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List of Figures 1 - 4Thesis Abstract 6Intro 9 - 10Addictive Minds 13 - 24Spiritual Recovery through Architecture 25 - 36Site Analysis 37 - 46Program Development 47 - 62Turning Concept into Construction 63 - 76Design Development 77 - 84Final Design 85 - 114Conclusion 115 - 118Bibliography 119 - 120

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

INTRO1 . 1 page 9 Zen Symbol (http://www.calpoly.edu/~calpo lyzen/Images/zen-symbol4_copy_vectorized.png)

ADDICTIVE MINDS2 . 1 page 17 The Vicious Cyclde of Addiction (Groman p. 299)2 . 2 page 20 The Native American Healing Experience (Coyhis p. 1935)2 . 3 page 21 Traditional vs. Contemporary Values (Coyhis p. 1936)2 . 4 page 22 The Tweleve Teahings of the Wellbriety Movement (Coyhis p. 1944)

SPIRITUAL RECOVERY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE3 . 1 page 28 Nature Inspired Architecture (Day p. 50)3 . 2 page 30 Unique Door Design (Day p. 19)3 . 3 page 31 Self-sufficient Architecture with Natural and Local Materials (Pearson p. 58)3 . 4 page 33 The Beauty of Natural Light (Pearson p. 67)3 . 5 page 34 The Beauty of Color in Architecture (Pearson p. 24)

SITE ANALYSIS4 . 1 page 39 Rome, Georgia ( http://northamericanhome care.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images /Rome-GA.7200750_std.jpg)4 . 2 page 39 Historic Rome, Georgia ( http://grc.gcsu.edu /files/geog4080/web/oconee_shoals/800px-Yazoo- Georgia_Controversy.png)

4 . 3 page 39 Berry College Mill - Hilly Forrest View (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIrvxnV-Ymw /UCT1S7bOhtI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/Wj42m4lP5l0/ s1600/Rome2.jpg)4 . 4 page 39 Berry College Mill - Rusic Materials (http://veronicathepajamathief365project.files. wordpress.com/2012/01/old-mill-at-berry-college -in-rome-georgia-usa-by-melissa-at-flickr.jpg)4 . 5 page 40 Diagram of Site Location (by author)4 . 6 page 41 View of Site - Lake (http://www.landwa tch.com/Floyd-County-Georgia-Land-for-sale/pid/ 45000663)4 . 7 page 41 View of Site - Wooded Area (http://www.land watch.com/Floyd-County-Georgia-Land-for-sale /pid/145000663)4 . 8 page 42 View of Site - Steep Slope (http://www.landwa tch.com/Floyd-County-Georgia-Land-for-sale/pid/ 45000663)4 . 9 page 42 View of Site - Wooded Area (http://www.land watch.com/Floyd-County-Georgia-Land-for-sale /pid/145000663)4 . 10 page 42 View of Site - Lake (http://www.landwa tch.com/Floyd-County-Georgia-Land-for-sale/pid/ 145000663)4 . 11 page 42 Zooming in Aerial View of Site (Google Maps) 4 . 12 page 43 Site Dimensions (http://www.landwa tch.com/Floyd-County-Georgia-Land-for-sale/pid/ 145000663)4 . 13 page 44 Site Boundaries (http://www.landwa tch.com/Floyd-County-Georgia-Land-for-sale/pid/ 145000663)4 . 14 page 44 Rome, Georgia Weather (http://weatherspark .com/averages/31482/Rome-Georgia-United-States)

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4 . 15 page 45 Site Context Model (by author)4 . 16 page 45 Site Concept Model (by author)4 . 17 page 45 Site Concept Model (by author)4 . 18 page 46 Site Concept Model (by author)4 . 19 page 46 Site Concept Model (by author)

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT5 . 1 page 49 Falling Water Building Section (http://data. greatbuildings.com/gbc/drawings/Fallingwater _Section.jpg)5 . 2 page 50 Falling Water - Natural Materials (http://ww w.designspeakstl.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/ -01/Wright-fallingwater-ext3.jpg)5 . 3 page 50 Falling Water - Among Trees (http://www.bu syboo.com/wp-content/uploads/modern-house -fallingwater-3.jpg)5 . 4 page 50 Falling Water - Incorporating Site (http:// www.fallingwater.org/img/home_assets/new _first.jpg)5 . 5 page 51 Cordwood with Colored Glass (http://ww w.inspirationgreen.com/assets/images/Blog-Build ing/Cordwood%20Bldg/cordwood%20wall.jpg)5 . 6 page 52 Cordwood Construction (http://www.inspira tiongreen.com/assets/images/Blog-Building/ Cordwood%20Bldg/Treehaven.jpg)5 . 7 page 52 Cordwood with Green Roof (http://www.nat uralbuildingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/ 04/Wholewoods-natural-roundhouse.jpg)5 . 8 page 53 Reading Room (http://www.templemound. com/facilities/reading_room_files/dscn0244-2.jpg)5 . 9 page 54 Guest Room (http://www.templemound.com /index/files/dscn1809.jpg)

5 . 10 page 54 Temple Mound (http://www.templemound.com /index/files/dscn1809.jpg)5 . 11 page 54 Meditation Trail (http://www.templemound.com /facilities/meditation_trail_files/dscn1780.jpg)5 . 12 page 55 Monastery Main Building - Natural Materials (http://86sfa2wpzvx3fgjsn3har7 obhw.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/11/house-night.jpg)5 . 13 page 56 Monastery - Zen Garden (http://86sfa2wpzvx3 fgjsn3har7obhw.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp- content/uploads/2012/11/rockgarden.jpeg)5 . 14 page 56 Monastery - Cabins (http://86sfa2wpzvx3fgjsn 3har7obhw.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/11/aframes.jpg)5 . 15 page 56 Monastery - Hermitage (http://86sfa2wpzvx3 fgjsn3har7obhw.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp- content/uploads/2012/11/hermitage.jpg)5 . 16 page 57 Creative Expression (http://www.eomega.org/ sites/default/files/styles/article_md/public/images/ articles/omega_institute_find_your_creative_ out let.jpg?itok=v9JTgVnM)5 . 17 page 58 OMEGA - Group Dining (http://www.eom ega.org/sites/default/files/images/dining-group.jpg)5 . 18 page 58 OMEGA - Yoga (http://www.eomega.org/sites/ default/files/learning-paths/Heart%20header%20 yoga.jpg)5 . 19 page 58 OMEGA - Guest Room (http://www.eom ega.org/sites/default/files/images/green-room.jpg)5 . 20 page 59 Meditation Trail with Labyrinth (http://stm arksaustin.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01 /Labyrinth.jpg)5 . 21 page 60 The Forest Retreat (http://www.stayvacation rentals.com/resources/listings/pphoto_07411507 0111_forest-retreat-cabin-1-1.jpg)

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5 . 22 page 62 Yoga (https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images ?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNAAh1hp56dtILXbv9rFR9jujxF m1wgxlQBNE9tU5D_M29qs6i)

TURNING CONCEPT INTOCONSTRUCTION6 . 1 page 65 The Addiction Tree (http://aedfoundation inc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/addictiontree. gif)6 . 2 page 67 Human Spirit, Earth, God Trinity (by author)6 . 3 page 68 Twelve Step/Wellbriety Diagram (by author)6 . 4 page 69 Conecpt into Program Diagram (by author)6 . 5 page 70 Program Location Diagrams (by author)6 . 6 page 71 Program Diagram (by author)6 . 7 page 72 Circulation Diagram (by author)6 . 8 page 73 - 74 Turning Wellriety into Architecture (by author)6 . 9 page 75 Form Diagram (by author)6 . 10 page 75 Stain Glass Cordwood (by author)6 . 11 page 76 Section View Light Diagram (by author)6 . 12 page 76 Plan View Light Diagram (by author)

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT7 . 1 page 79 Stick Louvers (http://patsfencing.com.au/ wp-content/uploads/2012/05/old-style-woven -fence.jpg)

