan in New York City, an urban
neighborhood full of middle to upper class young
adults and families. Flatiron is a diverse district
with varieties of restaurants and shops, and top
of-the-line schools. It is a short walk away from
Grand Central Station and Penn Station making
it a large tourist attraction area as well as an
attraction to lnscape. The area is home to 19th
century original Beaux-Arts style architecture.
now used as adaptive reuse projects for
residences and businesses. 2 The site's
climate
is temperate with four changing seasons. the
southwest facing facade gaining some heat
and natural light during sunset.
section three I31
Interior Design
Predominant finishes and materials include:
gray wood-look tile. light woods. and canvas-
like fabric. These materials are appropriate for
lnscape because they have a subtle presence
that don't create distraction. Wood finishes
are used often in areas like the reception desk.
millwork on walls. and furniture. The rawness
of the wood provides a warmth that the gray
space needs. The wood-look tile is found in every
space except the meditation rooms. where wood
planks replace the gray flooring. and is heated for
the cold winter New York months. None of the
finishes seem to be sustainable. although the
fabric used on all of seating is.
The entry and lobby require vast retail space.
a large reception desk. and seating for up to ten
Behind reception is an additional retail space
meant for only drinks and snacks which require a
large glass fridge. The space's circulation
paths require carpet runners to reduce sound
from the tile flooring; the runners were a later
addition to the space found necessary from
management and users. The transitional quiet
lounge requires ample seating for users.
around 8-10 seats, and various potted plants
The only piece of artwork in the space is found
in the quiet lounge and is an interactive piece.
A large navy blue canvas is filled with butterfly-
stamped photos of users and employees and
spans about 12 feet long. Following circulation
and wayfinding paths. a locker space is found
which consists of up to
60 small lockers and a large bench seating. The
meditation rooms require large. open spaces
with space for sitting cushions and lay-down
cushions. The ·Alcove· meditation room
consists of up to 25 lay-down cushions and a
custom macrame installation spanning the
entire ceiling The "Dome· meditation room is
the center's
focal point and is a bamboo constructed dome
consisting of up to 25 sitting cushions and built
in seating. A full class using all built in seating
and cushions can fit up to 48 users.
lnscape has an overall monochromatic color
scheme of warm light grays, dark grays. and
blacks in its interior. This scheme offers a smooth
transition from the city streets and the building's
exterior to the meditation center as well as a
calming. subtle environment. Contrasting the
space's color scheme are small pops of navy
blues found in the main lounge and the quiet
lounge in both wall paints and fabrics.
The space utilizes the storefront's minimal
natural light. and employs artificial light in
all spaces. All lighting is placed on dimmers.
especially meditation rooms' lighting. The main
lounge has two statement pendants constructed
of laser-cut cardboard. while all other lighting is
typical recessed downlighting and track lighting.
The two meditation rooms are outfitted from
top to bottom with artificial light systems; the
dome has overhead color-changing LEOs while
the alcove has a small amount of overhead
and a large amount of LED up-lighting.
Lighting in the meditation rooms follow
lnscape's meditation
classes through the company's app. For example.
if the 5 o'clock pm class calls for a specific
length of "cool down" time. the lighting will sync
and have darker lighting during said cool-down
period This lighting can also be controlled
manually by employees. Lighting in meditation
section three I33
rooms are meant to mimic a sunset or sunrise
and include light blues. vibrant cobalt blues. bright
pinks. and deep reds.
All of the accessories and decorative
elements in lnscape adequately support the
functional and psychological needs of the
users.
Other than the meditation rooms. one piece of
art
is placed in the space along with various
potted plants. Most decorative elements are in
the alcove and the dome; the alcove has a
macrame art installation and the dome has a
custom bamboo structure with bands of
protruding bamboo that plunge into the room.
The lack of formal art in the space adds to its
minimalist style and its goal to decrease
distractions.
Post Occupancy Survey
According to employees and users. lnscape's
neutral and minimal pallet is the best thing
about the space. as well as its "lack of buddhas
and tribal patterns" that may ostracize people.
Its design style relaxes users and easily
transitions users from the city streets to the
vibrantly lit meditation rooms. The lack of
artwork did worry the receptionist but after time
she realized that it perfectly creates no
distractions. Management particularly loved the
space and said they would not change a thing,
everything works great. and there is more than
enough storage. Employees also made note
that users love the retail space. whether it is
conscious or unconscious. they are
0 0
I I
DO
..f)
always drawn to the area. The only negative that
was pointed out has already been resolved; the
tile flooring was too loud and carpet runners were
installed.
Evaluation
Overall I find the space to be aesthetically
pleasing, but a bit too high-tech feeling. I find
that it meets its needs spatially, aside from
two unused and awkward corners located next
to the dome. As far as the design and concept.
I
found it very appealing and it did feel like a space
that I could relax and meditate in. away from
the chaos of Manhattan. Its meditation rooms
were immersive. lit perfectly for their use. and
were the appropriate sizes. I found the sizes and
adjacencies of all rooms adequate and well
organized.
Spaces, Rooms & Adjacencies
Acoustics are successful in the space, due to
the owner's high budget. Meditation rooms are
99% soundproof and a pink-noise system is
used to guarantee a relaxing class session.
Employees do not have to worry about making
too much noise while classes are in session.
Low flush toilets also aid in acoustic levels, as
they are located near meditation rooms and do
not cause any extra noise.
section three I35
0
8
I I I
DO
..f)
D O D O
.., ..... D .., ..... D
D D
D O D O
00 0 0 00 0 0 0
0 0 0 0-::;0 0
- o o o-::;o
o
- 0 00 0 0 0
circulation structure diagram - load bearing walls
diagram
0 00 0 0
0

D O
.. f) 8

DO
..,..... D
D
DO

privacy diagram acoustics diagram

 0 0
I I I
DO
..f) 8 - I I I
DO
..f) 8 -
0 0

0 0
D O D O
..,..... D ..,..... D
D 0
D
D O D O
'...../ .-'
00 0 0 0
00 0 0
0
- -.. 0 00 0 0 0
artif icial lighting diagram
diagram
retail .

- -

D O D O
...._ D ........ D
D D
D O D O
000 0 0 0 0 0 0
DD DD D - o o oo
-
0

DD D D D
00
0

focal point diagram weaving circulation diagram

osection three I37
 Communal Transition Spaces
Meditation Spaces
• Ancillary I Employee Spaces
• Unused +Wasted Space
• User Spaces
• Lobby & Reta Space
 lnscape Adjacency Matrix
Entry Reception
Retail
Lobby Lounge
Quiet Lounge
The "Dome" Med. Rm.
Locker Space
The "Alcove" Med.
Rm. Bathrooms
Storage
Corporate Offices
Key e 0 0
1 2 3

space size (so. orivacv acoustics function

ft) 00
•
lobby public moder3te entry,reception dock, ret3i1 3dj3ccnt
retailspace 80 public moderate merch like:books. oils,bracelets, etc.
lobby lounge 300 semiprivate quiet/mode rate seating,water cooler, some retail
quiet lounge 400 semiprivate quiet comfortableseating, transition space
circulation700·800 semiprivate n{a transition paths to meditation rms.

•••
80 public+private quiet/moderate 2 unisex ADA toilet rooms
storage (2) 350
bathrooms private n{a general storage
'the dome· private
meditation 1,000 (for users) quiet seating for 48
rm.
"the alcove" private
700 (for users) quiet lay down space for 25
meditation
rm.lockers

•
150 200 semiprivate quiet/moderate storage for users
corporate
5,000 private moderate offices foremployees
offices

