Healing Architecture in Meditation Spaces

Healing Architecture in Meditation Spaces

Authors

  • Ar. Shriya Agrawal

Keywords:

Healing Architecture, Meditation Spaces, Well-being, Environmental Psychology, Design Principles, Auroville, Kanha Shantivanam, Vipassana

Abstract

This paper discusses the principles of healing architecture by exploring some of the most popular meditation centers: Auroville, Heartfulness Kanha Shantivanam, Brahmakumaris, Lotus Temple, Art of Living, and Vipassana Meditation Centers. Using comparative analysis, we will determine in how far the architectural design influences the aspects related to well-being, efficacy of meditation, and healing experiences. The impact of key elements such as spatial layout, natural light, material use, and acoustics on mental and emotional health is explored by understanding these principles. Findings here indicate that architectural features are closely related to experiences, so to a large extent, the role of design is emphasized in mediating the effectiveness of a meditation session. Since this research contributes to the growing field of healing architecture, it provides insights that can inform future designs aimed at promoting holistic well-being.

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References

• Alexander, C. (1977). A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. Oxford University Press.

• Cohen, U. (2015). Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-being. Harvard University Press.

• Day, C. (2003). Places of the Soul: Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing Art. Routledge.

• Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press.

• Rao, V. (2020). The Spiritual Architecture of Kanha Shantivanam. Indian Journal of Architecture.

• Steemers, K. (2013). Daylighting and Health: A Building Perspective. Journal of Architecture and Health.

• Ulrich, R. S. (1991). Effects of Interior Design on Wellness: Theory and Case Studies. Journal of Environmental Psychology.

• Zimring, C. (2017). Sound and Healing: Architectural Acoustics in Meditation Halls. Acoustics Journal.

Additional Files

Published

10-10-2024

How to Cite

Ar. Shriya Agrawal. (2024). Healing Architecture in Meditation Spaces. Vidhyayana - An International Multidisciplinary Peer-Reviewed E-Journal - ISSN 2454-8596, 10(s1), 1107–1115. Retrieved from https://vidhyayanaejournal.org/journal/article/view/2015
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