REJUVENATION RECESS

ABSTRACT
REJUVENATION RECESS
In our day to day rigorous life we all are working hard for our goals but in this journey, we
have forgotten the value of holistic well-being and a balanced life. Stress, fatigue,
exhaustion, social disconnections and other daily dilemmas can make us older without even
experiencing the moments in our life. But we can equip ourselves to manage the toughest
situations of life by learning some new skills, building inner strength and resilience to lead a
more peaceful and healthy life. Studies have shown that our body, mind and soul need to
recover and re-energise from time to time. Sometimes human beings need space just to
look around and enjoy nature. While emphasising upon holistic wellbeing that leads to an
optimal healthy life, the study discusses the importance of community and collective
determination that keeps one going. Humans are after all social creatures.

The research will be conducted by studying healing spaces, optimal environments, human
reaction to nature and traditional healing therapies of different cultures and regions. This
thesis proposes a holistic rejuvenating approach in order to restore the body, mind and
spirit back to equilibrium and vitality. This dissertation analyses the theoretical works of
Juhani Pallasmaa, Peter Zumthor and others to understand the theories of phenomenology,
sensory architecture, gestalt theory and anti-ocular centrism. These theories assist in
providing a design that would enhance the experience of users and create a therapeutic
environment. This can be made possible by utilizing other 4 senses aside from sight to
explore and learn how architecture can help in optimisezing the experiences in healing. This
holistic center is to be constructed at outskirts of the city which makes it easily accessible
and close to nature.

Key Words:

Rejuvenation, holistic wellbeing, experiential architecture, phenomenology- sensory

architecture, gestalt theory, ocular-centrism, spirituality, healing space.

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

Premise
Architecture can be more, qualities of architecture influence human psychology and
wellbeing, it can be therapeutic if designed in a way.

Hypothesis
Architecture exists primarily to be at the service of the body. Every day, we experience it
without a second thought about how it’s design it affects us physically, mentally and
emotionally. By exploring and understanding the effect of space, light, materials and
spiritual experience of architecture on human beings, a facility can be designed that just not
create a visual statement but an experience that stimulates the human sense in entirety.
Architecture cannot only invoke the spirit of spaces but also induces the sense of
spirituality. Spirituality essentially leads to perceive the reality as it is and thereby
maintaining a person’s eternal state of mental well beingness.

Need for study

Though-out life, people constantly neglect to pause, look, listen and extract any of the
wonderful nuances, phenomenon and experiences that pass by every breath. Life is so rich;
full of sensation, aroma, light, sound, compassion, and connection, humans has designed
carefully to perceive the details of the world around us. In today’s soul crushing world the
study emphasizes on the need for pause in the life, taking time out to restore and
rejuvenate ourselves and balancing the life for holistic wellbeing.

The study will identify the qualities required to create a suitable place to conduct healing
process and spiritual practices.

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
 REJUVENATION RECESS

Table of content

Chapter 01 INTRODUCTION
1.1Aim
1.2Intent
1.3Objective
1.4Scope
1.5Limitations
1.6Methodology

Chapter 02 BACKGROUND
2.1 Urban stress (Current scenario)
2.2 Facts and infographics
2.3 Grown up needs recess too.

Chapter 03 FOREGROUND

3.1 Holistic approach

3.2 Quantum healing
3.3 Community
3.4 Experience, perception and conception

Chapter 04 LITERATURE REVIEW

4.1Architecture and experience
4.2Phenomenology in architecture PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616
5th Year, B.Arch.
4.3Perception of space – Psychology
4.4 Sensory Designs
4.5Healing through architecture
REJUVENATION RECESS

Chapter 05 CORE RESEARCH

5.1Constituents of Architecture
5.2Healing environment

Chapter 06 AREA OF STUDY

6.1 What is stress?

6.2 How brain reacts in stressed condition?
6.3 Holistic approach towards optimal healing
6.4 BALANCE IN LIFE
6.5 Self-Heal: Quantum healing
6.6 Well- being and Mindfulness
6.7 Consciousness
6.8 Metamorphosis healing and Shamanism
6.9 Traditional alternative methods
6.10 Ayurveda
6.11 Nature orientated therapeutic activities
6.12 Yoga
6.13 Meditation
6.14 Kundalini
6.15 5 Elements of Nature (panchamahabhuta)
6.16 Chakras
6.17 Euphoria
6.18 Sacred geometry:
6.19 Vastu sashtra
6.20 Music
6.21 Dance As Moving Meditation
6.22 Rejuvenation
6.23 Recreation

