Architecture & Well-being
by Margie
Architecture affects our feelings – it “shapes us” as Winston Churchill observed when considering the re-building of London following World War Two. Facing our own version of devastation in the aftermath of the recent bushfires, regional areas affected throughout Australia have an opportunity to consciously “re-shape” their places in a way that supports well-being and uplifts the spirit.
(Gentle curves and the warmth of timber welcome visitors to the Nowra Grand Pacific Health Centre.)
The early 20th century French architect Le Corbusier understood how well-designed spaces can influence emotions. Mark discussed emotion in construction in an earlier blog referencing Corbusier’s 1927 book “Towards a New Architecture” in which he wrote,
”You employ stone, wood and concrete, and with these materials you build houses and palaces. That is construction. Ingenuity is at work. But suddenly you touch my heart, you do me good, I am happy and I say: “This is beautiful.” That is Architecture. Art enters in.”
Feelings are underpinned by well-being and we can borrow a framework from the field of psychiatry to better understand the interrelationship. When feelings in each dimension are balanced, we feel well.
Our approach to design, and our multi-disciplinary way of working, addresses more than just the physical environment. Or as Corbusier would say, “Architecture goes beyond utilitarian needs”. Edmiston Jones seeks a deep understanding of our clients’ aspirations, culture and knowledge as well as aspects of a more pragmatic nature including basic needs, daily activities and financial capacity.
We are here to meet our community’s need for re-shaping resilient and uplifting places. We’ve spent 30+ years designing and building spaces, all the while refining how “bricks and mortar” can positively affect our emotions and feelings.
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