LIST OF FIGURES

7 . 2 page 79 Stone Wall (http://www.24ktgreen.com/upload ed_images/rockwall.JPG)7 . 3 page 79 Wood Panels (http://blog.sndimg.com/hgt v/design/Erin-Loechner/wall.jpg)7 . 4 page 79 Stone Steps (http://sublimegardende sign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/nat ural-stone-steps.jpg)7 . 5 page 79 Wood Mullions (http://www.centralglass.ca/ files/window-walls-curtain-walls[2].jpg)7 . 6 page 79 Cordwood (http://www.cordwoodmason ry.com/images/IMG_1298a.JPG)7 . 7 page 79 Color Glass Cordwood (http://3.bp.blog spot.com/_YOlh-xVmP-k/TKD0jn ri86I/AAAAAAAAAyY/D__VUmY QMi4/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG)7 . 8 page 79 Roof Shakers (http://www.aplsroof ing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wood-shin gle.jpg)7 . 9 page 79 Exposed Structure (http://homeguides.sfga te.com/DM-Resize/photos.demandstudios.com/get ty/article/117/32/87814760_XS.jpg?w=442& h=442&keep_ratio=1)7 . 10 page 79 Exposed Roof Structure (http://drkdesign. files.wordpress.com/2010/07/l1120153.jpg)7 . 11 page 79 Folding Glass Doors (http://p.globalsourc es.com/IMAGES/PDT/B1080025678/Wood en-Grain-Design-Aluminum-Folding-Doors.jpg)7 . 12 page 79 Planters on Terraces (http://st.houzz.com/ simgs/9321e48e000aea32_4-5690/traditional-out door-planters.jpg)7 . 13 page 80 Detail Wall Section (by author)

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7 . 14 page 82 North Door (http://www.idesignarch.com/ wp-content/uploads/2010/08/artfactory DoorZwingerPalace.jpg)7 . 15 page 82 East Door (http://www.artsignsinteriors.com/im ages/pg44/home-wood-decorative_2.jpg)7 . 16 page 82 West Door (http://www.zomdai.com/imag es/2013/12/interior-furniture-modern-minimalist-in terior-glass-and-wood-entry-doors-design-mod ern-interior-doors-design-for-2014.jpg)7 . 17 page 82 South Door (http://www.doorsbydecora.net/clie ntimages/41910/countryfrench/dbyd2033_lb.jpg)7 . 18 page 83 Bathroom ADA (http://www.harborcitysup ply.com/ADA/ADA_alcove_eor_B.jpg)7 . 19 page 83 Ramps ADA (http://www.lowes.com/brands/Ac cessibleHome/images/graph.gif )7 . 20 page 84 First Floor Egress (by author)7 . 21 page 84 Second Floor Egress (by author)7 . 22 page 84 Third Floor Egress (by author)7 . 23 page 84 Stair Code (http://www.contractortalk.com/attach ments/f50/11349d1220149189-aussie-stairs-ameri can-style-stringer-7-inch-rise-11-inch-run2.jpg

FINAL DESIGN8 . 1 page 87 - 88 Site Plan (by author)8 . 2 page 89 First Floor Plan (by author)8 . 3 page 89 Second Floor Plan (by author)8 . 4 page 90 Third Floor Plan (by author)8 . 5 page 91 Typical Guest Unit (by author)

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8 . 6 page 91 North Hermitage Plan (by author)8 . 7 page 91 North Hermitage Perspective (by author)8 . 8 page 92 South Hermitage Plan (by author)8 . 9 page 92 South Hermitage Perspective (by author)8 . 10 page 92 West Hermitage Plan (by author)8 . 11 page 92 West Hermitage Perspective (by author)8 . 12 page 93 - 94 North/South Section (by author)8 . 13 page 95 - 96 East/West Section (by author)8 . 14 page 97 South Elevation (by author)8 . 15 page 98 West Elevation (by author)8 . 16 page 99 - 100 Exterior Path View (by author)8 . 17 page 101 - 102 Second Floor Entry (by author)8 . 18 page 103 - 104 Art Studio (by author)8 . 19 page 105 - 106 Art Gallery (by author)8 . 20 page 107 - 108 Reading Room (by author)8 . 21 page 109 - 110 Yoga Room (by author)8 . 22 page 111 - 112 Entry View (by author)8 . 23 page -113 - 114 Final Board Design (by author)

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Holistic WellnessA Spiritual Healing Center

Christine Ellis

August 2014

This thesis focuses on creating architecture that enchances spiritual healing by acting as a medum between human soul and the energy of the Universe. Acheiving this will come from

inspiration driven by the Twelve-Step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. However, because the focus is on people with unmanageable lives, drug related or not, focus on the Native American’s Wellbriety Movement approach to these steps will be the driving force for design. By doing this, the result will be the well-being and true recovery of people

who feel they have unmanagable lives, and searching for spiritual help.

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wisd

omco

urage

sereni

ty

Th e S e r e n i ty Pr a y e r God,

Grant methe s e r e n i ty to acceptthe things I can not change,the c o u r a g e to change

the things I can,and the w i s do m to know

the difference.- Reinhold Niebuhrwisd

om

Figure 1.1

INTRO

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People look for help from a divine power in order to find themselves, in order to make sense of the world, or in order to make sense of their own lives when chaos surrounds them. People search for peace in their world - but that has to start with peace from within. To find peace within, those in search of answers ask for help from a spiritual source. In most cases, that means gathering to a church or a wellness center to find people that can assist with gaining answers. The buildings themselves typically have little impact on people looking for spiritual guidance – but it could. Those in need of spiritual help, and in this specific case, those in need of addiction treatment, can gather in a built environment that is not only spiritual because the outdoor signage says so, but

because the architecture itself is spiritual. By creating an architectural language that serves not only as a catalyst, but as a channel for conversation between human soul and universal energy, the built environment can carry occupants to a greater spiritual existence. Architecture that is spiritually connected to the earth it occupies will then transfer the energy of the universe into the soul of the occupant, and vice versa, creating spiritual wholeness, which results in internal peace within their mind, body, and soul. And for people searching for solutions that can help with their personal demons, this architectural language could speak the answers they are wishing and/or needing to hear.

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This [thesis] is intended to help all individuals finda better way of life through enlightenment,

transcendence, and a personal relationshp with Divinity.It is especially [designed] for those who are sick and tired of being sick

and tired, and who don’t know what they want but are very sure they don’t want what they have. (Herb K. xi)

and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to life.”

– Frank Lloyd Wright

“The mission of an architectis to help people understand

how to make life more beautiful,the world a better one for living in,

and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to life.”

ADDICTIVE MINDS

“We may not be responsible for the world thatcreated our minds, but we can take responsibility

for the mind which we create our world.”- Gabor Mate

People have always looked for the 'new big thing,' the new technology, an innovative design in hopes to improve the future. But, in some ways, so many man-made materials are being produced that the beauty and value of the existing world is being overlooked. Since man has created a prescription drug for just about anything, more and more people are being diagnosed with some sort of mental disorder. Feeling down or having trouble focusing on a task? There's a prescription drug for that. Humans try to treat a problem with a drug (prescribed or self-medicated) that sometimes results in addiction. In a world looking for innovative and new ideas, instead of treating the mind with a drug, why not treat the mind with the mind? A new, healthier approach should be taken: create a world using architecture designed to help heal the mind. Behavioral addictions, in particular, currently have no specific treatment methods - medical or psychological (Grant 252). These addiction also have been proven to be one of the root causes of substance or alcohol abuse. When a person has an addiction, they fail to resist the urge or temptation to behave in a way that is harmful to his/herself and/or others around them. Though no

treatment has been proven to cure any addiction, self-help programs and cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to help individuals improve their quality of life. An encouragement of healthy behavior and avoidance of high-stress situations make for a better way of living. Some addictive personalities will have more than one addiction within their lifetime, which suggests individuals with any sort of addiction have the same underlying psychiatric issue (Grant 256). Very often the stress of dealing with everyday life is the trigger and motivation for an addiction. If a person suffering with an addiction does not seek help, it can destroy their life or even end in death (Grant 257). The built environment can help aid in the treatment of addictions by encouraging relaxation. When an individual suffers from an addiction, the mindset goes from wanting, to craving, to needing, creating a psychological dependence to the object of their addiction (DiFranza 815). Studies have shown that when an individual tries to give up their addiction, they go through withdrawal symptoms that range from “easily ignored,” to “intrusive thoughts,” to “can't function” (DiFranza 820). The repetitive behavior

UNDERSTANDING WHYPEOPLE’S LIVES BECOME UNMANAGEABLE

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Addictive Minds

of rewarding desire creates not only a physical addiction, but a psychological one, as well (DiFranza 819). It has been suggested that the longer an addict continues to satisfy their urges, the stronger their addiction becomes and is harder to treat. If the repetition of negative behavior can become addicting, the repetition of positive behavior should be used as treatment. “A particular dimension of interest is cognitive control ability because impairments in the capacity to control thoughts, feelings, and actions are key to several psychiatric disorders. Here, we describe evidence suggesting that cognitive control over behavior is a crucial dimension of function relevant to addictions” (Groman 295). Depending on the severity of an addiction will depend how well certain treatments, like intervention, affect different individuals. Every mental disorder is different, as well as every individual, so finding the right treatment can be very challenging. The key is to study the abnormalities of these personalities in order to explain why it happens and how to develop treatment. Teaching an individual with mental illness how to manage cognitive control can be used not only to treat addictions but other mental

issues, such as anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Cognitive control is a person's ability to control their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors “Substance dependence is defined as compulsive and inflexible drug-seeking and -taking, despite the negative consequences associated with that behavior. This concept likely extends to so-called process addictions, as there is evidence that similar forms of compulsive behaviors can develop in response to nondrug reinforcers, including food and sex” (Groman 296). When people have certain mental disorders, they have impulse behaviors that make resisting urges more difficult. They will also lack the ability to make good decisions or care about the consequences of their actions. The main focus of cognitive control is the ability to realize the benefits of good behavior by making life goals. The inability to have cognitive control could be from genetics prior to drug exposure, but not always. Just the use and exposure to drugs has been shown to diminish the ability for cognitive control, therefore making the addiction worse and worse after prolonged exposure to the drug. There are some pharmaceutical drugs that can enhance the ability for good cognitive behavior, but psychological training for cognitive

