CHAPTER 9 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND DESIGN DRIVERS
9.2 Application of Theoretical Framework
The research discussed the ways in which people perceive their physical environments and how these perceptions shape their personal identities and sense of self-worth. It was found that in spite of visual perception being the most direct of the sensory systems, those of the indirect and refracted waves of sound - smell and touch acted on a more subtle level and as such, had the greatest psychological impact on the user. The intention is to provide spatial experiences that act on these more subliminal sensory systems in order to depict the urban environment and the associated triggers within it, in a healthier way. By providing affordances for different and healthier behaviours in the same environment, it is possible to repercieve that environment and build a resilience to the undesirable behaviours traditionally associated with it.
The sacred space acts as the heart of the facility and as such the architectural language used here is reiterated in spaces of similar atmosphere where a sense of verticality, diffused light and the dilution of the visual perception of the urban context acts to reinterpret the triggers that exist in it. The private meditation balconies attached to each unit therefore, has this same language in order to reinforce the association with one's spiritual connection. The major entrances to the facility also attach to this verticality and the sense of something greater than oneself. This not only achieves this end but also diffuses the interior light and associated heat gain, to facilitate passive cooling of the building. The play of light and shade on the blank walls of the interior and exterior faces also creates a continuously changing and visually stimulating aesthetic without the retrospective application of additive decoration. The integrity of the materials and their reference to the context is maintained and encouraged in a bid to familiarise the user with the building encouraging a sense of dwelling in the space.
9.2.2 Dwelling
In terms of the issue of self-esteem, identity and self-awareness and actualisation the concept of Dwelling defined by architectural theorist Christian Norberg-Schultz, sets out the basis for the creation of an atmosphere conducive to this end. Orientation and Identification within the
139 | P a g e built environment are integral contributing components to one's emotional security within a space. As such the clear understanding and familiarity with stimulus in the built environment augers the healing process.
The design of the Life-Recovery Facility is based on the principles of the Four Modes of Dwelling from Natural, through Common, Public to personal. The central administrative block of the facility also houses primary and secondary residential units on levels 2 and 3. In topology this block is structured, symmetrical and regular. Circulating around a central courtyard which facilitate social integration; surveillance of residents by staff and together with single loaded corridors aids in cross ventilation and natural lighting of all spaces. The residents in this block are in the first two stages of recovery and require a more structured environment in which to find clarity of thought form the chaos of their addictive minds.
The rear portion of the facility breaks from this regularity while naturally following the existing natural context. In an effort to disturb the natural context as little as possible, the rear block is situated where the old dis-used tennis club once was and accommodates the communal functions of the facility including the sacred space as well as residential accommodation for tertiary units including single parents, families and single males and females in halfway-house type units. The public cafe is also situated in this block and acts to connect the currently isolated and dangerous south-east corner of Albert Park with the busy soccer field and paved walkway to the north-west of the macro-site.
Fellowship and Spirituality form the basis of recovery from addiction and this has been translated in the contextual response to the urban environment. The centre acts outwards as well as inwards as is the need of both public and private users of the space. It also acts to activate currently inactive parts of the macro-site, looking to rehabilitate the area of Albert park as a whole. A key component of this concept is the direct connection of Albert Park to Wilson's Wharf situated across the main road to the south of the site. Wilson's Wharf is a hub of leisure and marine activity which has been only partially successful as a result of it's being inconvenient to arrive at. It is also segregated from its nearest neighbours in the CBD and specifically Albert Park and as such it is not fulfilling its potential to activate trade, social interaction and curb crime in the area. The urban design proposal is to provide a market bridge connecting Albert Park and Wilson's Wharf and populate it with informal traders from the area. The urban farming that is proposed for the less-used south-west hillside of Albert
140 | P a g e Park can then be easily transported to the proposed fresh food market situated alongside the existing fresh fish market on Wilson's Wharf. The intention of the overall urban design, is to rehabilitate a once vibrant part of the city and connect that energy to that of a culturally and economically different area with the objective of rehabilitating both through the principles of Fellowship.
9.2.3 Empirical Learning
The primary reasons for relapse back into addictive behaviours is transitions from one healing space back into one's former and less savoury living situation. As such, in order for a recovery facility to be effective it must ensure that residents leave with the means and ability to maintain a changed way of living. According to the research this may be achieved both consciously and sub-consciously through formal and informal learning. Empirical learning talks about the latter and how in actual fact we only ever learn indirectly/sob-consciously.
To this end, circulation spaces became instrumental in the process of recovery and the establishing and strengthening of a sense of fellowship. The circulation spaces are exaggerated to encourage socialising and the subsequent informal exchange of ideas and information and thereby learning form one's peers. As is described in the primary research, the break-out spaces connected to the meeting spaces proved as essential to the meetings as did the formal meeting halls. These places allow those less inclined to participate formally (certainly in the initial stages of recovery) a more comfortable space to socialise and integrate.
The use of materials, light and passive cooling also act to regulate the temperature and the subsequent physical comfort of certain spaces. Floor finishes are specifically chosen for their auditory and haptic qualities, acting to announce difference in spaces and environmental affordances of different areas. Most notably, timber flooring is used in the bedrooms to show the wear of ages of use and the feeling of belonging to something long-standing and enduring. Also, the sound of timber when walked on can be disturbing to others - encouraging room-mates to be mindful of others and establish personal boundaries in the enforcing of personal comfort.
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