section three I39

Case Study #31 Naman Spa
Overview & Design Style
Naman Spa is a 17.200 sq ft building found
in the Naman Retreat of Da Nang. Vietnam
consisting of two levels. It was designed by
MIA Design Studio and lead designer Nguyen
Hoang
Manh to open in 2015. Assisting designers were
Steven Baeteman. Truong Trang Oat. and Le Ho
Ngoc Thao with a high budget for owners of the
Naman Retreat
The Naman Spa is relevant to the proposed
reiki healing and meditation center because it
is a spa with 15 specialized treatment rooms
a yoga studio. a meditation studio. a pool. and
a gym. It is the perfect example of the modern
amenities of a retreat and/or holistic treatment
visit that millennials. people born from 1980 to
2000. require Millennials crave more luxuries and
amenities than any other generation which is why
the Naman Spa and Retreat Center is marketed
towards these ages Its design and style is
relevant because it is completely
sustainable.
uses neutral colors to limit distractions. and
incorporates natural features such as:
greenery. water. and natural ventilation. The
center is related to contemporary design
issues because its structure is site specific: it
is comprised of white pre-fabricated fins that
both shades and allows for cross ventilation.
These louvre fins appear to be concrete.
although their material
is not mentioned in research. Greenery is used
throughout the building on both exterior and
interior and even acts as a partition between
a pool and a room. 3
Due to Vietnam's booming tourism circuit.
clients and users of the Naman Spa are typically
wealthy men and women with an interest in
travelling. The retreat's high prices rule out
majority of local Vietnamese citizens who live or
work in the city. so most users are tourists. The
Naman Retreat is privately owned by someone
similar to the clientele. a wealthy businessman
The typical clients and users seem to be couples
aged thirties to mid forties.
Site & Context
The Naman Spa's site is located inside
the Naman Retreat. a five star retreat in Da
Nang. a coastal city in northern Vietnam.
Asia. It is a
developing country with increasing tourism and
has constructed many tourist sites including the
Naman Spa and Re.treat. hotel resorts. and
high class restaurants·· Da Nang is the fifth
most populated Vietnamese city with a
population
of 952.000 and a median age of 30 years old.
It is a developing country. as it was completely
agrarian until1986 which has caused an influx
in 5
reform and construction Because of its coastal
ports. Da Nang has become the commercial and
education hub of Vietnam and has been listed
a first class city with the highest urbanization
rate of all Vietnamese cities. Da Nang has a
tropical monsoons climate which entails two
seasons: a typhoon wet season from
September to March. and a dry season from
April to August Because of its climate. it is
constantly humid. a whopping 84% humidity on
average each day. 6
and the average rainfall is 98 inches per year
The building's facade design is influenced by
Da Nang's climate and employs a natural
ventilation system equipped with plants and
green walls to increase cross breezes and
decrease humidity Due to its facade design it
is referred to7as "the
no-wall spa"
section three 141
Design Concept & Style
The style of the exterior. as well as the
interior. is contemporary and uses modern
systems and materials. The exterior consists of
white fin-like lattice panels that create an
envelope around
the interior. Fins slightly protrude across the
envelope to increase natural ventilation. while
greenery curtains suspend down facades to
act as passive shading devices. Interior
partitions are implied through the suspended
greenery
that grow from the outside in. not quite
reaching the ground level. while the pool of
water also beginning in the exterior. flows into
the interior to separate spaces The greenery is
local to Da Nang and aesthetically contrasts
the modern.
geometric panels 8 The interior complements
the panels' contemporary design on the exterior
by using greenery. the same lattice pattern in
implied partitions. and color. However. it contrast
the exterior because only smooth white walls
and flooring are found with no protrusions or
artwork. to limit distractions and increase
tranquility.
The 1nter1or and extenor are hoi1St1c in design
approach because of the structure's "no-
wall" to users. as all spaces are organized
around a
central rectangular space or pool its
organization
is direct with a somewhat clear divide of group
versus individual spaces. ground floor versus
second floor organization. To welcome users.
there is a long path toward the front entry to a
lobby and adjacent lounge before meeting the
gym and yoga room As users move through
the space from ground level to second level.
activities get more and more marketed to the
individual rather than a group. No hierarchy is
prevalent in the floorplan but adjacencies are
important Specific groupings on the ground
level are: lobby and lounge. yoga room and
gym, lockers and jacuzzis separated by male
and female. and staff and function rooms.
Located on the second floor are three private
treatment rooms and fifteen spa treatment
rooms. All private rooms are located in the
east. west
and south corners of the level, while general
spa rooms are located along corridors leading
towards private rooms. Specific adjacencies
include: exhibition space and library, general spa
rooms and private spa rooms. and restrooms
and spa rooms.
9
The spa's circulation is direct and easy to
understand; its main path is organized around
a central rectangle in plan. creating a large
rectangular circulation path. The lobby and
entry creates a meandering path. to transition
users and prepare them for the space All
spaces branch from this rectangular central
path and users are further guided by pools
and suspended greenery. There is no system
of formal wayfinding. most directions are given
at the front desk by receptionists. or
personally asked to employees.
The building's construction is a general
column grid which act as both structure to hold
the facade and the load of the second level
Detailing of construction systems are a simple
to understand,joinery of the facade louvres is
held up by steel arms that connect directly to
the roof and floor planes. Because it is dubbed
the "no-wall spa". the space's structure is
completely visible and simple to observe.
section three I43
 The space's environmental system seems
to be natural ventilation only through its use of
exterior and interior louvres and greenery The
center of the building is open to catch air in the
lobby, while ocean winds flow into the levels
from the west. This system is successful for
users because it was specifically designed for
the site and its climate and it cools the space
sustainably and efficiently.
Users can feel the impact of sustainable
design choices throughout the spa. Use of
local plants. natural ventilation. natural
lighting, and green roofs are seen and
appreciated Local plants improve indoor air
quality. natural
ventilation decreases reliance on HVAC
systems. natural light decreases reliance on
electricity and artificial lighting. and green roofs
further help cool the building.
Interior Design
Predominant finishes and materials include
concrete. ebony stained woods. gray fabrics.
and of course water. greenery, and the
facade's louvre system. These materials are
appropriate for the Naman Spa because they
have a subtle yet luxurious presence that don't
create distraction. Ebony wood finishes are
used in spa rooms, while a natural local wood
is found in the lobby and some wall art found
in the space. The warmth of the wood is
necessary in such a gray and white space.
None of the finishes seem
to be sustainable. although the fabric used on
all of seating is Water is used as often as the
white stone flooring. as well as greenery. for
both aesthetic and circulation reasons
The entry and lobby require two open spaces:
one big enough for an entry way and a small
reception desk big enough for two employees.
and the other a small seating lounge with
seating for up to ten. The gym has typical
physical equipment such as treadmills.
ellipticals. and
a few weight lifting machines. The yoga and
meditation room has enough space for 10yoga
mats plus an instructor's in the tiny and
intimate space. Both men and women's locker
rooms consist of about 15 lockers and three
changing rooms before merging into the
jacuzzi rooms. Jacuzzi rooms require two
jacuzzis in each room along with two large
ADA accessible changing rooms The unisex
shampoo area and relax areas are found in
between the locker rooms and
hold four shampoo seating stations and eight
recliners Spa rooms typically have the same
furniture and equipment: two treatment beds.
a small sink and counter. and two lounge chairs
Private treatment rooms differ as they are bigger
than standard spa rooms and even have a spa
tub. Circulation takes up about 35-40% of the
entire spoce.
The spa has an overall analogous color scheme
of whites. grays, and blacks in its interior The
greenery and its brightness contrasts this gray
scheme. This particular color scheme offers a
tranquil feeling which transitions users from the
restaurant next door into a zen paradise. It further
promotes the building's calming and subtle
environment.
The space utilizes optimal natural light. but
employs artificial light in all spaces for ambient
lighting and necessity There are no pendant
lighting or statement lighting features to ensure
section three 145
the louvre's integrity without overshadowing it.
All lighting is recessed downlighting, spotlights
seating areas for added cooling properties
There are not many art pieces. decorative
elements. or accessories in the spa, once again
to limit distraction. The lobby lounge holds the
only photographed decorative element. three
wood boards located on a wall that seem to
consist of Vietnamese writing. The reception
desk also acts as an art piece. finished in the
same wood as the planks found in the lounge,
as it looks to be locally made and harvested.
The main piece of art continues to be the
louvre system used in the interior and the
facade, its lattice pattern is the only pattern in
the space. Natural elements such as greenery
and water act as decorative elements found at
floor level, vertical partition levels. and in the
exterior.
Evaluation
Overall I find the space to be very calming
and tranquil, perfectly organized. and
aesthetically pleasing The use of water as both
aesthetic views and dividers of spaces is
unique. as well as the specific design of the
facade and partitions. The design and its
shapes fully utilize natural ventilation and
project intricate shadows on
interior walls and flooring. Iwould not change a
thing about the space: all adjacencies and voids
are organized efficiently, all finishes and
materials are perfectly minimal not to outshine
the architecture and its natural elements. and
there are more than enough spa rooms for the
amount of clientele at the resort.
Space, Rooms, & Adjacencies
Acoustics are successful in the space, due
to the Naman Retreat's high budget for the
retreat spa. The most important spaces. the
spa rooms. are placed on the second level
away from noise. pools of water and the natural
encouragement
to keep voices low creates well-organized
acoustic spaces. Locker rooms.jacuzzi rooms.
and shampoo areas are adjacent, located on the
ground level. a chance to relax before rece1v1ng
a spa treatment. Spa rooms. both private and
standard. are located on the second level for
added spatial and acoustic privacy. The lobby,
lounge, and cabanas are adjacent and act as
public areas for users before entering the yoga
room. gym, or locker rooms on the ground level.
The yoga and gym rooms are adjacent to the
entry. the semi-public spaces grouped together.
section three I47
• Female Locker+ Toilet
Communal Spaces
• Male Locker+ To1let
• Ancillary I Employee Spaces
Lobby
Pools

• Private Treatment Cornnulal Spaces

• General Treatment • Ancillary I Employee Spaces
Ground Level Adjacency Matrix
0 y
Lounge
Gym Second LevelAdjacency Matrix
Yoga
Room Library
Cabana Exhibition
Spa -
General
Spa - Private
Rms Pantry
Room Restroom
Male Jacuzzi Key: e 00
Shampoo Area 1 2 3

Relax A rea
Pantr

Key: e 00
1 2 3

space size (sq.ft privacy acoustics function

lobby 300 public moderate entry,reception

• lounge
cabanas
200
250
public
semi private
moderate
quiet/moderate
adjacent to lobby,seating forB
outdoor seating

• ••
gym 400 semi private moderate opengym space
yoga 400 semiprivate quiet open yoga room for groupor
restrooms 200 public+private quiet/moderate individuals
one male restrm.,one female restrm
IZI (4)
functionrm. 400 public+private moderate roomforgroup activities or staff
staff room 900 private moderate employee lounge,kitchen, restroom

•
female locker BOO private moderate lockers for women only

••
malelocker BOO private moderate lockers for men only
jacuzzis 1200 semi private moderate one male, one female,onepubilc

•
shampoo 200 semi private quiet/moderate shower space
relax area 500 semi private quiet/modera te seating for post showering
0 pantry (2) 200 semi private moderate room f or small food and drink

•u pools
spa rooms
1000
2300
n/a
private
n/a
quiet/moderate
pools of water follow circulation
for generaltreatments
private treatments I couple

••
L.J priv.spa 1500 private quiet/moderate
rms.library semiprivate quiet/moderate treatmentslibrary forusers
500
exhibition 500 semiprivate moderate for group_activities or entertainment