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control is the only true way to lead a sober life (Groman 297). When it comes down to how an addict thinks, psychologists look at the dopaminergic system within the corticostriatal circuit of the brain because evidence shows that the basis of behavior and cognitive function starts from there. However, looking at that area of the brain does not necessarily predict future addiction, so researchers only assume that damage to the corticostriatal circuit directly relates to the development of an addiction. Because the brain relies on several layers of nuclei networks, and cognitive control has several levels itself (working

memory, behavior flexibility, response intuition), the prefrontal cortex of the human brain has also been proven to be essential for cognitive function. This is not only true for addictions, but for other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that receives dopamine neurons, and without dopamine, damage can be done to the corticostriatal circuit, thus resulting in addiction or the development of other mental disorders (Groman 298). Dopamine levels tend to lower with the exposure to certain substances, like cocaine, heroine, and/or alcohol, but the dependency on

Figure 2.1 - A diagram showing the integration and overlap of root issues of addiction and how

prolonged use makes the situation worse.

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Addictive Minds

these substances stem from the lack of dopamine in the first place, resulting in the addiction to the abnormal desire for seeking and taking said substance, as seen in Figure 1. Certain individuals, like those with ADHD, are not able to produce enough dopamine, so are, in some cases, very susceptible to possible addiction. The user may develop an addiction based on the brain's desire for dopamine by overindulging in activities that increase dopamine levels, again saying that the root of the problem only gets worse with prolonged exposure to the addiction to substances. Although the lack of dopamine and the use of cognitive control have been shown to directly affect the possibility of developing an addiction, a high level of dopamine can cause cognitive control issues, as well, because of the intense rewarding feeling dopamine causes. However, it has also been shown that just because an individual has cognitive control abilities, abnormal dopamine levels can harm their behavior in terms of developing mental disorders (300). That being said, if an individual can learn how to better control their thoughts and behaviors, and manage their dopamine levels, addiction recovery is possible. With prolonged exposure to a substance,

dopamine receptors weaken, creating an impaired sense of positive rewards and therefore developing a behavioral addiction and substance dependence. By understanding how the brain works on a biological level, and figuring out the basis of addictions, allows the development of treatment for mental disorders. Mental illness and substance abuse can go hand-in-hand (Mental). There are 23.1 million people in the United States that are in need of substance or alcohol abuse treatment, which is nine percent of the world's population. The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) has stated that fifty percent of people with severe mental conditions (such as depression and anxiety) will also have a substance or alcohol addiction. The reverse can also be said that addiction causes mental illness – thirty-seven percent of alcoholics, and fifty-three percent of drug addicts have been reported to have mental illness(es). It is common that a person with a mental illness will self-medicate with alcohol and drugs – thus making their illness even worse. Overexposure to drugs such as ecstasy can alter chemicals in the brain which results in behavior and mood disorders that cause depression and anxiety, which the user

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will then, in most cases, self-treat with alcohol or more drugs. People that expose themselves to drugs or alcohol at a young age can damage their brain development of cognitive and social behavior, which can lead to mental illness in their futures. This creates a vicious cycle and proves that in order to achieve sobriety, mental health treatment is vital. However, out of the 23.1 million that need help from addiction in the United States, only nine percent receive actual treatment. Because mental illness has several factors, including genetics, the environment, and major life experiences, the disease can be a challenge to treat medically – which could be the reason so few seek treatment. The fact that a person's surrounding environment has been known to contribute to the development of mental illness validates the need for the built environment to be a factor in treating the mind. Hopefully by creating inviting spaces that help improve mental health, more people will seek treatment, thus resulting in happier, sober lives for millions of people. Apparently a new term in the English language, Wellbriety means to be sober and well (Coyhis 1928). Wellbriety means a mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being that

leads to a sober life – it's the difference between being 'in recovery' versus 'recovered.' One of the major factors of mental health treatment is “change from within.” People with addictions or mental illness issues have to have the desire to change their own life – a conscious decision and dedication to changing behavior (Coyhis 1930). Healing will happen inside out. The Native American community has developed a holistic approach to recovery by using what is called “The Healing Forest” (1931). In order to treat mental illness, the root causes on a spiritual or subconscious level must be determined. Typically these issues cause “anger, guilt, shame, and fear,” which then turn into a behavior disorder. By replacing “anger, guilt, shame, and fear” with “healing, hope, unity, and forgiveness,” wellbriety can be achieved.. A method called the “Medical Wheel” has also been developed for mental health healing. This method is a focus on the cycling of energy, and how all living things are interconnected with energies, thus connected to a greater power - the “Great Spirit” or “Creator” (1932). This method relates the life cycle (baby, youth, adult, elder) to the Earth's seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) and compass directions (east, south, west, north), and then to

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Addictive Minds

Figure 2.2 - A representation of a holistic approach to the 12 step program and how it integrates with the “Medical Wheel” treatment method.

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Figure 2.3 - Values developed by the Native Americans for spiritual healing versus the values of western American contemporary values

21

Addictive Minds

Figure 2.4 - The 12 step program developed by the Native American Wellbriety movement

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human development (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual). This wheel teaches that opposites, or polarities, have been put on Earth to create balance (ex: good/bad, man/woman). When a human feels anxiety or stress, these feelings are messages from the universe that there is an imbalance within and that balance needs to be achieved. To focus on the conscious and subconscious effects of the world may be the answer to addiction treatment – look at the world that can be seen, as well as the world that can not be seen. Because human beings exist in a world where the physical state dominates their lives, by gaining spirituality and traveling to a spiritual state, recovery is more likely to happen. Native Americans typically do this with sacred pipes, sweat lodges, sun dances, and other such rituals that bring the physical body to a heart healing state (1931-32). True healing is when the spiritual and physical forms have recovered. It is assumed that nature has always been used as guide to life – to live alongside nature means to live alongside earth and all of its power and healing energies (1938). Buildings built out of natural materials or therapies involved in natural contact often result in better recovery. Not only should there be a focus on recovery, but on prevention, as

well (1939). By teaching preventative methods, people on the verge of a substance or alcohol issue can seek help and prevent the development of an addiction. The built environment and the spaces it creates should not be seen as only a physical surrounding, but as an interconnection between conscious and subconscious (Fuchs 426). The built environment can be described as an “ecological niche,” which implies that physical surroundings have a direct relationship with how a person reacts and behaves. Human beings as a whole have developed the physical world as it is today, but without realizing how the world negatively impacts human beings on an individual level (Fuchs 427). Humans have affect over the environment, but in tandem, the environment has affect over humans. When a person is experiencing a mental health issue, they feel like there is no supporting ground or reason for their existence – metaphorically speaking, a disorder in lived space (Fuchs 428). It is said that the phenomenology of the unconscious mind plays a vital role in psychotherapy because several underlying issues lay within subconsciousness. If repeated flashes of ideas, memories or skewed interpretations of

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Addictive Minds

physical reality can in fact result in poor mental health, then it can be assumed that repeated exposure to physical spaces that create a positive subconscious response can be used to better mental well-being. The mind, body, and spirit are one. If the body is happy in it's built environment, then so will the mind and spirit. Happier people make for happier, better societies and communities. By studying how the mind works and how to design to appeal to a person's subconscious, an innovative way of healing can be discovered. This has been proven with the use of colors, lighting, size of spaces, room layouts, exposure to nature and even encouragement of yoga and meditation. It has been proven that sound can also access deep levels of the subconscious mind and that repeated exposure to certain sounds can teach the mind to behave a certain way. With the integration of all these factors and how architecture can expose them in a facility designed specifically for such a healing, the 'new big thing' will be recovering mental health through the physical environment.

...

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SPIRITUAL RECOVERY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE

“In architecture, as in life,to separate spirit and matter is to destroy both.”

