Luke Anderson

Thesis ~ Project Heartwood

My thesis is the reinvigoration of the health care field focused on the long-term assisted living homes, using biophilic design techniques in order to provide enhanced recovery environments to the patients of the building, while positively impacting all users of the spaces. To support the ideas within my thesis, I am proposing that the parking lot located at 100 Buttonwood Ave, be used for the new construction of a long-term care/ recovery home using the following design objectives: • In-depth implementation of Biophilic Design • Have a positive effect on the surrounding environment and flora/fauna • Revitalize the current theme that exists in long term care homes/recovery homes design principles • Prioritize the Health, Well-being, and Dignity of the inhabitants The concept I would be using to portray my ideas is Interconnectivity/The Gaia hypothesis. The Gaia hypothesis states that there is a complex system between living and inorganic organisms that help maintain the conditions of life on the planet. This hypothesis under the basis of my thesis would be more focused on the vital connection between nature and a community to help maintain a high standard of living for those who are in need of help. With nature being one of the foremost factors in human mood (i.e. being in and around nature leaves us less stressed, happier etc...) and human mood having a major impact on the recovery process it is vital to my design philosophy. The symbol that can be used is the Aspen tree because of how it directly correlates to the numerous ideas I have throughout my project. From the ability to have root systems that can connect hundreds of trees, to be able to allocate resources to the trees that need it most so that the system can thrive.