section three I49

 Ground Level Diagrams

circulation diagram structural diagram

public v. private local greenery diagram

diagram

visible facade diagram - elevation

 Second Level Diagrams

circulation diagram structural diagram

public v.private localgreenery

diagram diagram

hanging gardens diagram - elevation section three I51

-I
Case Study #41 Ritual House of Yoga
Overview & Design Style
Ritual House of Yoga. lcated in Capitol Hill of
Seattle. Washington. is a 1350 sq. ft. one floor
yoga studio. It was opened in 2015, designed
by Jon Gentry and Aimee O'Carroll of
goCstudio with a seemingly middle to high
budget.
Ritual House of Yoga is relevant to the
proposed reiki healing and meditation center
because it is a modern yoga studio using
salvaged and sustainable materials and
building methods in an adaptive reuse project.
It is located in the thriving and friendly
neighborhood. Capitol Hill. in Seattle.
Washington. Its design and style is relevant
because it is completely sustainable. uses
neutral colors to limit distractions. and
incorporates optimal natural light. The center is
related to contemporary design issues because
it is an adaptive reuse project placed in a
historic masonry building. Owners: Ritual
House is privately owned by business partners
Stuart and Sarah Pohl. an
accomplished yoga teacher and her husband_
10
Sarah Pohl spent years in Boulder. Colorado
both teaching and practicing yoga to hone her
skills and create her own business. Using her
knowledge on yoga, she decided to offer both
heated yoga and non-heated yoga classes_ The
terms heated and non-heated yoga refer to
the temperature of the room; heated yoga
entails
a very warm temperature to induce
sweating, and non-heated yoga is practiced
11
at room temperature
Users of Ritual House Yoga appear to be
mostly young to middle aged men and
women of the area of Capitol Hill Ritual
House has a staff of 21instructors that
offers four to six
classes a day in many different practices of
12
yoga Morning classes are smaller than
evening classes and range from eight to 15
students
compared to evening classes ranging from 25-
40 users 13 Seattle residents are among the
most environmentally conscious. health
conscious.
and well-read people in the nation. making their
demand for yoga studios high. Seattle is home
to one of the first farmer's markets opened in
the United States. further proving their health
14
conscious ways of thinking Based on research
of Seattleites. one can assume that the users
of Ritual House are artistic. health conscious.
organic-food-eating individuals who take care
of their mental and physical health on a daily
basis.
According to Ritual House's lnstagram profile.@
RituaLHouse. users appear to be artsy. grounded.
and easy-going men and women aged from early
twenties to late fifties 15
Site & Context
Ritual House is located in Capitol Hill. a
thriving neighborhood in Seattle. Washington
consisting of 35.122 residents. About 80% of
the neighborhood's population is caucasian. with
a female to male ratio of 1.2:1. Residents' median
age is around 35 years old, and about 55% of
residents are living in one person households.
Capitol seems to be comprised of many single.
full time employees with white collar occupations
involving management. computers and math.
and business positions. Ritual House is situated
on 19thStreet. a popular commercial strip
of historic masonry buildings. 19th Street
is
home to many privately owned businesses and
section three I53
residential complexes including coffee shops,
condos. restaurants. and a jiujitsu school.
similor to the site of Philadelphia and its modern
luxuries and shops 16 Seattle's climate is
typically gray
and overcast with clouds: 147 days a year
are accounted for rain and humidity especially
during the state's wet season from October
11to April
29. Seattle does get sun. even if the forecast
calls for an overcast. so Ritual House's east
facing yoga room absorbs vast natural light
17
during sunrise and afternoons
Design Concept & Style
The style of the exterior is original to the
building and the interior holds some original
character as well. The exterior's weathered
brick and original black tile surround at the
bottom of the facade are intact. but its window
muntins have been painted black. Its interior
contrasts the exterior; it is bright and airy and
there is less massing compared to the original
load bearing exterior The interior is
contemporary yet oroanic feeling, it uses a
combination of new and old building materials.
finishes. and furniture. The overall concept of
the designers and goCstudio was simply to
fulfill the owners' request to take a blank space
and include a yoga studio for 40+ users. It
seems that they're most apparent concept was
to draw users into the space
using natural light. artificial lighting details and
horizontal north-south rafters.
The space's floor plan consists of one main
floor that holds all of its programmatic needs: a
yoga room. two changing rooms. reception and
check in desk. retail. and a space for
transitioning between classes. Its building
organization seems simple to users. as all
spaces are processional and branch from a
main circulation path. Its organization is direct
with a somewhat clear divide of public v. private
spaces. The insertion of a "plywood box". a term
coined by Ritual House's designers, divides the
yoga room from other spaces. The "box" is
centrally placed and acts as a divide with a
custom cubby space on its south side. and an
acoustic and visual privacy marker.
A built in custom door slides to reveal the yoga
room; as classes are in session and users come
late there is a smaller secondary door built into
this sliding door for use. This large sliding door
also acts as a ventilation method. creating
space for cross breezes from windows on the
east and west walls. Hierarchy is prevalent in
Ehe floor
plan with an emphasis on the main yoga room in
the rear. Adjacencies are important as well, with
specific groupings between public and private.
Groupings include: the entryway, reception. and
retail space: bathroom and cubbies; and yoga
room and bathrooms/changing rooms.
The spa's circulation is direct yet slightly
meandering. The entryway leads directly to the
reception and check in desk but users are then
pushed to the right to continue on their paths. All
spaces branch from this central path and users
are further guided by walls and dividers. telling
them to stop or go. There is no system of formal
wayfinding because the space is small enough to
easily understand One can assume that if users
have trouble finding something. they will ask an
employee or the receptionist
section three I55
 ThP. h1 1ilrling's stn 1r.t11rRI systP.m is Rtyrir.RI Interior Design
row building's load bearing construction
Predominant finishes and materials include:
method. originally built in 1909.1ts outermost
concrete. oak wood. LVL wood. and white lacquer.
walls hold th f cad and the load of the entire
These materials are appropriate for Ritual House
three story build1ng. R1tual House's expansive
because they have a subtle. organic feeling that
use of LVL
laminated veneer lumber. rafters act as stru ture the environmentally conscious clientele
21 and
as well in aiding in support of the
structuralload 18
east and west exterior walls. Due to inhabitants of Capitol Hill relate The warmth
Seattle's to
of the wood is necessary in such a black and
temperate and mildly cold climate. one can
white space
assume that natural ventilation is used more
The entry and reception area requires a
than HVAC systems. except for when hot yoga
classes are in session and the thermostat must reception desk with space for retail and seating
be turned up to 75+ degrees. This system is for up to twelve Most rooms are minimal and
successful for users because it allows hot yoga bare except for the reception area. A custom
to occur 1n the space. as well as allowing cross white lacquer counter acts as a visual divider
breezes to naturally flow. Fans are found in the between the lobby and the changing areas. It
yoga room as well, presumably for days where holds small retail items in a counter-height
natural ventilation is utilized but the studio is display case as well. The cubbies and locker
area require seating for up to three. coat rack
still hot 19
space. lockers for up to 42 users. and
Users can feel the impact of sustainable
bathrooms that double as changing rooms. The
design choices throughout Ritual House. The
yoga room requires spots for at
large use of natural ventilation. natural
least 33 users and yoga mats plus an instructor.
lighting, and the original cast-in-place
concrete wall are easily seen and Because many types of yoga are practiced in the
appreciated. Natural ventilation studio. the laminated veneer lumber, LVL. rafters
improves indoor air quality and decreases act s support for aerial yoga and hanging extra
reliance on HVAC systems. and natural light retail d1splay near the entry Circulation
22 takes up
decreases
relian e on electricity and artificial lighting. about 20'7o of the entire space.
The spa has an overall analogous color scheme
The space s concrete wall was sandblasted
of whites. grays, and blacks in its interior. Pops
over a span of three days, removing 100
of color are found in colorful patterned poufs
years worth of plaster and paint to reveal the
. a d green plants. The pouf's and greenery's
raw original
20 bnghtness contrasts the space's gray scheme.
wall. The rawness of th1s wall combined
This particular color scheme offers a tranquil
with the natural oak flooring causes users
feel1ng wh1ch transitions users from the
to
exterior and 19th Street into the space. Ritual
feel grounded and connected to the earth
an important factor of yoga and meditation. House's
.

section three I57

color scheme further promotes the
bu1id1ng's calming and subtle setting.
The space utilizes optimal natural light.
but employs artificial light in all spaces for
ambient lighting and necessity The designers
at goCstudio employed an LED lighting system
between all of the LVL rafters. LED strips run
the length of the horizontal rafters and point
towards the ceiling. creating a glow that induces
relaxation and a meditative state. Spotlights
are pointed towards walls along the circulation
path and into the yoga room. where few
fanlights are found as well.
There are not many art pieces. decorative
elements. or accessories in the studio. once
again to limit distraction. Located in the
transition space and lobby space are reclaimed
seating and an gold adorned mirror which act as
decorative and functional elements. Located on
a stark
white wall between the bathrooms hangs a
tapestry with an image of human anatomy; this
piece promotes the rawness and groundedness
of the art of yoga. The reception desk also
acts as an art piece. finished in a white lacquer
material and spanning from floor to ceiling. It
demands to be seen and acts as a contrast to
the black painted exterior. One can argue that
the rafters are decorative elements as well.
drawing users in and creating an architectural
module leading to the yoga room.
Evaluat1on
Overall I find the space to be very calming
and tranquil. with the perfect punch of
quirkiness through use of pattern. color. and
texture. Its floor plan is perfectly organized in
its given footprint. as well as aesthetically
pleasing. I
admire its organic feeling from its original.
century old concrete wall and its raw oak wood
rafters.
It truly does feel like a space that evokes focus
and groundedness. an important practice in
yoga and meditation. The one thing Iwould
change is the reception desk design. It does
not exactly match the the vibe of the studio and
feels too contemporary for the building and the
business itself. which seem more organic and
honed
Spaces. Rooms. & Adjacencies
The entry and reception areas require an
open space big enough for users to stand and
possibly wait in line to check in to classes. The
transition space. bathrooms. and cubbies. all
located in the center of the space. require
narrower hallways and more privacy than
reception The yoga room requires the most
private and acoustically silent space due to the
practices and meditation that occur in the room.
It is located in the rear of the studio for added
privacy, acoustic qualities. and the natural light
and ventilation. Acoustics seem successful in
the space. due to the expansive use of rafters
and the yoga mats to absorb and catch sound
section three 159
8
QJ
1 ..
N

space size {sq. ft) privacy acoustics function

entry/check in 220 public moderate seating. reception desk

• locker
ADA bath
bathroom
100
150
100
semi-pr ivate
semi private
semi private
moderate
moderate
moderate
locker space and coat hangers
ADA toilet room with shower
typical toilet room

•
yoga room 350 semi private quiet/moderate space for 32mats+ instructor
outdoor 80 public+private moderate main entryway +alley entryway
circulation 340 public n/a 25"lo of space

Ritual House of Yoga Adjacency Matrix ·

Entry Check
in Locker Area
ADA Toilet Rm
Toilet Rm
Yoga
Room
Outdoor
Key: e 0 0
1 2 3
 -
circulation diagram

. · -
qn- -·-
structural diagram

-
focalpoint +hierarchy
diagram

a
By ::
• 17
·
::"

:-
naturallight diagram section three I61

fi' --
Interior Considerations:
Furniture rv1aterial. Finishes 2. Equipment
The most important requirements for furniture
and equipment in all spaces are their comfort
and accessibility Interior proposals for the
proposed reiki and meditation center require
vast consideration involving: maintenance and
cleaning needs. equipment. durable finishes.
and furniture. Materials and finishes must be
easily cleaned and maintained. as dozens of
users daily will walk barefoot and use
meditation and reiki mats and beds. Meditation
rooms must have flooring that is easily
maintained to keep a germ free environment
The flooring must not gather dirt and dust or
foster germs. This flooring will also allow users
to feel that the space is truly clean. as they will
not see dirt or dust on a light colored flooring.
Recommended flooring is wood. preferably
wood that can be heated to be "warm to the
touch". All materials are recommended to be
warm and soft. gray colors and colors close
to white. to limit distraction and promote
focus 1
Meditation rooms must also be free and open
and flexible for other uses such as yoga or
special tNerrl::; IL::; LJirrrerr::;iurr::; carr l.Je
LJeltmrrirreLJ willr the measurements of a standard
yoga mat. 24" wide by 73" long. with a
recommended minimum of 20" apart Space for
an instructor must be left at the front of the
space; precedents include a raised platform for
instructors. Cubbies or nooks are required for
employee's and user's belongings such as
blankets. towels. water bottles. cell
phones. etc 2 Special equipment for
meditation rooms are: yoga mats and/or
meditation
cushions. yoga straps for stretching. blankets.
incense or candles. and a surround sound
speaker system To avoid glare in meditation and
yoga rooms. windows and natural light are
indirect;
they are constructed as zenithal windows,
or diagonal skylights placed in the roof
Reiki treatment rooms differ from meditation
rooms because they must be smaller and
more intimate for users Reiki healing rooms
require
a massage table. a small seating area for two
users. a form of storage to hold blankets and
other ancillary objects. and an incense burner 3
Adjustable massage tables are 28-32" wide
x 73" long with a general clearance of 32-36"
surrounding the table. These tables must have
an easily cleanable surface: they typically are
memory foam covered in vinyl according to
research. A surround sound system or a
portable CD player is recommended for
background music and ambience. Sound proof
doors and walls must separate both meditation
and reiki rooms to ensure privacy and optimum
noise control.
Human Behavior:
Ergonomics. Anthropomorphics Proxemics
All designs and buildings are created with
human behavior and needs in mind. The
integration of ergonomics. anthropomorphic. and
proximetric considerations are essential to a
truly successful design. Ergonomics considers
designing objects so users interact more
efficiently and safely with them Regarding the
proposed reiki healing and meditation center.
ergonomic needs include accommodating users
of all heights. shapes. and sizes via furniture.
equipment. and utilities. Furniture and equipment
will be adjustable. wide. and in some cases.
movable. Anthropomorphic design is similar to
ergonomic design and considers the human body
and its needs in terms of dimensions. All objects
and equipment meant for human interaction must
be accessible and circulation must be ample and
section four I65
 ClERESTORY