- Frank Lloyd Wright

Speaking from a scientific standpoint, human beings are made up of the same atoms that were once stars (Tyson). Old stars collapsed and exploded and evolved into galaxies, planets, and living organisms. Therefore, humans are literally creations of the universe. Everything on Earth, and Earth itself, are creations of the universe. To realize this creates a connection between human soul and universal power. American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson states:

It only makes sense that spiritual centers should be designed with architecture that not only becomes one with the earth, but embraces and enhances it – a loving experience of wholeness and harmony, creating balance and sense of oneness. Frank Lloyd Wright believed “the good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but is one that makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before that building was built” (Wright 18). This idea is vital for the sake of creating architecture that

THE TRINITY OFHUMAN SOUL, BUILT ENVIRONMENT, AND DIVINE POWER

has a spiritual connection to Earth. Nature is harmoniously connected to the energy of the universe, to create buildings that harmoniously connect to the earth as if the architectural form was destined to be there, inhabitants of that architecture will harmoniously connect with the universe (Day 20). In order to achieve this, climate, culture, tradition, and historical issues of the building’s context must be considered (13, 16). Although context issues considered could be national instead of city specific, using the immediate surrounding’s issues will ultimately result in a form that communicates with the earth it rests upon. By consciously considering the site’s context when designing the built environment, architecture will unconsciously affect the people it holds. Doing so creates architecture that acts as the channel between the power of universe and the human soul. Architecture that has an intimate relationship with the earth will be truly connected to the cosmos, which will then touch the soul within a person, thus creating a divine trinity that unconsciously invokes spiritual healing. By creating such a spiritual relationship, inhabitants will feel like they truly belong on this earth and find purpose in their existence. And, as has been

There’s a level of connectivity. That’s really what you want in life, you

want to feel connected, you want to feel relevant, you want to feel like a

participant in the goings on of activities and events around you.

(Tyson)

previously discussed, spiritual help is the basis of true recovery for addictions.

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Spiritual Recovery

Speaking from a scientific standpoint, human beings are made up of the same atoms that were once stars (Tyson). Old stars collapsed and exploded and evolved into galaxies, planets, and living organisms. Therefore, humans are literally creations of the universe. Everything on Earth, and Earth itself, are creations of the universe. To realize this creates a connection between human soul and universal power. American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson states:

It only makes sense that spiritual centers should be designed with architecture that not only becomes one with the earth, but embraces and enhances it – a loving experience of wholeness and harmony, creating balance and sense of oneness. Frank Lloyd Wright believed “the good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but is one that makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before that building was built” (Wright 18). This idea is vital for the sake of creating architecture that

has a spiritual connection to Earth. Nature is harmoniously connected to the energy of the universe, to create buildings that harmoniously connect to the earth as if the architectural form was destined to be there, inhabitants of that architecture will harmoniously connect with the universe (Day 20). In order to achieve this, climate, culture, tradition, and historical issues of the building’s context must be considered (13, 16). Although context issues considered could be national instead of city specific, using the immediate surrounding’s issues will ultimately result in a form that communicates with the earth it rests upon. By consciously considering the site’s context when designing the built environment, architecture will unconsciously affect the people it holds. Doing so creates architecture that acts as the channel between the power of universe and the human soul. Architecture that has an intimate relationship with the earth will be truly connected to the cosmos, which will then touch the soul within a person, thus creating a divine trinity that unconsciously invokes spiritual healing. By creating such a spiritual relationship, inhabitants will feel like they truly belong on this earth and find purpose in their existence. And, as has been

In order to truly connect architecture to Earth, the building has to nourish the ground it occupies (Day 9). The purpose of the building should not only be to fit the needs of the intended program, but to nurture the earth it occupies and nurture the occupants it holds. Frank Lloyd Wright

used nature as his inspiration for architectural design because he believed the earth to be more important than the building (Pearson 50). A building is but only a guest within nature, so it should honor and respect the earth it stands on. Architects should use nature as inspiration when designing a building for spiritual healing because nature creates the places people like to go to relax, such as landscapes, beaches, rivers, and open valleys (Day 35). It is the spirit of these places that attract people to them, relieving their stress and

NATURE AS INSPIRATIONFOR SPACE AND FORM

previously discussed, spiritual help is the basis of true recovery for addictions.

Figure 3.1

28

putting their minds at ease. Wright believed that architecture should create “a sense of delight and surprise.” Much like finding spiritual healing is a journey within self, buildings for spirituality should create a journey within itself, as well. This can be done with spaces that require the occupant to walk through a “closed and restricted space, to one which was light, open, and airy,” much like the experience of walking from “a dark forest into a sunny meadow” (Pearson 50). When using nature to inspire the organization of a building’s program and form, the philosopher Goethe compared the idea to plant metamorphosis of seed, bud, leaf, flower and fruit. Each phase is a transformation, but all for one specific plant (Pearson 52). For an individual going through a spiritual transformation, having a variety of spaces encourages growth. Because nature is as complex as it is simple, designing with organic shapes will inspire a desire for creativity as well as enhance individuality within the people gathering in such interesting spaces (Pearson 50-1). When applying that to the ideas of spiritual healing, if an individual feels creative and free, they will be more receptive to the spiritual world.

Considering context is very important in making sure the built environment is connected to the energy of the earth, but that does not mean the only considerations have to be immediately local. Referenced in the context paper, the Native Americans use the cardinal points as spiritual coordination in their twelve-step addiction recovery program (Coyhis 1935). This can be used to orientate the building program on the site. East represents the first three steps: honesty, hope, and faith – “finding the creator” (Coyhis 1935). Facing south is dedicated to finding self with courage, integrity, and willingness as the next three steps of the program. Moving to the west means finding relatives through humility, forgiveness, and justice. And finally facing north means gaining elders’ wisdom with perseverance, spiritual awareness, and service, as the last three steps of the program. Architecturally, this idea can inspire the arrangement of spaces to create the developmental journey individuals will go through during their healing process. Still considering that spiritual healing is a journey, transitioning from step to step in a recovery program could be architecturally interpreted as moving from room to room, activity to activity, and

29

Spiritual Recovery

To find spiritual answers within self, honesty is needed; building materials used in spiritual architecture need to be honest and true: natural. Unfortunately, to save money, an alternative or faux option is sometimes used. On the topic of using materials that only resemble nature, such as laminate wood, Christopher Day comments using such materials is “as hollow and meaningless as synthetic fresh bread smell outside a fast-food restaurant.” (Day 20) Not only does using natural materials have a spiritual benefit, but an ecological one, as well (Pearson 73). If a building is harmonious with nature, it also benefits the environment. By creating self-sufficient buildings, series of “eco-cycle

NATURAL MATERIALS

mood to mood (Day 24). In order to physically get from room to room, we have to go through a doorway. Similarly, to get from step to step, we have to push through a spiritual barrier, or metaphorical checkpoint. Designing the shapes of doorways, and the weight and design of doors, door handles, and/or door latches (like the one in Figure 6), for each individual phase of the recovery process, eases the transition, and gives people a sense of personalized accomplishment (Day 24). Creating a physical journey can act as a guide for the spiritual journey. An example of nature in healing architecture is the Vidarclinic by architect Erik

Asmussen. When explaining his architecture, he says, “the wall is not merely a wall, it is living, just like an organism that allows elevations and depressions to grow out of itself” (Pearson 54). In order to inspire inhabitants to develop spiritually, their surrounding environment must inspire them by being spiritual itself. This can be achieved by incorporating natural materials, natural light, and color into physical spaces.

Figure 3.2

“We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” Winston Churchill

30

Figure 3.3

31

Spiritual Recovery

houses,” or agriculture systems, architecture can work with nature in harmony (Pearson 74). When a person is on a spiritual passage to recovery, they have to learn to be self-reliant. It may, in fact, be safe to compare that experience to a building that is completely reliant on nature to stay alive. More so, because context needs to play a huge role in spiritual architecture, using local resources is not only vital, but may even be cheaper in some regions. Using local materials allows for the community to play a role in the construction process, as well. Natural materials that have been hand crafted are unique, which is as appealing as it is authentic (Pearson 59). When first-hand manual labor goes into the construction of a building, it creates a sense of spirit that connects human soul to the built environment (Day 14). When a building is constructed by hand, it is uniquely individual. The universe hand crafted each individual human being on Earth, so if a building is created in the same way, inhabitants searching for spiritual guidance will find comfort in a building that is perfectly imperfect, just as they are – emphasizing the trinity of human soul, built environment, and divine power. Sometimes this process can take years to complete, but the results will be an eternal, spiritual

Research shows that artificial light causes stress, and can cause us to feel dull about daily life (Day 12, 16). Unfortunately because artificial light is so common, and in most cases necessary, people have become accustomed to its negative effect (Day 16). And because we have become accustomed to it, we continue to apply it to our built surroundings, creating a vicious cycle of negative impacts on our subconscious mind. In a spiritual building, it is important to activate the senses, as well as eliminate as many stress producers as possible. There is life in natural light that soothes the soul, as much as it is beautiful to the human eye (Day 18). A burning log fire not only gives off a vibrant light, but a warmth that is not only physically hot, but comforting to the soul (Day 20). This “alive” light is “life-enhancing” (Day 21). The glands in the human brain that affect growth and

hormones have been proven to be affected by natural light, as well as nourish the soul. Natural light should shine gently into spaces throughout the day, creating different intensities and colors that can affect the moods of occupants. Light is measured in frequency waves called nanometers, which depending on the quantity, can be read as color by the human eye (Mahnke 6). Therefore light has just as much of a biological effect on us as colors do – because light is color.

