Authors: Shreeya Atul Joshi, Prof. Anand Pande , Dr. Sudhir V. Dhomane
Abstract: In today’s fast-paced world marked by rising stress levels, pollution, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing mental health challenges, the need for healing extends beyond medical interventions to the very spaces we inhabit. Architecture, traditionally viewed as a means to provide shelter and functionality, is now being recognized as a powerful tool for supporting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This paper explores the concept of Holistic Healing with Architecture, focusing on how built environments can be intentionally designed to facilitate healing and inner balance.The study draws from ancient Indian philosophies such as Ayurveda, Vastu Shastra, and the Panchamahabhutas (Five Elements), along with modern design practices like biophilic design, sensory architecture, sustainable building practices, and climate responsiveness. It proposes that healing architecture is not just about aesthetics or comfort, but about crafting spaces that harmonize with nature, enhance emotional equilibrium, and restore health through sensory and environmental connection.Key elements discussed include the use of natural materials, healing colors, airflow, daylighting, water bodies, soundscapes, plant integration, spatial geometry, and sacred symbolism. The paper analyzes case studies of wellness centers, holistic hospitals, and traditional Indian ashrams to understand the spatial qualities that promote calmness, reduce stress, and encourage introspection.Further, the study focuses on user-centric design—how spaces impact not just patients, but caregivers, therapists, and visitors. The integration of courtyards, meditation zones, aromatherapy gardens, and elemental zoning (based on Vastu) is explored as a method to infuse healing qualities throughout a facility.This paper also presents a conceptual framework derived from the integration of spiritual wisdom and scientific understanding to develop design strategies that support healing. The goal is to create environments where architecture becomes an active participant in the healing process—where every wall, window, and walkway contributes to health, harmony, and happiness.Ultimately, the research promotes a paradigm shift in design thinking, encouraging architects to approach projects not just as structures to be built, but as living systems to be nurtured—systems that have the potential to heal people and reconnect them with the rhythms of nature and themselves.
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