overhead daylight strategies fig 4

well spaced Minimum clearances and
dimensions must be considered at all stairs.
elevators. corridors. etc. Other objects such as
drinking fountains. grab bars. reception desks.
counters. and treatment tables must not exclude
any users due to distance or narrow or tall
dimensions. Proxemics is the study of the
nature. degree,
and effect of the spatial separation individuals
naturally maintain and how this separation
relates to environmental and cultural factors.
Proxemics is typically what directly makes users
comfortable or uncomfortable in a space
through things like spatial clearances. color.
light, the placing of objects. distances. smells,
and sounds Reiki healing and meditation
centers should create a zen and motivating
atmosphere. making users ready to heal and
self-treat The center's design will keep the five
senses in mind to fulfill these human behavior
requirements
Lighting
Direct natural light is avoided in meditation
and yoga rooms. Instead. zenithal and
clerestory
4
windows are constructed to avoid glare Natural
light is favored in meditation spaces, with
artificial lighting employed only for necessity
such as night classes, early morning
classes. etc. The most recommended
artificial lighting for meditation and yoga
spaces are controlled
dimmed lighting and perimeter downlighting. 5 1n
contrast. reiki healing rooms tend to be
darker and rely on artificially controlled or
dimmed lighting. If reiki rooms have windows
or curtain
walls. blackout shades or window treatments are
necessary to control light Recommendations for
reiki room lighting include candles and softly lit
floor or table lamps Spaces that require the
most artificial task lighting are bathrooms.
storage rooms. offices. corridors. and reception
areas. Natural light will be utilized in as many
spaces as possible
6
Sustainable Design
Reiki and meditation centers tend to use
sustainable design options and methods that
earn LEED points Based on the proposed site's
climate. geothermal heating and cooling will be
used. however solar panels will not be
particularly
useful .Natural building materials and methods
will be employed to promote better indoor air
quality.
There are many natural construction methods
that can be used including rammed earth walls.
straw bale construction. cordwood construction.
and adobe or cob construction Sustainable
exterior methods also include living green roofs.
rain gardens, and rainwater cisterns. Possible
interior sustainable materials are bamboo.
timber. cordwood. pressed seed boards, and
local stone. Aside from building methods and
materials,
the center will have operable windows and
clerestory windows to improve natural
ventilation. low flow toilets. and low VOC
materials and finishes Sustainable materials and
methods are specifically important in these
spaces because users will be vulnerable and
relaxed. barefoot. and sometimes in towels or
robes
section four 167
 exterior barrier - acoustic control fig.6

Joist bottoms
Resilient metalchannels ---l\=..-4--\,.-
(RC-2 or DWFC mounted
with Sound Clips)
Padding tape ----lf....;;.9...-'>tt-
Cut wool fibers---

acoustically enhanced ceiling construction fig. 7

Acoustic Control
Acoustic privacy is an important
issue in meditation and reiki healing
rooms. users must be focused on
themselves and their trea;:ments
during their time spent in these
rooms. Methods to achieve this
include: choosing locations for rooms
far from entries and/or street traffic:
outdoor barriers (see figure 6): using
double glazed glass; using solid wood
doors; using
acoustically enhanced construction
methods 7
Construction methods like double layer
GWB. high NRC rated panels, foam
padding, and sound clips will be used:
refer to figure 7. NRC rated acoustic
panels should typically be between .70 and
90. as 1.0 creates an almost eerie. too-
quiet acoustic environment Acoustics
can also be controlled through the use of
carpeting, window
treatments. drapery. and upholstery 8
Visual Control
The proposed reiki healing and
meditation center requires some
visual control in order
to have minimal distractions. Both
meditation and reiki healino rooms
must have transition
rooms and/or corridors to ensure
that the rooms themselves are
tucked away from main
circulation and traffic paths. Case
study research shows that visual
control can act as both transition
spaces and corridors. and as functional
rooms. Changing rooms or lockers can
separate spaces for visual control as
well as lounge spaces. The function of
a transition space is to limit distraction
before entering meditation or reiki
rooms. and to keep main rooms
somewhat
9
hidden from public spaces.
Wayfinding & Signage
Large spaces require
exceptional forms of wayfinding;
users must have no question as
to where they are and where
they should go Wayfinding
provides visual assistance and
control when employees may not be
around to
verbally direct users. Wayfinding is
also vital to users who may have
disabilities so it must be clear to
understand and follow. Wayfinding and
signage methods that may be used
are maps
with keys. maps with enlarged
callouts, numbered signage. arrows.
hanging signage, or integrated
signage. Integrated signage is a
method in which directions and
information is integrated into
the design through examples like
embossing it in floors. painting it on
walls. etc. Signage must stand out
to users through color. typography,
texture. massing size. or even its
lighting10
All wayfinding and signage must be
placed at appropriate heights.
making them visible to all users to
comply with ADA and universal
design. According to the Americans
with Disabilities Act. all text of
wayfinding signage should be
conducted in a sans serif type and
should begin at a height of 30"
minimum 11 for disabled users'
eyelevel
Security
Security needs in meditation and reiki
centers are typically of low importance.
No specific methods are needed.
although the owner may want to
employ a private security system with
cameras and motion sensors used
during closing hours.
Cameras may be more abundant in retail
areas
as well to decrease stealing, and
lockers and changing rooms should
have locks.
section four I69
 ...
,
,....,
_ actin I Hf.' ..C• •••

1r
•••atlll ,.,...,...

... ......u,
I(UISII l IPI'al.te•'

accessible lockers and benching diagrams fig.B

... 2 1"1#- ·
t:::::>

"'
Ci =t j;J[

Light & Color
Color is a visual design element that causes either
psychological harmony, or psychological stress. Color
has the ability to make someone focus and learn. or
shut down and relax; no other visual element has this power.
Warm colors such as reds, yellows and oranges can spark
emotions ranging from comfort and warmth. to hostility and
anger. Cool colors such as green. blue and purple generally
spark feelings of calmness as well as sadness. Not only are
colors associated with emotions. but with health. auras. and
chakras as well. An aura is the emanating emotion or
trait
one has that can be felt or seen. For example. a
green aura is associated with jealousy and black with
hatred. A chakra is a step beyond an aura; a chakra is
an energy point that radiates from one's physical body
There are seven chakras along the body from head to
toe. The belief in auras and chakras are the base of
almost all spiritual and metaphysical beliefs. as well as
color studies beginning in the early twentieth
century.1Violet
is associated with the crown of the head. dark
blue/indigo with the brow and third eye. light
blue with the throat. green with the heart. yellow w1th
the abdomen or solar plexus area. orange with the
sacral or pelvic region. and red with the
roots or feet region 2 The root chakra, red, is
associated with a person's relationship to the earth and
impacts his or hers vitality, strength, and groundedness.
Although the proposed center's goal is to decrease
stress and increase groundedness. red may not be a
proper color for the task at hand because it has been
shown to increase agitation and encourage a
competitive nature.
Psychological color studies have been
specifically researched with participants in
meditative states Participants shown to be
significantly more relaxed after meditating
with green. blue. yellow and white colors. These
colors induced a deep relaxation. especially the color
white. White caused subjects to feel soothed. clean.
and peaceful. stemming from
the color white's association with innocence and
spirituality. Blue caused them to feel refreshed and
rested. similar to the color green which made them to feel
fresh and serene. The colors red, violet. and orange did
not increase their relaxation and instead evoked feelings
of pain, fear, and mystery, thus disturbing the act of
relaxation.
The reactions to the color red are supported
by the studies of chakras. as red is associated with
survival and self preservation. The final report also
shows that violet evoked happiness and peace.
although it inspired subjects it did not relax them The
color orange reenergized participants as well. but it did
not relax them Orange may be useful as a post-
meditation
3
color
Lighting strategies for this building type suggest that
natural daylight is utilized as much as possible. with
artificial ambient lighting on dimmers for necessity.
Daylighting is the most prevalent form of light in
meditation and yoga centers because it improves
performance. increases concentration. and creates an
overall calming environment making users feel tied to
the outdoors. Artificial lighting utilized should
be warm white lamps with quality equivalent to lighting
products by Philips or OSRAM. According to a light study
on clarity. relaxation, and privacy, participants found
that cove lighting was the most relaxing at a low level
of 320 lux. The second most relaxing form of lighting
was found
4
to be wall washing
section five I75
Human Centered Design
The demographic group that will use the
proposed reiki healing and meditation center
ranges from ages 18 to 60. who require a vast
range of needs. Values. behavioral norms. and
psychological needs differ amongst the age
groups so there must be adequate spaces that
fulfill these requirements. Using primary and
secondary sources such as interviews. surveys,
peer-reviewed literature. and precedent studies.
one can design a center that perfectly satisfies
the needs of all intended ages. Materials and
colors must be low contrast. low-shine. and non
reflective. Not only to limit distraction amongst
users. but to aid 1n a comfortable experience for
all. Patterns should be small and/or not wo large
as to limit confusion amongst the elderly as well.
Understanding the relationship between the
natural and the built environment is important
because it affects human experience. behavior.
and performance Natural elements like daylight.
views to the outdoors. and greenery are proven
to improve overall attitude, satisfaction. and
well being in spaces A sensory experience
using natural materials and elements is
necessary
for a meditation space because it cleanses
one of the stress and intensity of his or her
day. A connection to nature and open spaces is
integral as well. To promote relaxation and mental
cleansing, woods. water elements. and optimal
natural light are used.
The built environment in a meditation and
reiki healing center requires vast locations
for personal reflection. large enough to limit
intimate interactions: this requires at least a
five foot radius for each person intended to
be in a specific room In contrast. treatment
rooms should be intimate and promote deeper
reflection Reflection can be encouraged
through use of natural light and materials. tall
ceilings.
and the integration of little or no furniture
These reflection spaces will discourage social
interaction. a necessary task after meditation
or reiki treatments Social interaction can be
encouraoed throuoh oatherino spaces such
as lounges before meditation. lobby spaces,
or hub spaces like a cafe Social gathering can
be promoted with the use of seating clusters,
surround sound music. carpeting, and other
home-like qualities to increase comfortability.
These spaces should not be adjacent to
meditation or treatment rooms. as interaction
and distraction is not wanted before a session.
section five I77
City of Philadelphia Italian market found near South Street. and
2
many other culturally specific areas
Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in America. Philadelphia's urban plan was built on a
located in Pennsylvania. and known for its visual deliberate grid system with two main axes.
and performing arts. music. and combination Broad Street and Market Street. that run through
of historic and modern culture. The current Center City. City Hall is found in the center of
population is 1.567.422 people according to the grid. where Broad and Market Street meet.
the U.S. Census. The population makes the with four main squares that surround it. Many
city very dense at 11.379 people per square of the original buildings have been preserved.
mile
giving Philadelphia a rich history full of tourist
in a total of 134 square miles. Philadelphia
opportunities and guided tours. The area of
has typical a North Eastern climate that varies
Old City in particular is a neighborhood
from
chocked full of historic sites and museums
season to season: the average temperature is including the Liberty Bell. Independence Hall.
59 and the Betsy Ross House. Many of these
degrees fahrenheit. The average low is in original buildings consist of Federal and
January, with an average temperature of 33 Georgian architecture with heavy brick and
degrees fahrenheit. The highest is in July, with
local Wissahickon schist
an average of 76 degrees fahrenheit. The city's
stone materials. This architecture was very
average
much climate based. as brick and stone
wind speed is 10 miles per hour. and
insulated
average precipitation is 414 inches a
1 and allowed hearths and wells to be easily
year.
built. As Philadelphia. its architecture. and
Philadelphia's demographics are incredibly
building technrques modernrzed. burldrngs
diverse with percentages of about: 45%
sprouted up as skyscrapers. used glass
caucasian. 44 a African American. and 7'1a
facades. and steel framin . creating the
Asian aflU ull n r 1aL.:e::; like h i::;l1, llaliar 1. elL.:. IL
Philadelphia skyline we see today.
was once an area of refuge from religious
persecution Philadelphia's vast and colorful history will
for Quakers and Mennonites when founded by affect my design through color and material.
and most likely through textiles. as the textile
William Penn in 1682. It is because of these
industry continues to be the city's biggest
refugees that the city's architecture has many
source of skill and income.
traditional neighborhoods and vernacular
homes. Many people still migrate to
Philadelphia because it is a port city with many
jobs and housing opportunities. Evidence of
immigrants is very apparent found in areas like
"Chinatown·. the