NATURAL LIGHT

gratification. Life produces emotions, thus nature produces emotions. If architecture connects to the energy and life of nature, humans within the built environment will emotionally tap into the spirit of the universe (Mahnke 7-8).

“Color has a significance all its own, and is in a realm all its own. Color is the music of light, you see.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

32

Research shows that artificial light causes stress, and can cause us to feel dull about daily life (Day 12, 16). Unfortunately because artificial light is so common, and in most cases necessary, people have become accustomed to its negative effect (Day 16). And because we have become accustomed to it, we continue to apply it to our built surroundings, creating a vicious cycle of negative impacts on our subconscious mind. In a spiritual building, it is important to activate the senses, as well as eliminate as many stress producers as possible. There is life in natural light that soothes the soul, as much as it is beautiful to the human eye (Day 18). A burning log fire not only gives off a vibrant light, but a warmth that is not only physically hot, but comforting to the soul (Day 20). This “alive” light is “life-enhancing” (Day 21). The glands in the human brain that affect growth and

hormones have been proven to be affected by natural light, as well as nourish the soul. Natural light should shine gently into spaces throughout the day, creating different intensities and colors that can affect the moods of occupants. Light is measured in frequency waves called nanometers, which depending on the quantity, can be read as color by the human eye (Mahnke 6). Therefore light has just as much of a biological effect on us as colors do – because light is color.

Light is color, and light is energy; therefore color is also energy, and just as important for use in spiritual architecture (Mahnke 18). The use of color in this approach cannot be based on any personal taste, because it is subjective. The fact of the matter is this: color affects the subconscious based on personal preference or not. Human reaction to color is part of our natural instinctual behavior; the reaction is biological (Mahnke 9). Color may set off a train of emotions or memories within an individual that their subconscious creates according to what their conscious mind is exposed to – their end thought will probably have nothing to do with

COLOR

Figure 3.4

33

Spiritual Recovery

the actual color. This just proves that the built environment creates cognitive and emotional responses (Mahnke 7). To study how colors affect humans, designers should first consider the major hues: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple/violet (Mahnke 60-76). Red is dominant, arousing, loving, full of life, fierce, and angry. It appears heavy on the ceiling, aggressive on walls, and urgent on floors. In reference to sounds, it is associated with being loud, sweet or spicy to taste or smell, and firm to the touch. Orange, being a mix of red and yellow, can have various meanings: exciting, sociable, or intrusive. Brown is only a darker version of orange, which is associated with comfort, nature, and food. Orange is comforting on the ceiling, intimate on walls, and strange on floors. For sounds, smells, taste, and touch, it seems strong: oranges, chocolate, and coffee. Yellow is the happiest of the colors, resembles the sun, and depicts a bright future. On the ceiling, it can be similar to lighting, exciting on walls, and elevating on floors. Although pleasant and happy visually, and appearing smooth to the touch, yellow is unpleasant when it comes to representing sounds or taste: high-pitch and sour. Green is the color of

Figure 3.5

“Color is a very critical thing. I’ve found that architects don’t like colors. Engineers too. And so somebody has to stand in. Because this is

the finish of it. It is the emotional part of a structure.”John Hench

34

CONCLUSIONnature. Because blue and yellow creates green, it can have both positive and negative associations: health or poison. Protective on ceilings, cool on walls, and soft on floors, green can also seem dull with sounds, juicy to the taste, sour to smell, or damp to touch. Blue is seen as the relaxing color, secure, peaceful, and comfortable, but can also be seen as depressing and cold. It can represent water or the sky or reflections, closely related to spirituality. Blue is cosmic on ceilings, calming on walls, and effortless on floors. Audibly, blue seems distant. It can also seem odorless or tasteless. Last, but not least, purple/violet can seem seductive and respectable. Purple appears velvety to the touch, and sweet or narcotic to smell or taste. As pleasant as it appears, purple is rarely used in interior spaces because it can seem overpowering, and associated with sad sounds (Mahnke 60-76). Spiritualism is colorful; finding self is never a black and white experience. In order to further develop a relationship with the universe, human beings have to connect their soul to every phenomena of nature. However, considering spirit growth for healing purposes, designers have to realize the purpose and place for specific colors – to create a subconscious harmony.

By including different positive energies within the built environment, a hub is created that human beings can use to spiritually connect their soul to the universe – a place that allows the release of the conscious world and submersion of the unconscious world. By creating a mystical trinity between human soul, built environment, and divine power, a united bond will be formed so that those suffering with addictions will have all they need for their spiritual journey to recovery.

...

35

Spiritual Recovery

“Your strength physically is nothing without the

spiritual strength that should go with it.”Frank Lloyd Wright

SITE ANALYSIS

“The goal of life is to make your hear tbeatmatch the beat of the universe,

to match your nature with nature.”- Joseph Campbell

HISTORIC CITY - NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

BERRY COLLEGE MILL

The Native American culture and the historic style of Rome, Georgia proved to be the best location for this type of building

Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2

Figure 4.3Figure 4.4

CITY OF ROME, GEORGIA

39

SAVANNAH

MACON

ATLANTA

ROMESHANNON

FLOYD COUNTYROME, GA & SHANNON, GA

ROME

SHANNON

SITE

20 MINUTE DRIVE10 MINUTE DRIVE

Figure 4.540

This site is located outside of Shannon, Georgia, which is eight miles outside of Rome, Georgia. For the importance of this thesis, finding a site that was surrounded by nature was vital. This is a five acre lot, with public community lake access, abundance of trees, and hilly terrain, which were important in proving that site is everything when designing spiritual architecture. In order to become one with the universe, architecture must become one with, or enchance, site. The remote location gives humans a quiet place to connect to a higher power. Because of the spiritual and natural aspectsof this thesis, I looked closely at specific parts of thenature in the site, and used a dream dictionary to

find their spiritual meanings. Water representsluxury in life, as well as pleasure, love, and passion(Miller 928). The site includes a beautiful lake - thisparticular body of water means reflection, joy, andfriendship (Miller 496). Trees representachievement of hopes and desires (Miller 876).Climbing trees can give a sense ofaccomplishment, as well as a time for reflectiononce in the tree alone. A rolling hill terrain can standfor accomplishments, psychological or emotional(Miller 417).


SITE LOCATION AND CONTEXT

41

SHANNON

ROME

Figure 4.8

Figure 4.9


42

SITE 5 ACRES = 217,800 SQ FTFigure 4.12

43

Site Location and Context

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."John Muir

Figure 4.13

A vital part of this thesis is site: preserving it, enhancing it, and gathering inspiration from it. The main focus of a spiritual recovery is taking care of self. Life is sacred; nature is life; nature is sacred.

Figure 4.14

44

SITE MODELS

The use of pine cones and twigs as trees on the existing site captures the concept of this thesis. Nature is the primary focus of this design. By using all natural, raw materials, the beauty of nature is emphasized.


Figure 4.19

45

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”

John Muir

Figure 4.15

Figure 4.16

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

“A mind that is stretched by a new experiencecan never go back to its old dimensions.”

- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

CASE STUDIES

This thesis is greatly inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and his thoughts on preserving and honoring site. His design fully integrates the site elements and enhances the landscape. Its overlapping terraces are pleasing to the eye, and its use of natural materials prove the architect thoroughly thought about honoring nature. Looking at Figure 5.2, his use of natural materials corresponds with the existing site so well, as if the

Figure 5.1

building was natural itself. The exposed structure gives an honest look, and the low ceiling gives a sense of coziness, like a nook or cave to call home. It creates a sense of exploration, which this thesis encourages. If an inhabitant of this thesis project can gain a sense of exploration by simliarily connecting nature’s spirit into the architecture, the hope is they will also grow in exploration of themselves.

FALLING WATER . FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT . OHIOPYLE, PA

49

“No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it.

