| Summary: | The intension of this dissertation was to investigate why architectural environments were not
healing, but harming people, and what factors could be looked at in order to provide healing
environments for mankind. The human living and working environments are contributing
more to illness and the aesthetic, than to creating environments that comfort, engage and heal
the human beings. Buildings needed to become more attuned to people’s physical and mental
well-being and by providing an architecture that incorporates water and finds ways to heal
while being functional. Nature’s principles incorporate networks of complexity while
remaining harmonious and by looking towards, and using nature in architecture is where
inspiration can be found for a solution. The aim of this dissertation was to create an
appropriate architecture that respects nature, while providing the essential resourceful,
sensitive, delightful and therapeutic environments for the betterment of those who suffer from
illnesses. The challenge was that creating balance between architecture and nature is difficult
but necessary for producing healing environments for human well-being.
A research investigation was carried out in the form of a literature review that covered nature,
water and architecture and the factors and elements that these categories contribute to healing.
Precedents and case studies where investigated and analyzed to prove these theories of healing
of a successful collaboration between nature and architecture. Questionnaires and interviews
were conducted with medical professionals to establish the relevance of water in healing for
humans through hydrotherapy.
The research concluded that healing environments were possible and greatly enhanced when
nature, water and architecture were combined. What can be contributed on a large scale is that
healing environments is achievable and should be implanted in every society and city for the
overall well-being of mankind, and specifically, can contribute medically to healing certain
diseases and conditions. === Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.
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