Chapter 07 PROPOSALS
7.1Proposed activities
7.2Charachtertics of activity spaces
7.3Program
7.4User groups
7.5 Architectural Standards

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5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

Chapter 08 CASE STUDIES

8.1BAHAI’S TEMPLE, DELHI
8.2MAITRI MANDIR, AUROVILLE
8.3OSHO MEDITATION RESORT, PUNE
8.4ISHA YOGA CENTRE, COIMBATORE
8.5ASHIYANA YOGA RETREAT, GOA
8.6QUIET HEALING CENTRE, AUROVILLE

Chapter 09 SITE BRIEF AND SELECTION

9.1 Site selection criteria
9.2 Site analysis

Chapter 10 DESIGN PROPOSAL

APPENDIX

REFERENCES

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5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

01 INTRODUCTION
Rejuvenation recess is a kind of holistic rejuvenating wellness resort acting as a self-sufficient
commune, comprising various spiritual spaces. The center will have the responsibility to
enhance the experiences of visitors from f different backgrounds to tread on a journey to
discover their inner potential and strength. The benefits of nature and sensory, experiential
architecture can provide resources for those individuals that struggle with balance and
meaning in their lives. A place to explore, manage, share and discover more about
themselves and the world they are a part of would be a powerful opportunity. This is a place
where one learns to calm the mind, relieve stress, empower compassion all while giving
visitors an opportunity to perceive with new eyes the ever-changing environment.

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

1.1 AIM:

DESIGNING A FACILITY WITH VISUAL STATEMENT ALONGSIDE AN ADDITIONAL

EXPERIENCE THAT STIMULATES THE HUMAN SENSE IN ENTIRETY. DESIGN THAT
ENCHANCE THE EXPERIENCE OF VISITORS

1.2 INTENT

The main purpose of this paper, is to understand the importance of various elements
of architecture that influence the well-being of humans. This will be done by studying
about concepts like phenomenology and perception of space, followed by the study
of sensory architecture.

1.3 SCOPE

• Providing a break from urban scenario, conducive to healing process and spiritual
wellbeing.

• Amplifying the magnitude of experiences available to natural world.

• Understanding the concepts of phenomenology in architecture, and perception

by analyzing theoretical work of Steven Holl, Juhanni Pallasma , Peter Zumthor,
Tadao Ando and others .

• Incorporating activities that promote well-being of humans and also uplift the
mind, body, and soul, individually culturally and socially.

• Incorporating education on lifestyle changes and self-care to promote wellness.

This may include diet, exercise, relationship and spiritual counseling, and more

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

1.4 OBJECTIVE

To Understand the physical and psychological needs of urban society.

• To Explore:

1. The ways through which architecture can enhance the person’s experience of the
space.
2. How the environment affects human psychology?
3. How architecture can create an environment conducive to healing process.
4. What can be done to bring positive feelings/ emotions, happiness in the
environment through design.

• To study the selected buildings using derived parameters from various experts and
doctors working in such institutions and unfolding the underlying principles.

1.5 LIMITATIONS

This thesis is not focusing on any severe health conditions and the FACILITY is noy
equipped with handling such severe cases like, de-addiction, depression, which
requires specialist professionals.

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

1.6 METHODOLOGY

DEFINE THE PROBLEM DATA COLLECTION

• RESEARCH • COLLECTION INFO PRIMARY
• OBSERVE CASE STUDIES
• ANALYZE
• Study of spaces
• Brief knowledge about the • Finding literature and
project relevant articles
• Understanding of the Project • Case studies
• Observation

DEVELOPING CONCEPTS AND ANALYSIS / BRAINSTORM

PROGRAM
• ANALYZE
• INFERENCE • THINK
• SCOPE • CONCLUDE
• IDEAS
• Defining scope of • Analyzing literature, Case-
the project studies.
• Inferences from • Concluding
case studies

