Relaxation spaces
Architecture as Masseuse
Architecture Thesis
Location: High Line, NYC
This thesis aims to create spaces fit for relaxation in cities where stress is unavoidable. Metropolitan cities, where new components are constantly being incorporated in our environment, but can unfortunately increase the levels of stress which lead to physical and psychological damage. Architecture becomes the users’ therapist: massaging in specific points in the body, stretching the user, offering spaces of relaxation, and providing a designed environment to pause on a busy day. The addition of these spaces into people’s life can potentially educate people of the importance for relaxation and start applying these to their daily life.
Eastern Medicinal practice teaches that relaxation is achieved through the isolation of the human mind. Both Eastern and Western Medicine teach that massaging helps the body get rid of the stress created and that stretching prevents the body from cramping and becoming stiff.
Through my research, I have found that Environment, Massaging and Stretching, are key to achieve true relaxation.
The project consists of three areas: Warming Up, Massaging and Cooling down.