sec1:ion six 183

MUmNPARK

r
DISTRICT

't'--- =-==..
Philadelphia Navy Yard
The building resides in the Naval Yard
Campus of South Philadelphia. a once
undeveloped 1200 acre site that is now
being rehabilitated into a business and
cultural center. It was the birthplace of the
U.S. Navy in 1794 and is now
home to more than 150 companies and 30.000
employees. Its original master plan was created
in 2004 Robert A.M. Stern Architects and was
revised in 2013 by his company and a team of
planners. developers. and designers. The campus
is full of juxtapositions of industrial loft buildings
and homes. modern glass structures. and
historic buildings along Broad Street. contrasted
with green parks and trails. Century old
sycamore
trees line walking paths that lead to parks.
jogging trails. stores. office buildings. and the
4
riverfront Adjacent to the Naval Yard is the
Wells Fargo Performance Center and Lincoln
Financial Field. and FOR Park. however they are
not seen from the Reiki Healing and Meditation
Center's proposed locat1on All new construction
of the Navy Yard is focused on sustainability and
LEED certifications to achieve optimal LEED
points and environmental consciousness. The
cultural and economic makeup of the
neighborhood consists of fortune 500
companies. both high end and low end retail
stores. restaurants. a yoga studio. and historic
navy buildings like a chapel. gatehouses.
and a reserve basin building. 5 The park keeps
the
original Navy Yard's "Historic Core" and uses
it as an attraction to visitors. The
neighborhood's
economic demographics appear to be middle
to high class. although visitors from all over
visit the area to shop. eat. and walk the
parksVisitors
and employees can get to the campus by walking
from the AT&T Station. one of two Navy Yard
shuttle buses. or by car and park in free on-street
or paid lot parking Because of the campus'
combination of historic. industrial buildings and
modern glass structures. the design of the reiki
healing and meditation center is able to be an
eclectic mix of these styles.
South Broad Street
Philadelphia's Broad Street is the longest
urban boulevard in the United States. running
from South Philadelphia to North Philadelphia to
the edge of Montgomery County. It has been
said
that Broad Street is the best representation of
humanity in the country holding vast churches.
synagogues. restaurants. galleries. theaters.
homes. and different neighborhoods. The street
as a whole is a cultural center. but South Broad
Street is specifically unique. South Broad is
home to the Academy of Music. the
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. and other
galleries and theaters giving the area between
Broad St. and Washington the title "Avenue of
the Arts" in the 1990s. The famous New Year's
Day Mummers Day Parade also takes place on
South Broad Street as it has for over a hundred
years. The buildings on the block are generally
skyscrapers and high rises. mixed with modern
and 19th
sec1:ion six I85
and 20th century structures. They vary from four to to
29 stories tall with commercial, retail. and residential
uses. The architectural styles employed in
surrounding buildings are existing
post-industrial buildings with styles most similar to
federal style and warehouse style structures. The
cultural and artistic character of the entirety of South Broad
Street will possibly affect my design in deciding to match or
contrast the area's
energy and pizazz 6 The proposed building location
however is currently housing Urban Outfitter's offices.
adjacent to an Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie "campus"
of its own. Adjacent buildings include five Urban
Outfitters buildings that hold two public restaurants and a
koi pond. along with private work spaces for employees.
The building is surrounded by parking lots on its northern.
eastern. and western sides. with its south entrance
facing this Urban Outfitters park. Due to its entry near
the hustle and bustle of Urban's campus. my design will
most likely need a large transition space to relax clients.
Site Zoning +Analysis
The Philadelphia Navy Yard is zoned as CMX-3.
Community Commercial Mixed Use. with an AHC hazard.
an airport hazard control.
The building is surrounded by parking on the
west. north. and east elevations. although
two public Navy Yard shuttles are available for campus
commuters and visitors as well. Traffic mainly moves
on Kittyhawk Avenue, located north of the building. and
all surrounding streets are conveniently two-way
streets. The building's existing entrances are accessed
through central doors found on South 16th Street and
central doors near the adjacent greenspace. Unsavory
views of the building across the street on its western
side may want to be blocked. as it is
a four-story unkempt warehouse with rusty
windowpanes and unintentionally-frosted glass
windows. Its eastern side however has
picturesque views of vegetation and a large green
space because it is situated in the URBN brand's
campus.
The climate is typical to the city of Philadelphia
with an average of 54.3 degrees fahrenheit The
vegetative trees on the eastern elevation are not
named. although native plants of Philadelphia
are woody plants and herbaceous plants. Natives trees
include: various species of the maple
tree. willow oak tree. and hickory trees. Shrubs
include: hydrangeas. dogwood, silky willows, and southern
arrowwood. Flowers include turtlehead. purple stemmed
aster. thin-leaved sunflowers, and cardinal flowers.
Various grasses, fers,
and rush include: cinnamon fern. christmas fern, big
bluestem. riverbank rye, and scouring rush.
Unfortunately, noise pollution is a factor in this site
because of the nearby Philadelphia National Airport.
found southwest of the yard;
special acoustic blocking measures will need to
be employed. The sun's path will affect natural lighting
greatly in the mornings. Because of its western rise. the
sun will pour directly into the west windows and risks
interrupting clients or patients that may be using the
spaces. Natural light is necessary in this project type,
but shade systems may need to be utilized. At sunset.
specifically in the summer, the eastern elevation and its
windows will need a shade system as well, since
summer sun runs on a higher arc.
The building's clerestory window system will be
perfect for the reiki healing and meditation center
because it will not place direct sunlight on patrons
and will instead reinforce a glowing
effect. Wind on the site may be an issue during winter;
winter winds come from the northwest and will blow
directly in patrons faces as they leave and return to the
parking lot. Architecturally, both the summer and winter
winds can provide a natural cross breeze through the
narrow building. No safety issues are apparent in my
analysis as mainly adults will be using the space rather
than wandering children.
sec1:ion six 187
 5101S. Broad St.Sire Analysis

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section six I89

 Privacy
Room Name Qty. S.F.Each Adjacencies (Visual or
Acoustic)
reception,
Vestibule 1 70 s.fmin interior par1< acoustic

vestibule,
Reception (+retail) 1 200 250 s.f. corridor acoustic
vestibule,
reception.
Interior Perk 1 1,000s.f. • corrtdor acous-tk

reception,
Public Kitchenette 1 300s.f. + corridor acoustic

one near
recpetion,one
TransitionLounge 2 200 s.f. + near reiki rooms acoustic

allflrst floor
Main Corridor 1 spaces acoustic
corridor,all
treatment rooms
and meditation
rooms;
Locker Storage 2 200 s.f. + bathrooms visual + acoustic

Reiki
Treatment 3 150s.f.min salt room visual + acoustic
Room private
meditation

Quantitative Chart Meditation Room

Pr vate Meditation
2 or 3 700 s.f. + room,corrido
r
meditation
visual + acoustic

Room 2·3 200 300 s.f. room.corridor visual + acoustic

min
Salt Therapy reiki treatment
Room 1 400 500 s.f. rooms visual + acoustic

Laundry Room 1 150 s.f.+ janitor closet visual

one near
reception. and
two near reiki
Unisex Toilet 3 75s.f. + rooms visual + acoustic

Women's Toilet 1 200 s.f. + lockers, corridor visual + acoustic

Men's Toilet 1 200 s.f. + lockers,corr dor visual + acoustic

Electric Room 1 100s.f. corridor visual

Data Closet 1 25 50 s.f. corridor visual

Mech. Room 1 100s.f. corridor visual

women's +
Janitor Closet 1 50s.f. men's toilets visua l

Employee
Break Room 1 200·300s.f. employee toilet visual + acoustic
Employee Unisex employee break
Toilet 1 75s.f. + room visual + acoustic
meditation
rooms,reiki
Storage 2 200s.f. + rooms visua l
data closet,
mech. room.
Security office 1 100·150s.f. elec room visual + acoustic

Circulation 6.000s.f. visua l + acoustic

 Acoustic Crite<ia (A.
Finishes/ 8, C)
Lighting Furniture/ equipment Mater als Perception Remarks
natural + walk off mat, glass entry with focal light
artificial card swipe system wood,glass B welcoming
welcoming but gritty (rammed
natural+ Desk, 6-8 seats, fridges wood,greenery, stone welcoming, earth. rough wood. etc.)
artificial and sheMng for retail A calming
natural + (small
amounts) of ertificiel glass, greenery. welcoming, meander ng stone
bf!nch $, wet r d$tef'n$ wood, $toni!' 0 celming pethwby'$
island and 4-5 stools, counter
and cabinets. sink. mini fridge.
dishwasher. storage for wood,tile. concrete. communal kitchenfor users after
natural+ mugs and tea textiles and before work
artificial A welcoming
lounge for users to reflect and
think to themselves before
natural+ deep seating for 8-10 textiles. wood, brass welcoming. meditation or reiki
artificial users A+B calming.quiet
meandering main hall: no
deadend hallways, no farther
focal lights. wood. rammed than 250 fl
artificial wayfindingg earth c intimate from an exit
One on 1st floor and one on
mezzanine; Space for changing
clothes and placing belongings
benches, lockers,
artificial mirrors, wood, concrete B intimate
treatment bed; comfortable
seating for two: chest for towels.
blankets, etc.:incense. music dimmed lighting, dark and
system carpeting, wood,stone calming, relaxing: located on mezzanine!
artificial A+B intimate

storage for blankets, calming, welcoming.