Hill and house should live toether each the happier for the other.”Frank Lloyd Wright


Figure 5.4

50

CASE STUDIES

One important goal of this thesis is to create a close relationship with the spirit of the Universe in order to aid in spiritual healing. To do this, the use of natural materials is vital. An uprising construction method called cordwood invovles using logs and mortar, similar to brick laying, to create walls (Fox). This method is environemntal friendly in its use of nature, as well as its great insulative properties. As stated previously, contructing a buildling by hand captures the human spirit into the architecture, thus enhancing the Human Spirit, Mother Nature, Universe trinity needed for developing a meaningful spiritual relationship. Kelly Hart and Dr. Owen Geiger state on their “Wholewoods Natural Buildings” website:

Very often, other materials such as glass can be placed alongside the logs in the walls to create a stain glass effect (seen in Figure 5.5). These constructions usually have green roofs because of its purely natural materiality as seen in Figure xx. Also, as seen in these figures, this construction is usually for smaller size buildings, so for the sake of this thesis, will be used mainly for the smaller, intimate areas of the site, rather than the main building.

Building something beautiful in sympathy with the natural world is Real Building. Around the world

many traditional communities build this way. Designs of simple beauty

have evolved over generations; their elegance tells the story of the people

and their relationship to the land.(Hart)

CORDWOOD CONSTRUTION

Figure 5.5

51

Figure 5.7

Figure 5.6

52

CASE STUDIES

TEMPLE MOUND SPIRITUAL WELLNESS CENTER . TARPON SPRINGS, FL

This wellness center includes a meditation trail with a labyrinth , a reading room, guest rooms, fire pit/temple site, and a media room for movies. It’s a fairly small facility, with focus mainly on the experience of nature. Throughout the meditation trail, there are specific locations with places to sit and written suggestions of contemplation. It is said that the temple has a strong energy that can be felt and is great for learning energy awareness. The labyrinth along the trail is also said to be great for

introspection and spirituality development. In order to use the facility, you must be a guest or make a reservation. Meals are supplied. To further focus on the purpose of this facility, the guest rooms have no television. They do mention that they have internet, but greatly encourage an electronic free stay to better enjoy the experience. They supply meditation classes and yoga for a very enjoyable nature based retreat (DerDerian).

Figure 5.8

53

Figure 5.9


54

CASE STUDIES

ZEN MOUNTAIN MONASTERY . MOUNT TREMPER, NY

This monastery uses local natural building materials throughout the entire site. There are several different buildings included in this monastery, and all of them are built with natural materials and site in mind. The main building (Figure 5.12) includes guest rooms, meditation hall, dining hall, kitchen, lounge, and rooms for practitioners. The Sangha House includes admin, library, art studio, body practice space, and reading rooms. For more one-on-one spiritual

development with self and Universe, there are small structures called hermitages set up in the hills, where one stays isolated for a week. The site also includes a cemetary, mountain views, a tea house for practitioners, vegetable gardens, zen gardens (Figure 5.13), cabins for long term practitioners (Figure 5.14), and a pond for reflection. They offer several workshops and retreat opportunities (Ikusei).

Figure 5.12

55

Figure 5.13

Figure 5.14

Figure 5.15

56

CASE STUDIES

OMEGA NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION . RHINEBECK, NY

This non-profit organization’s slogan is, “awakening the best in the human spirit” (Kornheisl). They do this through retreats and workshops. This is a huge organization that includes yoga, art therapy, dining, and guest rooms. They focus on socialization with meal times so groups have a chance to tell and hear one another’s stories. Classes specifically focused on spirit

growth, relationships, leadership, health, and sustainable living are all available. All of these activities can be related back to the principles of the twelve steps and used in this thesis. This facility also has retreat opportunities that focus soley on outdoor activities with yoga, tai chi, meditation, in order to “connect with yourself and others...in the heart of the Hudson Valley” (Kornheisl).

Figure 5.16

57

Figure 5.19

Figure 5.18

Figure 5.17

58

RECREATION

DOCK / WATER REFLECTION 1800 SF

MEDITATION TRAIL (WITH LABYRINTH) 1200 LINEAR FEET

ZEN GARDENS 500 SF

TOTAL 2300 SF

Labyrinth / Meditation TrailAustin, Texas

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Figure 5.20

59

HERMITAGES

KITCHENETTE 50 SFBATHROOM 50 SFSTUDIO FLOOR PLAN 200 SFPATIO 200 SF

TOTAL 500 SF

THREE HERMITAGES 1500 SF

The Forest Retreat in Meadville, MississippiFigure 5.21

GUEST UNITS

BATHROOMSTUDIO FLOOR PLANPATIO

60 SF120 SF100 SF

TOTAL 280 SF

FIVE UNITS 1400 SF

60

MAIN BUILDING

YOGA / MEDITATION ROOM 1500 SFLARGE MEETING ROOM 865 SF

KITCHEN 500 SFSMALL MEETING ROOM 620 SF

READING ROOM 1500 SF

GALLERY 1300 SF

BATHROOMS WITH LOCKERS (2) 970 SF

ART STUDIO 425 SF

STORAGE FOR MEETING ROOMS 200 SF

ADMIN 700 SF

TOTAL 32,045 SF

5000 SF1515 SF

OVERALL TOTAL 35,745 SF

CIRCULATION (20% OF BUILDING TOTAL)MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL (6% OF BUILDING TOTAL)

STORAGE FOR GALLERY 200 SF

TERRACES 8800 SFPARKING 6600 SF

CAFETERIA 1050 SF

LOBBY/ ENTRY 300 SF

61

Program Development

Figure 5.22

62

TURNING CONCEPT INTO CONSTRUCTION

“You might say that natureis the God of the architect.”

- Frank Lloyd Wright

Having an addiction doesn’t mean only having an issue with alcohol or substances.Life can become unmanageable with any kind of addiction.

Figure 6.1

65

Turning Concept into Constrution

ARCHITECTURE THAT CREATES

A HOLY TRINITY

AND ACTS AS A MEDIUMBETWEEN HUMAN SPIRIT, EARTH, AND GOD

The common confusion of the Twelve Step recovery program is that it is only for those suffering from a drug or alcohol problem. It can actually be applied to any sort of dependence or life issue. It’s not just a method that has been proven to help in the recovery of addictions, but because of its spiritual approach, it can transform a life that seems unmanageable whatever the issue. The Steps then become more than just a recovery option, but a true way of bettering life and personal well-being. The

goal is to create a sacred place emersed in nature that comforts and heals the human soul because of its spiritual power. The purpose of this thesis is to create architecture that enhances this spiritual power and life-enhancing method. In order to create truly spiritual architecture, the incorporation of how the human mind works, how nature inspires and creates life, will create a truly emersing spiritual experience.

It’s not rehab.It’s about bettering your life and relationship with a higher power.

Developing that spiritual relationship means living a fuller, happier life.

Figure 6.2

66

EMOTIONALRECOGNITION

MENTALACKNOWLEDGEMENT

NORTH

SOUTH

EASTWES

T PHYSICALFORGIVENESS

SPIRITUALCHANGE

STEP 1: HONESTY

STEP 2: HOPE

STEP 3: FAITH

STEP 4: COURAGESTEP 5: INTEGRITY

STEP 6: WILLINGNESS

STEP

7: H

UMIL

ITY

STEP

8: FO

RGIV

ENES

SST

EP 9:

JUST

ICE

STEP 10: PERSEVERANCESTEP 11: SPIRITUAL AWARENESS

STEP 12: SERVICE

STARTFIND THE CREATOR

RECOGNIZE MEANS I FINALLY ACCEPT THE

FACT THAT I AM POWERLESS OR

HELPLESS OVER MY LIFE - MY LIFE HAS

BECOME UNMANAGEABLEACKNOWLEDGE MEANS

I AM READY TO DO THE HARD PERSONAL WORK

TO ALLOW WHAT I RECOGNIZED TO

ACTUALLY COME IN AND CHANGE ME

CHANGE MEANS THAT I STOP DOING ALL THE NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS

THAT WERE NEGATIVELY AFFECTING

MY LIFE

FORGIVE MEANS TO FINALLY TAKE OFF THE

BACKPACK FULL OF HARMS AND HURTS THAT I HAVE BEEN

CARRYING AROUND

Figure 6.3

67

Turning Concept into Constrution

Step OneWE ADMITTED WE WERE POWERLESS OVER OUR ADDICTION - THAT OUR

LIVES HAD BECOME UNMANAGABLE

Step TwoCAME TO BELIEVE THAT A POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES COULD

RESTORE US TO SANITY

Step ThreeMADE A DECISION TO TURN OUR WILL AND OUR LIVES OVER TO THE

CARE OF GOD AS WE UNDERSTOOD HIM

Step FourMADE A SEARCHING AND FEARLESS MORAL INVENTORY OF OURSELVES

Step FiveADMITTED TO GOD, AND OURSELVES AND TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING

