A Prototypical Approach in a Religious Place: Promoting Discussion and Repairing Anxiety around Death in Chinese Society

Shi, Zhan

Savannah, Georgia: Savannah College of Art and Design

2020-05

Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Interior Design

Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Interior Design

Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-70) and glossary.

Appendix includes three surveys.

"Death, which is one of the most poignant life events and an inevitable experience for everyone, is deliberately neglected by Chinese people because talking about death is looked at as a cultural taboo. This thesis aims to provide an innovative prototype to support people who are troubled by death and have a high level of anxiety about death, primarily due to the loss of a loved one. Multiple research methods (survey, interview, observation) were utilized in this thesis to explore the physical, psychological and emotional needs of individuals suffering from anxiety. These methodology findings, along with the Behavior-Setting Theory, Biophilia, Simulation Theory of Empathy, and Place Attachment Theory, form the basis for the design solutions. Research on how a connection with nature can help with death anxiety reduction was also explored along with what environmental cues encourage conversation, how privacy in spaces promotes a sense of safety and control, and how emotional triggers and interaction spaces can promote conversation and meet the social support needs of the Chinese. The resulting prototype gives individuals the chance to discuss this sensitive problem, gather a better understanding of life and death, and receive positive social support, which helps them to escape from the Chinese society's silent attitude towards death." --Abstract

*Keywords: death anxiety, death discussion, Chinese cultural tradition, social support, biophilia

CHAIR: Pizzichemi, Catherine

Navarro, Ricardo

Huang, Hsu-Jen

English

Interior Design

Text

PDF (86 pages, color illustrations, plans)

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