natural+ towels. etc.; meditation expansive br ght and natural,on
artificial mats,greenery wood,glass A+B west of building
natural + meditation mats. wood,textiles, pendant calming, room for 2-3 people max
artificial incense light A+B intimate
calming. will glow from artificial light
artificial built- n seating in salt himalayan salt. B intimate
washer.dryer,hamper for wood,tile.
artificial towels/blankets concrete. brass B intimate employee only

urinal. toilet, sink. mirror. concrete. tile.

artificial grab bars brass B intimate ADA accessib le
stalls for 3-4. mirrors, concrete. tile,
artificial sinks brass B intimate ADA accessible
stalls for 3-4. mirrors. sinks concrete. tile. brass
artificial B intimate ADA accessib le
restricted to rated,found back-of-
artificial electric panel concrete B users house
restricted to users rated,found back-of- house
artificial computers,data cords concrete B
restricted to rated,found back-of- house
artificial HVACsystem concrete B users
restricted to
artificial slop sink. mop,bucket concrete B users lock on door
kitchenette, table and seating for
4+.lounge seating wood,greenery.
artificial concrete A+B welcoming card swipe at door
urinal,toilet. sink. concrete. tile,
artificial mirror,grab bars brass B intimate

restricted to users
artificial sheMng.lock on door concrete B rated , lock on door
computer, desk, task rated: one on mezanine and one
chair,counter, telephone restricted to on
artificial carpet, concrete B users first floor
natural+ artificial welcoming.
A+B meandering 20% OF TOTAL S.F.

section seven I93

 Power ,mech ,HVAC,
Proxemics data/voice,
(1,2,3, or telecomm &lor
Room Name 4) Color Indoor Air Quality plumb'g ne<!ds

keeps
Vestibule 2 grey outside HVAC
conditions
HVAC, data/voice
lines. mech. for
Reception(+ grey. green. natural venti fridges.outlets
retail) 4 brown. gold ation, for
greenery computer/phone

grey. green. natural plumbing for

Interior Park 4 brown ventilation, drinking
greenery fountains

power for
Public grey,green natural appltances,
K chenette 3 . brown. ventilation, HVAC,plumbing for
gold greenery appliances and sink

Transitio grey. natural ventilation.

n 3 green. greenery power,HVAC
Lounge brown,gold

grey. natural ventilation.

Main Corridor 3-4 green. greenery power. HVAC
brown,

Locker
Storage 2 grey. brown power. HVAC

Qualitative Chart Reiki

Treatmen grey. green.
t Room 1 brown. gold natural ventHation power. HVAC

Meditation grey. green. natural venti

Room 2 brown. gold ation, power. HVAC
greenery
PrNAt P
Medttatlon grey, green. natural ventlla
Room 23 brown, llon. power, HVAC
gold
light pink greenery
(color of negative-ton
Salt Therapy the reduc ng
Room 12 Himalayan propeftles of HVAC
salt) satt

grey. green, power, HVAC ,

Laundry 2 brown. plumb ng
Room gold
grey. green. power, HVAC.
Unisex Tollet 2 brown, plumb ng
gold
Women's grey. green. power, HVAC.
Toilet 3 brown, plumb ng
gold
grey. green. power.HVAC.
Men's Toilet 3 brown, plumb ng
Electr c gold
2 grey power, HVAC
Room
data, telecom.power.
Data Closet 1 grey HVAC
data, telecom.power.
Mech. Room 2 grey HVAC
Janitor Closet 1 grey plumbing, power

Employee grey, green, natural power,te ecom.

Break Room 3 brown. ventllatlon. data, HVAC
Employee gold green,
grey, greenery power.
Unisex: 2 brown, HVAC,
Toilet
Storage 3 gold plumbing
HVAC.power
grey

HVAC. power.
Security office 2 grey .brown data/voice telecom
 Future trends,
Environmental Interior permanence ,
Thermal Comfort Qualities Ergonomics Wayfinding Construction &/Or growth Remarks
canopy for enough space
shade, block to allow people to entry signage, clear possible expansion as
temperature from come and go, and glass. address program/ company comforting ently to
outside getting into keep outdoor wheelchair turns clearly labled grows push users through
reception conditionsout glass surround
space for
LowVOC materials, wheelchairs, deep possible expansion as
natural materials. recycled seating in shape of program guid.,, program/ company
content the human body directory graphics possible double grows
shading devices height space two story ently
green house interior
with wroughtiron possible expansion as
greenery,natural benches in shape of program guide, details: glass program/ company
materials.improved indoor human body directory graphics transition doors grows
shading devices air qualrty two story park
supportive
LowVOC materials.natural barstoots. low· possible expansion
materials. recycled reflective as program/ company
adjustable temp, content finishes.30• visible to rest of ently custom wall grows industri.al·chic style
shading devices counters spaces cabinetry
LowVOC materials,natural possible expansion as
materials,recycled content low partition or program/ company
adjustable temp. supportiveand deep directory stonewall to separate grows industrial·chic style
shading devices seating graphics space
possible expansion as
wide enough for program guide, program/ company
adjustable temp, 5 foot radius directory grows
shading devices naturalmaterials clearance graphics
possible expansion as
directory graphics program/ company
lockers no on doors lockers screwed to grows
adjuslable temp naturalmaterials higher than 60" wall
beds large enough lo
LowVOC frt all users, possible expansion as
materials,natural adjustable height directory graphics program/ company
adjustable temp, materials. recycled on doors grows
shading devices content
LowVOC materials,natural possible expansion as
materials. recycled directory program/ company
adjustable temp. content graphics on grows
shading devices doors skylights two story space
LowVOC pos.slble
t'f'l tPI'IAI.nAtotr-;:.1
graph.lcs
rtlrP.r-tt'\ry PVf"lo;:ll'\ lnn A C: program/
adjustable temp. matel'lals. recycled on doors company grows
shading dev1ces content skylights
possible
directory graphics expans on as program/
on doors company grows
b ankets avallble natural mater als skylights
possible expansk>n as
program/ company
grows

directory
graph.lcs on
recycled materials doors
directory
graphK:son doors
recycled materials
directory
graphK:son doors
recycled materials

LowVOC materials.
natural directory graphics
adjustable temp, materials. recycled on doors
shading devices content skylights bright and airy

shading devices recycled materials

adjustable temp recycled materials
LowVOC materials.
natural materials. recycled
adjustable temp, shad content
ng dev ces

section seven I95

Adjacencry Matrix

vestibule

reception + retail

interior park

kitchenette

transition lounge

main corridor

lockers

meditation rooms

private meditation rooms

public stair

reiki treatment rooms

salt therapy room

employee break room

security office

storage
<§> major adjacency
ancillary spaces (data, elec, etc.) secondary adjacency

toilets 0 no adjacency
Bubble Diagram

interior park

meditation
room

,?-

e'J
meditation
room
.--.,_
\
salt
r:
c
(

meditation
room

section seven I97

Existing Building Analysis
The Philadelphia Navy Yard is zoned as CMX-
3. Community Commercial Mixed Use. with an
AHC hazard. an airport hazard control.
The current Urban Outfitters Store most
recently Free People Brand offices. c nsists of
one level and a mezzanine sq. ft.
at Formerly
known as. the Navy Yard's "Building 15". it
was renovated in 2006 by MSR Design, along
with seven other buildings to become URBN's
corporate campus. The building's original style
is industrial equipped with masonry walls and
large arched windows. MSR Design kept the
building's integrity intact and left trusses and
masonry exposed. The renovated interior is very
much "URBN" in that rustic furniture, finishes.
and materials were utilized: MSR's choices
perfectly fit in with Building 15's original style
and concept. The structure consists of both a
column system
and a beam-truss system to support its loads.
refer to . It is completely enveloped
diagram by
large masonry on all elevations and a slate roof
with a clerestory detail. Its finishes appear to be
influenced by Philadelphia's NorthEast temperate
climate as well as the winds from the adjacent
river.
MSR Design's renovation appears sustainable.
many of the building's original finishes were
left untouched and/or rehabilitated such as
columns. beams. and trusses. MSR
employed the Federal Historic Preservation
Tax Incentive Program. meaning they had to
protect as much original integrity and
character of the building as possible Building
15was once used in the process of
shipbuilding and repairs. so MSR decided to
protect original materiality. open
volumes. and daylight access openings were
kept It appears that the building's sustainability
is very holistic and natural. For the proposed
reiki healing
& meditation center. Iwill use the building in its
entirety and preserve the structure's verticality
and open volumes I will need to employ smaller
and more private rooms than are currently
constructed. so at least ?-3 of the building will lose
its open volume quality.
Code, Regulation, &
Standards Analysis
According to the International Building
Code 2009. or IBC 2009. the proposed Reiki
Healing and Meditation Center belongs under
Group
B acting as a place of business. According to
Group B regulations. the maximum floor area
allowances per occupant load is 100 gross.
Dead ends should be no longer than 50 feet.
corridors
should have a minimum width of 44 inches. a
minimum of 2 means of egress per story. and no
aisles less than 36 inches wide. The maximum
allowable travel distance to an exit is 300 feet in
an automated sprinklered building. Watercloset
regulations state 1per 25 for the first 50
occupants. and 1per 50 for the remainder
exceeding 50. Lavatory regulations state: 1per
40 for the first 80. and 1per 80 for the
remainder exceeding 80. 1drinking fountain per
100 occupants is required. as well as 1service
sink. Specific separations between rooms or
areas follow strict wall rating and fire
preventative/ blocking regulations. Laundry and
storage rooms over 100 sq ft require 1-hour
rated walls or an automatic fire extinguishing
system
section eight 1101
 .·. ·
•.·. ·..·

existing f loor plan section

structuraldiagram structural diagram
load bearingwalls trusses
daylight diagram daylight diagram

section eight 1 105

egress diagram picturesque views diagram
solid v. void diagram ventilation diagram

section eight 1 107

Section One Endnotes
1Borang. KaJSa Krtshnt 2013 Prtnctples of Reiki What It Is. How It Works. and What It Can Do for You London. Stng;ng Dragon. 2013
eBook Academtc Collect ton (EBSCOhost). EBSCOhost (accessed July 20. 2017) 2
2 HoeI. Helge. Kate Sparks. and CaryL Cooper 'The cost of vtolence/stress at work and the benefits of a vtolence/stress-free
worktng
environment' Geneva lnternattonal Labour Organ1zatton (2001) 81
3. Hoel. 'The cost of vtolence/stress'. 83
4 'Our OrgantzatJon' Our Organtzatton- The Reikt Alliance Accessed August 24.2017 http //www retktalltancecom/en/article/our
organtzatton
5 'Reiki llnternattonal assoctation of REIKI professionals IARr • Reiki llnternat,onal assoctatton of REIKI professionals IARfl Accessed
August 24. 2017 https//www tarpretktorg/
6 Abbott. Altson 'Stress and the Ctty Urban decay· Nature News. Nature Publtshtng Group.lO Oct 2012. www nature com/news/
stress-and-the·ctty-urban-decay-111556. Accessed 27 Aug 2017
7 Lederbogen. Flonan. Peter Ktrsch. Letla Haddad. Fabtan Streit. Hetke Tost. Phtltpp Schuch. Stefan Wust. et al2011 City living
and
urban upbnngtng affect neural soctal stress processing in humans. Nature 474 (7352) 498-501 500
8 'QuiCkFacts' US Census Bureau QutekFacts selected Phtladelphta County, Pennsylvanta Aprtl2010 Accessed August 24.2017
https//www.census.gov/qutckf acts/fact/table/philadelphiacountypennsylvanta/RHI105210
9. 'Phtladelphta Economy' Philadelphia Economy- Major lndustnes and Commercial Activtty. Incentive Programs New and Existing
Bustnesses. 2016 Accessed August 24. 2017. http //www.ctly·data corn/us·ctttes/The-Northeast/Philadelphia-Economy.html
10. Chrisman. Linda. "Medttation "In Gale Encyclopedia of Nurs1ng and Allied Health. edt ted by Gale. 2nd ed. Gale, 2013.
https//ezproxy philau.edu/logtn?url=http.//search.credoreference.com/content/entry/galegnaah/medttatton/O?tnstttuttonld=55