DEFINING THE SITE CONCEPTUALISING DESIGN BRIEF

• BRIEF • IDEAS
• SITE STUDY • THINK
• ANALYSIS • APPROACH

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

AUTHOR’S INTREST

As architecture students we spend the whole week

working on assignments w and strive to take break on
weekends.
People follow different strategies and engages in their
personal interest. Some feel relived and restored by
exercising an hour or two at the gym or just dusting the
room.
The author has had the benefit of experiencing such
moments in early age of life and understood how
modern soul crushing world can affect the physical and
mental health of a person.
Due to current pandemic Social distancing has helped
us in comprehending how lovely it is to interact, shake
hands, to hug, snuggle, and all the other acts of social
closeness that make us human.

Proposal
The way humans experience the world is through our senses, by taking in the moment and
processing that information. If designers can produce an architecture that promotes
positive, enjoyable, unique, memorable and creative experiences that will have positive
effects on the occupant, it can successfully change an ever-moving object: people, with a
static one, Architecture. The centre creates a niche for anyone looking to relax, rejuvenate
and restore the body, mind and soul .it will focus on development of human potential
bringing harmony into human relations and changing the attitude.

Program
The Retreat’s breakdown of programmatic spaces is as follows:
Retreat Building

1. Entry/Lobby
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REJUVENATION RECESS

a. Covered Entry
b. Lobby
c. Lounge

2. Reception/Admin
a. Reception
b. Waiting
c. Executive Offices
d. Conference Room
e. Offices
f. Copy/Printing
g Counselling room
h. Bathrooms

3. Yoga
a. 4 Yoga Classrooms
b. Locker/Changing Rooms
c. Outdoor Classrooms

4. Meditation
a. Meditation hall
b. Contemplation space
c. Gathering space

5. Treatment and Health spa

a. Reception
b. Office
c. Massage and therapy Rooms

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

d. Lounge
e. Patio
f. Outdoor bath tubs
g. Bathrooms

5. Dining/Meeting Hall

a. Dining/Meeting Room
b. Outdoor Dining Patio
c. Kitchen
d. Preparation Area
e. Kitchen Dry Storage
f. Refrigerator/Freezer
g. Office
h. Bathroom

6. Recreational Space
a. Art therapy room
b. Music room
c. Gym
d. Garden area
e. Workshops
f. Communal gathering spaces

7. Services
a. Deliveries/Services
b. Services Office
c. Mechanical
d. Loading Dock
e. Bathroom
8. Parking
PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616
5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

a. Retreat
b. Staff

8. Housing
1. Staff Housing Cluster
a. Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom
b. Bathroom
c. Kitchen
2. Retreat Housing Cluster
a. Private Individual with some private Space in housing
b. 4-6 Bedroom cluster with common space
c. Shared Bathroom

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

Conclusion
The rejuvenation recess is a retreat situated in the outskirts of city Mumbai where people
will engage in various practices of healing. It will be identified as place where people can
find their inner peace and balance in life by practicing various rejuvenating, spiritual and
recreational activities. Such a centre will cater primarily for a mediative spiritual place,
therapies , training , administration , conferencing and housing facilities.

Understanding of the relationships between people and space, and how they perceive it, it
is possible to craft a tactile, natural, comfortable and experiential moments for visitor’s self-
discovery. The resort invites guests spending time extracting lessons through experiential
exploration.

The sacred qualities of architecture will be considered while designing the centre. A subtle
approach will be sought in this project in an aim to enhance the spatial experience through
sensory design, by fulfilling the needs of the user through adequate spatial organisation
enhanced by perceptual attributes and symbolic meanings the literature review will be
influential in informing the design of the building.

The architecture is meant to translate as experiential art that people can be part of rather
than being around by. So, through architecture invigorating experiences can be designed
which is missing in this maddening hustle of modern times. The combination of well-being,
architecture and experience makes this retreat unforgettable and pleasurable.

The design will respond to climatic conditions while architectural language will be
established to bind the various functions together. The centre will be accessible to serve the
immediate Rasayani community, and the greater community of Mumbai.

PRIYANKA GUPTA ,1616

5th Year, B.Arch.
REJUVENATION RECESS

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