THE EXACT NATURE OF OUR WRONGS

Step SixWERE ENTIRELY READY TO HAVE GOD REMOVE ALL THESE DEFECTS OF

CHARACTER

Step SevenHUMBLY ASKED GOD TO REMOVE OUR SHORTCOMINGS

Step EightMADE A LIST OF ALL PERSONS WE HAD HARMED, AND BECAME WILLING

TO MAKE AMENDS TO THEM ALL

Step NineMADE DIRECT AMENDS TO SUCH PEOPLE WHEREVER POSSIBLE, EXCEPT

WHEN TO DO SO WOULD INJURE THEM OR OTHERS

Step TenCONTINUED TO TAKE PERSONAL INVENTORY AND WHEN WE WERE

WRONG PROMPTLY ADMITTED ITStep Eleven

SOUTH THROUGH PRAYER AND MEDITATION TO IMPROVE OUR CONSCIOUS CONTACT WITH GOD AS WE UNDERSTOOD HIM, PRAYING ONLY FOR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WILL FOR US AND THE POWER TO

CARRY THAT OUT

Step TwelveHAVING HAD A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING AS THE RESULT OF THESE STEPS, WE TRIED TO CARRY THIS MESSAGE TO OTHER ADDICTS, AND TO

PRACTICE THESE PRINCIPLES IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS

TWELVE STEPS TO RECOVERY THROUGH SPIRITUALISM

68

newness

SOUTHMENTALCOURAGE . INTEGRITY . WILLINGNESS

ACKNOWLEDGE

PHYSICALWESTFORGIVEHUMILITY . FORGIVENESS . JUSTICE

EASTEMOTIONALRECOGNIZE HONESTY . HOPE . FAITH

NORTHPERSERVERANCE . AWAKENING . SERVICECHANGE

SPIRITUAL

1 2 310 11 12

4 5 67 8 9

YOGALOUNGE

SMALL MEETING ROOM

MEDITATION

KITCHEN

COMMON AREA / LOBBY

LIBRARY

GALLERY / ART ROOM

ADMINISTRATION/OFFICESSMALL MEETING ROOM

ZEN GARDEN

MEDITATION TRAILFIREPIT

TEMPLE AREA

WATER REFLECTION

CAMPING GROUNDS

FIND CREATOR

FIND SELF

FIND FAMILY & FRIENDS

FIND ELDERS

ADMIN LODGES

HERMITAGES

GUEST CABINS

LARGE EVENT ROOM

knowledge

dedicationcommitment

application

ceremonyexperience

contributiontruth

discovery

acceptance

openness

vulnerablewonder

validationbelonging

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Application of program to the Wellbriety MovementFigure 6.4

69

Figure 6.570

Figure 6.6

71

Schematic Design

Figure 6.772

73

Schematic Design

Figure 6.8

74

FINDING FORM, COLOR, AND NATURAL LIGHT

To stay true to the wellbriety movement ideas, without being too literal, form took shape from a N/S/E/W grid. Going by this grid allows the architecture to become rooted into the cardinal coordinates and tap into the energy of the Universe.

Color has been proven to be very effective in affecting mood within interior spaces. However, beause the use of natural materials was more important than color, stain glass within the cordwood construction in the hermitages, and light well in the reading room were the only color added. Although not a grand presence in the design, it is successful in creating wonder and happiness within these spaces.

FINDING FORM

COLOR

Figure 6.9

Figure 6.1075

Natural daylighting was a major focus of this thesis. Roof shapes and windows were formed based on which directon the light should come into a space. For example, the reading room has a strong focus on knowledge, and gaining elder’s wisdom through reading materials, thus light should come into this space from the North, according to the wellbriety movement. The figures above explain this idea.

Mee

ting

Room

MeetingRoom

YogaLibrary

EntryBalconyTerrace

NATURAL LIGHTING

Yoga

MeetingRooms Library

Gallery

Cafeteria

Figure 6.11Section View

Figure 6.12Floor Plan

76

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

“Forests were the first temples of God and in forests men grasped their first idea of

architecture.” - James C. Snyder

STRUCTURE AND MATERIALS

An important part of this thesis was incorporating nature into the architecture in order to capture its spirit. This was sucessfully done by using wood construction, stone, and recycled trees from the site.

Preserved WoodenStick Louvers

Stone and Concrete Walls Preserved Wood Panelson Floor and Walls

Wood Mullionson Windows

Cordwood Construction(for Hermitages)

Color Glass within Cordwood(for Hermitages andLibrary Light Well)

Exposed Structure Exposed PitchedRoof Structure

(in Yoga Studio)

Folding GlassWindow Doors(in Yoga Studio)

Stone Steps

Roof Shakes

Planters on Terraces

Figure 7.1 Figure 7.2 Figure 7.3 Figure 7.4

Figure 7.8Figure 7.7Figure 7.6Figure 7.5

Figure 7.10Figure 7.9 Figure 7.11 Figure 7.12

79

3’ Stone and Concrete Wall

Wooden Stick Louvers

3’ Roof Dropdownfor Sun Shading

10’ Curatin Wallwith Folding Panels

6” x 18” Roof Joist

12” x 12” Timber Wood Column

Stone and Concrete Retaining Wall

Detail Wall Section

2’ x 6” Wood Girder

6” x 8” Wood Joists 6” x 18” Wood Beam

Concrete Retaining Wall

Concrete Slab withWood Floor Finish

Concrete Footing with RebarFigure 7.13

80

DOORS

Each room has a unique door based on the function of that specific room, depending on it’s relationship to the wellbriety movement. This gives people a sense of personal accomplishment from step to step within the program. Creating a physical journey can act as a guide for the spiritual journey.

NORTHSPIRITUAL FOCUSYogaLibraryNorth Hermitage

EASTEMOTIONAL FOCUS

EntryArt Room

Meeting Rooms

South HermitageCafeteriaGalleryMENTAL FOCUS

SOUTH

West HermitageGuest Units

PHYSICAL FOCUS

WEST

81

NORTHSOUTH

EAST

WEST



82

CODES

Restrooms in the main building, as well as in each guest unit, are ADA accessible.

All ramps on the site have a rise with a 1’/12’ ratio with at least 5’ landings ever 30’ or less.

Terrace

Terrace

Figure 7.18

Figure 7.19

83

Egress stairs are built with a 7” rise and an 11” run. They are surrounded with fire rated walls, with doors that lead directly to the outdoors on each floor.

Kitchen

CafeteriaTerrace

TerraceGallery

Admin

Terrace

Art Studio

PatioYoga

Balcony

Storage

MeetingRoom

Reading Room

Terrace

Terrace

Terrace Parking

Terrace

First Floor Second Floor First FloorHilly topography does allow for safe exit

Figure 7.23

Figure 7.20 Figure 7.21 Figure 7.22

84

FINAL DESIGN

“Space has always beenthe spiritual dimension of architecture.

It is not the physical statement of the structure so much as what it contains that moves us.”

- Ar thur Erickson

SITE PLAN

Guest Units

West Hermitage

Dock

87

N

North Hermitage

South Hermitage

Main Building

Figure 8.1

88

Kitchen Mech.

CafeteriaTerrace

Terrace

Terrace

Cafeteria

Gallery

Admin

Terrace

Art Studio

PatioYoga

Balcony

Storage

Restrooms

Opento Below

LockersLockers

First Floor

Second Floor

FLOOR PLANS

Figure 8.2

Figure 8.3

89

MeetingRoom

MeetingRoom

Storage

Reading Room

Terrace

Terrace

Terrace Parking

Terrace

Third FloorFloor plans showing natural lighting

0 10’ 40’20’

N

Figure 8.4

90

HERMITAGES

North Hermitage

0 10’ 20’N

North: Focus on Spiritual AwakeningLight from the West to find self

Typical Guest Unit0 10’ 20’

N

The hermitages are built with a mixture of colorful glass, and cordwood made from the existing trees that have to be demolished during building construction. Each hermitage was designed to encourage a one-on-one relationship with nature by fully encorporating the land it rests on.

Figure 8.7

Figure 8.5

Figure 8.6

91

Guest units were minimally designed so that visitors will not desire to stay in the room. Although some people choose to stay in a Hermitage, spiritual recovery works best with socialization.

