Tjolö bath house; architecture for body and mind

Abstract

In the modern world, stress has become very common and for some people it is an integral part of their lifes. The fast pace of modern life has created a society extremely absorbed in constant competition, people striving to meet all the needs and requirements which often is overwhelming and in most cases leads to chronic stress, which is classified as a disease of the 21st century due to its negative effects on human body and mind. The whole idea of the project is to bring people closer to nature and calm their minds through architecture. Therefore, this master´s thesis aims to explore the potential of sensory architecture as a means to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Sensory architecture design focuses on creating spaces that engage various senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste, to create an attractive and healing environment. The study focuses on analyzing different strategies and their impact on stress reduction and mental health. To give a broader understanding on how the human brain works in relation to architecture this thesis uses the philosophical thought of well-known architects who use sensory tactics in their projects. Additionally it includes some case studies of existing sensory architecture designs to dentify practices and design principles to reduce stress. The knowledge gained during the research is used in a recreational project, i.e. place for bathing located outside the city of Gothenburg in Sweden. The site is in a breathtaking Tjolöholm Castle area and has a natural character with the sea and forest in the foreground.