Towards a More Unified Relationship between Architecture and Nature

Van Deusen, Spencer

Savannah, Georgia: Savannah College of Art and Design

2019-05

Thesis (M.Arch.) -- Architecture

Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Architecture

Bibliography: pages 117-119

"By acknowledging our instinctual bond with nature, and allowing such to manifest in the designs of our buildings, we will be able to improve aspects of human health and well-being that are inextricably affected by this relationship. Additionally, in a world where conservation efforts and appreciation for the natural environment grow increasingly important, architecture has the potential to be a powerful driver in the pursuit of spreading these practices. In examining the conditions of modern day development, one may observe the presence of a disconnect or harsh division between the built interior and natural exterior environment. This is especially the case in many workplace and living environments, designed for the masses, where people have little design control of the spaces they are inhabiting. Aspects of these buildings, such as energy efficiency and construction cost, continue to improve upon historical conditions, but these do not outweigh the negative health and work productivity repercussions that are a documented bi-product of separation. The sustainable and green architecture movements have decreased the environmental footprint of the built environment, but they have accomplished little in terms of maintaining a meaningful connection to the natural world. Rather than address these issues with a post-hoc mentality, we can confront them from the start of the design process by seeking to create environments that are more in unity with nature."

Keywords: biophilia, organic architecture, sustainable development, nature, environmental design, human ecology, environmental psychology

CHAIR: Varland, Julie Rogers

Olin, Samuel

Cowart, Gerald

English

Architecture

Text

PDF : 120 pages, illustrations (chiefly color), color maps

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