South Hermitage

West Hermitage

0 10’ 20’N

0 10’ 20’N

South: Focus on Spiritual WillingnessLight from West and South to focus on forgiving self

West: Focus on Self Reflection and Physical Labor Light from the West and South to gain forgiveness of self Gardening for physical labor

Figure 8.8


Figure 8.11

92

NORTH / SOUTH SECTION

0 10’ 40’20’

93

7

7

Zen GardenYoga Studio

Egress

Meeting Room Storage

RestroomsKitchen

Parking Lots

Green Roof

Figure 8.12

94

8

3

2

1

4

5

6

123456

87

EAST / WEST SECTION

Figure 8.13

95

1

3

5

7

8

9

11

0 10’ 20’ 40’ 60’

Lake

Dock TerraceYoga Studio

Light Well

Reading Room

GalleryCafeteria

Stone Steps

Retaining Wall

Twig Louvres

Green Roof

96

2

4

6

10

ELEVATIONS

South Elevation0 10’ 40’20’

Figure 8.14

97

West Elevation0 10’ 40’20’

Figure 8.15

98

EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE

99

EXTERIOR PATH VIEW

Figure 8.16

100


101

SECOND FLOOR ENTRY

Figure 8.17

102


103

ENTRY VIEW FROM PARKING LOTS

Figure 8.22

104

INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE

105

ART STUDIO

Figure 8.18

106


107

This small gallery gives visitors a chance to display their artwork created during their stay. Some partitions are on wheels so they can be adjusted. The lightwell from the library brings sunlight down into the space, as well as a few smaller windows. The idea is to let the spirit of the artwork consume the room.

ART GALLERY

Figure 8.19

108


109

The Reading Room focuses on Steps 10, 11, and 12, which is centered around Elder’s Wisdom, and the North coordinate. Natural lighting is brought from all directions, since the library contains knowledge of every step, but mainly from the top of the space. All windows are placed above eye level so the focus is on the knowledge, not site. However, if one would like to read while outside, there is an outdoor terrace (door to outside located in the middle of the view, behind book shelf). A cordwood wall with colored glass makes up the lightwell and continues down to the gallery.

READING ROOM

Figure 8.20

110


111

YOGA STUDIO

Figure 8.21

112

The Yoga Studio focuses on the physical and mental aspects of the recovery program, so faces South and West. The glass wall is foldable so it can be opened on a sunny day, and occupants can enjoy this meditating exercise along with the outdoors. Daylight coming from the south is strong, so louvres made from twigs of trees surround the space to allow for shading. A small wrap around walkway is available for those who wish to see the view of the lake from the most protruding portion of the building, but not have to particpate in yoga.

Mee

ting

Room

MeetingRoom

YogaLibrary

EntryBalconyTerrace

Yoga


Gallery

Cafeteria

Light from West to find self

Light from South to find friends and family

Light from East to find honestyLight from North to gain elder’s wisdom


3’ stone veneer wall

Twig Louvre Wallfor sun shading

3’ Roof Dropdownfor sun shading

10’ Curatin Wall



Concrete Retaing Wall

Detail Wall Section

North/South Section

West Elevation

Art Studio

Art Gallery

Library

Yoga Studio

South Hermitage

North HermitageWest HermitageFocus on physical work with garden work Focus on becoming one with Nature

to gain elder’s wisdom

Focus on mental observationwith view of main building and lake

South Hermitage

West Hermitage

North Hermitage

Third FloorSecond Floor

First Floor

Guest Units

Meditation Trail

Second Floor Entrance

North/South Section

East/West ElevationN/S/E/W Grid

Sunlight Plan Diagram

Sunlight Section Diagram

“The Wellbriety Movement”

Site Plan

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’ 0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

Library

MeetingRoom

MeetingRoom

Storage

Balcony

Balcony

Terrace Parking

Admin

Gallery

Storage

Yoga

Restrooms

Art Studio

Pathway

Balcony

Balcony

Terrace

Terrace

Cafeteria

Kitchen Storage

0 10’ 20’ 40’ 0 10’ 20’ 40’

0 10’ 20’ 40’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

PRESENTATION DESIGN

113

Mee

ting

Room

MeetingRoom

YogaLibrary

EntryBalconyTerrace

Yoga


Gallery

Cafeteria

Light from West to find self

Light from South to find friends and family

Light from East to find honestyLight from North to gain elder’s wisdom


3’ stone veneer wall

Twig Louvre Wallfor sun shading

3’ Roof Dropdownfor sun shading

10’ Curatin Wall



Concrete Retaing Wall

Detail Wall Section

North/South Section

West Elevation

Art Studio

Art Gallery

Library

Yoga Studio

South Hermitage

North HermitageWest HermitageFocus on physical work with garden work Focus on becoming one with Nature

to gain elder’s wisdom

Focus on mental observationwith view of main building and lake

South Hermitage

West Hermitage

North Hermitage

Third FloorSecond Floor

First Floor

Guest Units

Meditation Trail

Second Floor Entrance

North/South Section

East/West ElevationN/S/E/W Grid

Sunlight Plan Diagram

Sunlight Section Diagram

“The Wellbriety Movement”

Site Plan

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’ 0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

Library

MeetingRoom

MeetingRoom

Storage

Balcony

Balcony

Terrace Parking

Admin

Gallery

Storage

Yoga

Restrooms

Art Studio

Pathway

Balcony

Balcony

Terrace

Terrace

Cafeteria

Kitchen Storage

0 10’ 20’ 40’ 0 10’ 20’ 40’

0 10’ 20’ 40’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

0 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’

Figure 8.23

114

CONCLUSION

“Knowing self, Self is my journey;Loving self, Self is my path.”

- Herb K.

117

Architecture should be more than just comprised materials sitting on a peice of the Earth. When taking a closer look, not just at the physical structure, but at its context, its meaning, its message to the world, there is something more to be said. The same can be said for humans. Humans are more than just a cluster of cells, because they feel emotions, they feel pain, and happiness. Humans have opinions, interests, hobbies, life goals - and express this throughout their existence. Can’t the same idea be applied to architecture? Nature is as simple as it is complex. This thesis was designed with that phrase in mind. The design was as simple as it was complex. To the eye, the design is simple and basic: straight lines and rigid forms. However, when looking deeper, there

is reasoning behind why every space is the way it is; much like nature; much like humans. So in a center designed for spiritual healing, which involves believing and seeing the underlying meaning of things, the architecture should have its own spirit, and its own meaning. The Twelve-Step program encourages social interaction with all of God’s creations. Relationships with other humans, a relationship with self, a relationship with nature, and a relationship with a Higher Power. This thesis applied that idea to designing architecture. This design encourages social interactions, integrates nature, enhances site, and thus creates a spiritual structure that inspires those that visit.

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119

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DerDerian, Steve, Rev. "Temple Mound Spiritual Wellness Center." Temple Mound Spiritual Wellness Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2014. <http://www.templemound.com/index.html>.

DiFranza, JosephWellman. “Does Progression through the Stages of Physical Addiction Indicate Increasing Overall Addiction to Tobacco?” Psychopharmacology 219, no. 3 (February 2012): 815–822. doi:10.1007/s00213-011-2411-4.

Fox, Keiren. "Cordwood Sheds and Cabins." Cordwood Sheds and Cabins. InspirationGreen.com, 10 Feb. 2012. Web. 29 May 2014. <http://www.inspirationgreen.com/cordwood-construction.html>.

Fuchs, Thomas. "Psychotherapy of the Lived Space: A Phenomenological and Ecological Concept."American Journal of Psychotheraphy. : 423-439. http://www.prinz horn.ukl-hd.de/fileadmin/zpm/psychatrie/fuchs/Lived_Space.pdf (accessed October 22, 2013).

Groman, Stephanie M.Jentsch, J. David. 2012. "Cognitive control and the dopamine D2-like receptor: a dimensional understanding of addiction." Depression & Anxiety (1091-4269) 29, no. 4: 295-306. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed October 14, 2013).

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Hart, Kelly, and Owen Geiger, Dr. "Wholewoods Natural Buildings - Natural Building Blog." Natural Building Blog. Hartworks, Inc., Web. 29 May 2014. <http://www.naturalbuildingblog.com/wholewoods-natural-buildings/>.

Herb K. Twelve Steps to Spiritual Awakening: Enlightenment for Everyone. Capizon Publishing, 2010.

Ikusei. "Buildings & Grounds | Zen Mountain Monastery." Zen Mountain Monastery. Mountains and Rivers Order, n.d. Web. 29 May 2014. <http://zmm.mro.org/monastery/buildings-and-grounds/>.

Kornheisl, Matthew. "Yoga, Wellness, Meditation, Retreats & Conferences | Omega." Yoga, Wellness, Meditation, Retreats & Conferences | Omega. Omega Institute, n.d. Web. 29 May 2014. <http://www.eomega.org/>.

Mahnke, Frank H. Color, Environment, and Human Response: An Interdisciplinary Understanding of Color and Its Use as a Beneficial Element in the Design of the Architectural Environment. New York: Wiley, 1996. Print.

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Pearson, David. In search of natural architecture. New York: Abbeville Press Publishers, 2005.

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