Contents+ Section One Images

1Retkl energy healing http//www wtndsoulstudto com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/retkt·energy-healtngjpg
2. http //www mottctse com/wp-content/uploads/2017 /06/medttattngjpg
3 51f76230 https /It mywtshts tn/s/i/wishes/12/34/470x0_1234ca01a36bab0414261b082f26b36d Jpg 4_51f76230JP9
4 3925975_ortg http//samanthakatzweeblycom/uploads/6/0/9/5/60956505/3925975_ortgJPg
5 94st http//tmgJp14 com/uploads/allimg/201608/51/94stjpg

Section Two Endnotes

1Wynne. Alexander The ongtn of Buddhtst meditation London Routledge. 2007 3
2 Swearer. Donald K 2010 The buddhtst world of southeast asia 2nd ed. Albany State Untverstty of New York Press 52-53
3 'The Key Archttectural Elements Requtred to Destgn Yoga and Medttation Spaces· ArchOatly October 18. 2016 Accessed August
31.2017
4 Pagts. Embodytng Enltghtenment. 473
5 Alexander. The Temples of Lhasa. 23-24
6 Alexander. The Temples of Lhasa. 24
7 'Vtpassana Medttation Center- Dhamma Ohara· Vipassana Meditation Center- Dhamma Ohara IAbout The Center Accessed
September 04. 2017 http//www dharadhamma erg/about/the-center/
8 'The Key Architectural Elements Required to Design Yoga and Meditation Spaces· ArchDaily October 18. 2016 Accessed August
31. 2017. http//wwwarchdatly com/797259/the-key-archt tectural-elernen ts·r eqUtred·Lo·destgn-yoga-and-medtation-spaces.
9. Pagis. M (2010) From abstract concepts to experiential knowledge Embodying enlightenment in a meditation center. Qualitative
Sociology. 33(4). 474
10. "The Key Archttectural Elements Required to Destgn Yoga and Medttatton Spaces" ArchDatly October 18. 2016 Accessed August
31. 2017. httpI/www archdatly com/797259/the-key -architeet ural-elements-requtred- to-destgn-yoga-and-mediation-spaces.
11 Pag1s. Embodytng Enlightenment. 475.
12 'Fioattng ·Float Rooms USA Accessed August 31. 2017 http//floatroomsusa com/floattng/
13. Ltn. Wet·Cheng Butldtng a Sacred Mountain The Buddhist Architecture of China's Mount WutatSeattle Untversity of Washtngton
Press. 2014 https//muse Jhu edu/ (accessed September 5. 2017)

Section Two Images

1Potala Palace durtng the 1959 Ttbetan Upnsing InHttps//4 bp blogspot com/-Vq02rXFXpPc/WDdBRGu2941/AAAAAAAAHFo/
de5DJVB9-rEP·J056q759xbKr56smdgnwCLcB/s1600/potala_25JP9
2 Morntng Prayers Buddhtst Monk https //i pintmg com/736x/49/e7 /37/49e73722c5ec391a6bcae68f4 7bfb09d-morning-prayers
buddhtst-monk JP9
3 Yoga London Yoga Sweat https//tptntmgcom/736x/3c/70/2f/3c702f68787b5a13f44 71f284984712c--yoga-london-yoga
sweatjpg
4 Medttatton http //umanovo com/wp-content/uploads/20l6/03/MedttattonJpg
Section Three Endnotes
1 'Our Brooklyn' Our Brooklyn- Williamsburg History Accessed September 07. 2017 https//www bklynl:brary org/ourbrooklyn/
williamsburg/
2 Penn. Alyson 'Fiat:ron D:stnct. NY Flat:ron Bu:ld:ng. Eataly. Mad:son Square Park' NYCgo com Apnl26. 2017 Accessed September
12.2017 httpsl/wwwnycgo com/art:cles/must-see -flat,ron-d:str:ct-sl:deshow
3 ArchDaily. 'Naman Spa I MIA Design Studio' ArchDaily July 21.2015 Accessed September 21.2017
http/lwwwarchdaily com(770560/naman-spa-m:a-des:gn-stud:o
4 Dezeen. 'V:etnam spa by MIA Des:gn Stud:o features latt:ced walls and hang:ng gardens' Dezeen Apr:118. 2017 Accessed
September 21. 2017 https 1/www dezeen com/2015/07/23/naman -spa-m,a-des: n-stud:o-latt:ced-walls-han ,n - ardens -pools
v:etnam/
5 Central Intelligence Agency. 'The World Factbook Vlt.: NAM' Central Intelligence Agency September 08. 2017 Accessed
September 21. 2017 https 1/www c:agov/l:brary/publications/the -world-factbook/geos/vm html
6 'Da Nang C:ty. Central Coast V:etnam.' Offroad V:etnam Adventures. Accessed September 21.2017 https/loffroadvietnamcom/
vietnam-:nfo/basic-deta:ls/da-nang-city
7 ArchDa:ly. -Naman Spa·. 1
8 ArchDa:ly. -Naman Spa·. 1
9 ArchDaily, -Naman Spa". 2
10. "Ritual House of Yoga stretch:ng. expanding, breathing in new space on 19thAve E 'CHS Cap1tol 1-1111 Seattle February 16. 2017
Accessed September 30. 2017 http//www cap1tolhillseattle com/2017/02/ntua l-house-of-yoga-stretching-expanding -breathing-in
new-space-on-19Lh-ave-e/
11 'R:tual House ol Yoga moves :nto longtime theater space on 19thAve E' CHS Cap:Lol H:ll Seattle. May 01. 2015.Accessed
September 30. 2017 http//wwwcapitolh:llseatt le com/2015/05/ritua l-house-of-yoga-moves-:nto-longlime-theater-space -on-19th
ave-e/
12 'R:tual House of Yoga moves :nto longt:me theater space on 19th Ave E' 1
13 . 'Ritual House of Yoga stretch:ng, expanding, breathing in new space on 19thAve E' 1
14. 'Mov:ng to Seattle0 Here's What L:v:ng Here 1S Like' RubyHome June 16. 2017 Accessed October 03.2017 https//www
rubyhome.com/commun:tles/mov:ng-to-seattle/
15 . 'R t u a I• house of yoga (@r:tualhouse) • lnstagram photos and v:deos 'lnstagram Accessed October 03 2017
1

https//www
:nstagramcom/r:tual house/
16 'R:tual House of Yoga I goCstud:o' ArchDa:ly October 01. 2015 Accessed September 30. 2017 httpl/www archdaily
com(77 4176/r,tual-house-of-yoga-gocstud:o
17 'WeatherSpark com' Average Weather :nSeattle. Wash:ngton United States. Year Round- Weather Spark Accessed October 01.
2017. https//weatherspark com/y/913/Average-Weather -.n-Seattle-Wash:ngton-Un:ted-States-Year-Round
18.ArchDa:ly 'R:tual House of Yoga'.l
19 ArchDa:ly 'R:tual House of Yoga·
2.
20. ArchDady 'R:tual House of
Yoga'.1 21 'Mov:ng to Seattle'>'. 2
22 ArchDaily. 'R:tual House of Yoga·. 2.

Section Three Images

1Wave. https//wwwoceancaptur e com/images/uploads/tours/63/jmc_ 6671-wave popupJP9
2 Robbs. Jul1a. Med:tation Room https//wwwhyphe nandco com/mndfl-wi
ll1amsburg 3 Robbs. Jul1a Hall httpsl/wwwhyphenandco.com/mndfl -w:lliamsburg
4 Extenor Shot 1. Wdl1amsburg. Personal photograph by author. June 2017
5 Robbs. Jul:a. Lobby. https 1/wwwhyphenandco com/mndfl-will:amsburg
6 Robbs. Julia Lounge. https //www hyphenandco.com/mndfl
-williamsburg 7 Robbs. Julia K:tchen httpsl/wwwhyphenandco
com/mndfl-w:lllamsburg
81nscape 2 https 1/wwwwellandgood com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/lnscape-2 JPg
9 Reta:l TheF:t Traveller May 18. 2017 https/lthefittraveller com/move/yoga/:nscape-new-yorks-hottest-new-meditation -space/.
10 Exter,or. TheF:t Traveller May 18. 2017 https/lthefittraveller.com/move/yoga/:nscape-new-yorks-hottest-new -med:tat:on-
space/ 11 The Dome TheF:t Traveller May 18. 2017 https//thefittraveller com/move/yoga/:nscape-new-yorks-hottest-new-
meditation space/
12 The Alcove TheF1t Traveller May 18. 2017 httpsJ/thefittravellercom/move/yoga/:nscape-new-yorks-hottest-new -meditat:on
space/
13 Recept:on TheF:tTraveller May 18. 2017. https//thef:ttraveller.com/move/yoga/,nscape-new-yorks-hottest-new -meditation
space/
14. Reta:l Shelf.lnscape Manhattan Personal photograph by author. August 2017
15.Awkward Space. lnscape Manhattan. Personal photograph by author August
2017
16. H:royuk:. Ok: Lounge Da Nang InArchDa:ly I Naman Spa July 15. 2015 http//www archdady com/770560/naman-spa -m:a-
des:gn-
Section Three Images Cont.
17 H1royuk1. Ok1 Facade+ Pool Da Nang. In Arch Daily I Naman Spa July 15. 2015 http/lwwwarchdailycomi770560inaman -spa-
mia
deslgn-studlol55ad9927 e58ece0f540002eb-naman -spa-mia-design-studio-photo
18. Hiroyuk1. Ok1 Exter1or Da Nang InArchDaily I Naman Spa July 15.2015. http llwww archda1ly com/770560inaman-spa-
mia deslgn-st udlol55ad9927e58ece0f540002eb-naman -spa-mia-design-studio-photo
19 H1royuk1 Ok1 Recept1on Da Nang InArchDaily I Naman Spa July 15.2015 http/lwwwarchdady comi770560inaman-spa-
mia deslgn-studlol55ad9927e58ece0f540002eb-naman -spa-mla-design-studiO·photo
20 H1royuk1 Ok1 Treatment Room Da Nang InArchDaily I Naman Spa July 15. 2015 http llwww archda1ly comi770560inaman-spa
mJa-desJgn-studJol55ad9927e58eceOf540002eb -naman-spa-mla-desJgn-studlo·photo
21 H1royuk1. Ok1. Hang1ng Garden Da Nang InArchDaily I Naman Spa July 15.2015 http//www archdaJiycoml770560/naman -spa
mia-desJgn-studlol55ad9927e58eceOf540002eb -naman-spa-mia-desJgn-studJo·photo
22 Hlroyuk1. Ok1 Natural Ventilat1on 2 Da Nang In ArchDaily I Naman Spa July 15.2015 http llwww archdaJiycom/770560inaman
spa·mJa-desJgn-studJol55ad9927e58eceOf540002eb -naman-spa-mJa-des;gn-studJo-photo
23. Scott. Kev1n 9 Seattle. Accessed October 4, 2017 http/lwww archdaily coml774176lritual-house-of-yoga-gocstudiol5602fe2
ce58ece79a500007 a-r itual-house-of-yoga -gocstudio-photo
24 Scott. Kev1n 3 Seattle Accessed October 4. 2017 http/lwwwarchdailycoml774176lrJtual-house-of-yoga -gocstudJo/5602fe2
ce58ece79a500007a-ritual-house-of-yoga-gocstudio -photo.
25 Scott. Kev1n 6. Seattle. Accessed October 4, 2017 http/lwwwarchdady com/774176lritual-house-of-yoga-gocstudiol5602fe2c
e58ece79a500007a·rJtua l-house-of-yoga-gocstudio -photo.
26.Scott. Kev1n 8. Seattle. Accessed October 4, 2017 http/lwwwarc hdadycoml774176lritual-house-of-yoga
gocstudJol5602fe2ce58ece 79a500007a-ritual -house-of-yoga-gocstudio-photo
27 Scott. Kevin. 14 Seatt le. Accessed October 4, 2017. hitp:/lwwwarchdailycom1774176lritua l-house-of-yoga
gocstudiol5602fe2ce58ece 79a500007a-rirual-house-of-yoga-gocstudio-photo
28 Scott. Kevin 12 Seat tie Accessed October 4. 2017 htip/lwwwarchda ily com/774176lritua l-house-of-yoga
gocstudio/5602fe2ce58ece 79a500007a-rirual-house-of-yoga-gocstudio-photo

Section Four Endnotes

1"The Key Architectural Elements Requ1red to Des1gn Yoga and Med1tation Spaces· ArchDa1ly October 18. 2016 Accessed October
05.2017
2 ArchDaily. "The Key Arch1tectural Elements'.l
3 Wampler. TanJa. and Sharon O'Bnen 'Heal1ng House Interview 'lnterv1ew by author August 2017
4 DeKay. Mark. and G Z Brown 2014 Sun. w1nd. and l1ght.Third ed Hoboken. W1ley
5 Wampler. TanJa. and Sharon O'Br1en 'Heal1ng House Interview 'lnterv1ew by author August 2017
6 'Des1gn1ng a Med1tat10n Room Part 2 • Des1gning a Meditation Room - Part 2 Accessed October 08.2017 http/lwww the-guided
meditation-site comldesJgnJng-a-medJtation-room-part2.html.
7 Ermann. M1chael A. 2014. Architectural Acoustics Illustrated Somerset. John Wiley & Sons. incorporated Accessed October 9.
2017 ProQuest Ebook Centro!
8 'Des1gn1ng a Med1tat10n Room·. http/lwww the-guided-meditation-site comldesJgnJng-a-medJtatJon-room-part2html
9 Wampler. TanJa. and Sharon O'Br1en 'Healing House lnterv1ew 'lnterv1ew by author. August 2017
10. Calori. Chns. David Vanden-Eynden. and Inc ebrary 2015 Signage and wayfmding des1gn A complete gUJde to
creating environmental graphic design systems. Seconded. Hoboken W1ley
11 Ste1nf eld, Edward and Jordana Ma1sel. Universal Design Creat1ng Inclusive Enwonments. 1Auf l.,l;ed Hoboken. N.J John
Wiley &
Sons. 2012
12 Ste1nfeld. Edward and Jordana Maisel. Universal Design Creating Inclusive Environments. 1.Aufl.l: ed. Hoboken. N.J. John Wiley &
Sons. 2012. 263-280.
13. Ste1nfeld and Ma1sel. Un1versal Des1gn. 287-289.

Section Four Images

lSpace for two med1tat1on space Accessed October 8, 2017 https/lhomebnc comlhomeJmgi2016I06I01-space -for-two
medJtatJon-spaces-homebncJpg
2 Spa Rooms. Accessed October 9. 2017 httpsl/i pinimg comlonginalsla615715f la6575fe4a0e41cea8ab384686L8fff55Jpg
3 Spa Rooms Accessed October 9. 2017 https/li p1nimgcomlongJnalsla6157/5fla6575fe4aOe41cea8ab38468648fff55JPg.
4 Ste1nfeld. Edward and Jordana Ma;sel Un1versal Design Creating lnclus1ve Enwonments 1Aufl.l. ed Hoboken. N.J John Wily &
Sons. 2012. 263-280
5 Zer11thal w1ndow Accessed October 9. 2017 http/lwwwlepet1t01Seauvasort1r comlwp-contentluploadslslider11/4Studio -1-4 Jpeg
6 Outdoor bafflers. Ermann. M1chael A 2014. Architectural AcouStiCS Illustrated Somerset John W1ley & Sons. Incorporated
Accessed October 9. 2017 ProQuest Ebook Central
7 Acoustically enhanced cetl1ng Accessed October 9. 2017 http//www soundproof1ng orgiJmageslceJIJng_proof JPg
8 Ste1nfeld. Edward and Jordana Ma1sel Universal Design Creating lnclus1ve Enwonments. 1AufU. ed Hoboken. N J. John
W1ley &
Sons. 2012. 260
8a Steinfeld. Edward and Jordana MaiseL Un1versal Design Creating lnclus1ve Enwonments. 1AufU. ed Hoboken. N J: John
W1ley &
Sons. 2012 260
9 Herbs and essent1al otis. September 12. 2017 http/lcdn sklm.gslimageslv11msl/jmxzb6rrhqeJtenscwfslessentlal -oil-sales
consultants-say-olls-can-cure-ebola

Section Five Endnotes

1Whttf1eld. T W Allan and J1anne Whelton 'The Arcane Roots of Colour Psychology. Chromotherapy, and Colour Forecasting • Color
Research & ApplicatiOn 40. no 1(2015) 99-106
2 Leadbeater. CW The Chakras Wheaton. IL. Ouest Books. 1972. 1927 p 97
3 Rodrigues. Nev1lle and Megha Deuskar 'A Study of the Effect of Color Med1tat1on on Relaxat1on States 'Journal of Psychosoc1al
Research 11. no 1(2016) 13
4 Ourak. Ay e. Ntlgun Camgoz Olgunturk. Ceng1z Yener. Oilek Guven<;. and Yusuf Gur<;1nar 'Impact of Ltght1ng Arrangements and
lllum1nances on 01fferent lmpress1ons of a Room' Build1ng and Enwonment 42. no 10(2007) 3476-3482
5 F1ve Sctenttftcally Proven Reasons Why You should Meditate. London Centaur Commun1cat1ons Ltd.
2013 6 F1ve Sctent1fically Proven Reasons Why You should Med1tate London Centaur Communications
Ltd. 2013
7 Ouccio. 'Oucc1o ·The 1mportance and benefits of meditation. Accessed October 24. 2017 https/lhowtobehappy.gurulwhy -is
meditation-so-1mpor tant -and-why- L-can-help-us -to-feel-happier I

Section Five Images

1. https llcdn shop1fy corn/s/ftles/1/1117/0376lproductsiCF _ Home_Oils_l22016_ -l3Jpg?v=1486486507
2. https//cdn2 hubspot netlhubfs/2617096lchakra -healing-background.JP9
3 https I/s-1 huf fpost com/genl337387 4/imageslo-RELAX-facebookjpg
4 http/lwww datlydetro1t comlwp-content/uploads/2016/02/buddha -zenJpg

Section Six Endnotes

1Windfinder com 'W1nd and weather statistic Philadelphia lnt Airport' W1ndf1nder com Accessed November 09. 2017
https//www
Wlndftnder.com/wtndstatiStiCS/phtladelphta_atrport
2 'H1story of Phtladelph1a • Ush1story org Accessed November 09.2017 http //www ushtstory orglphtladelphta/philadelphiahtmL
3 'H1story of Phtladelphta • Ushtstory.org Accessed November 09. 2017 http //www ushtstory orglphlladelphta/philadelphia htmL
4 The Navy Yard IA Campus Bu1lt for Bus1ness Growth I Phtladelph;a, PA Accessed November 19. 2017 http//www navyyard
org/ about-the-campus/htstory
5 'Consort tum for Bu1ld1ng Energy lnnovatton- CBEI' The Navy Yard IA Campus Butlt for Bus1ness Growth I Phtladelph1a. PA.
Accessed
November 19. 2017 http //www navyyard org/lmpact/tenant
-profiles
6. Encyclopedia of Greater Phtladelph1a Accessed November 19. 2017 http//philadelphiaencyclopedta org/archive/broad -street/

Section Six Images

1. https //upload.wiktmedia.orglwiktpedialcommons/thumb/5I58/Philade lphta_Navai_ShlpyardJpg/1200px-Phtlade lphia_ Navai_Shipyard
JPg
2 https Ilstat1c 1squarespace com/sta tic/570ed61bc2ea519da2f545a1/t/570ed93b 1d07c0b5ca6aa3e2/1460590911862/
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3. httpJ/wwwptdcphl la com/tmages/up loadslbillboardslbillboard _ homepage_artal_render.jpg
4. httP•l/www tdworld.comls1t esltdwor ld.com/files/uploads/2015/11/Master'7a20Pian'7o2020 13'7a20Dtstnct'7a20Pian'7a20 -'7a20
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5 https//1yt1mg com/vt/6akwtVL8yhw/maxresdefaultjpg
6 https 1/www asia org/2014awards/lmg/326-02 _ mini-1.jpg

Section Seven + Eight Images

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1https/l1mages adsttc com/medla/lmages/5013/1ba6/28ba/Od06/5800/10fc/sltdeshow/stnngiOJPg'l1413998872
2 https //www asia org/2014awards/tmg/326-02 _ mini-1Jpg
3 Google Maps- 5101S 16thStreet. Ph1ladelphia. PA

Section Nine Images

1https /ldraxe com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07 /bigstock-essential-oils-and-medtcal-flo-682434 79-1JPg
2. http//centerforanxletydiSOrders.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03lmlndf ulness-tra1n1ng-largejpg