ABSTRACT
For thousands of years, man lived majority of his life outside of walls and depended on the natural environment to sustain life. In today’s culture, man spends about 80% of his life indoors, blocking out the natural world.
Also, we as individuals have more demanded of each of us to meet expectations, and thereby stress or associated illness is usually an outcome (Fiset, 2004).
As a result, non-traditional alternatives are being considered as healthful options. Research has also shown that human beings have an innate and evolutionary based affinity for the natural environment.
This research work is built on the subject of biophilia and its design attributes in the creation of optimal healing environment.
The thesis attempts to understand and utilize, in a design, how the built environment can connect people with the natural environment. It draws its background to the study of relevant literature and case studies. The site and its suitability for the project were also studied.
The culminations of this research led to the development and design of a health resort. In conclusion, the research draws attention to the fact that biophilic design can be used to create healing environments by enhancing human psychology experience and also human comfort.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page – – – – – – – – – – i
Declaration – – – – – – – – – -ii
Certification – – – – – – – – – iii
Acknowledgement – – – – – – – – -iv
Dedication – – – – – – – – – – v
Abstract – – – – – – – – – -vi
Table of Content – – – – – – – – vii
List of Figures – – – – – – – – – x
List of Plates – – – – – – – – – -xi
List of Appendices – – – – – – – – xiii
CHAPTER ONE Introduction
1.1 Background of Study – – – – – – – – 1
1.2 Problem Statement – – – – – – – – 2
1.3 Aim & Objectives – – – – – – – – 3
1.4 Scope and Delimitation of Study – – – – – – – 3
1.5 Method Of Study – – – – – – – – – 4
1.6 Motivation & Justification – – – – – – – 5
CHAPTER TWO Review of Resorts
2.1 Resort Description – – – – – – – – 6
2.2 Classification (Star) of Resorts – – – – – – – 7
2.3 Types of Resorts – – – – – – – – – 8
2.4 Spa Classification – – – – – – – – -13
2.5 Design and Planning of Health Resorts – – – – – -18
2.6 Emerging Trends in Health Spa Design – – – – – -21
2.7 Health & Recreation – – – – – – – -25
CHAPTER THREE Literature Review: Nature & Healing Environments
3.1 Concept of Wellness – – – – – – – -28
3.2 Healing Environments – – – – – – – -32
3.3 Nature & Its Features – – – – – – – -34
3.4 Nature’s Therapeutic Feature – – – – – – -39
3.5 Biophilic Design Attributes – – – – – – -42
CHAPTER FOUR Case Studies
4.1 Selection Criteria – – – – – – – – -53
4.2 Data Collection – – – – – – – – -54
4.3 Case Study One: Chiva-Som Hua Hin Health Resort – – – -55
4.4 Case Study Two: Natur-Med Thermal Springs & Health Resort – – -58
4.5 Case Study Three: Bad Brambach Spa Facilities – – – – -60
4.6 Case Study Four: Vidar Clinic – – – – – – -63
4.7 Case Study Five: Aqua Vista Health Farm – – – – -66
4.8 Summary of Empirical Findings – – – – – – -68
CHAPTER FIVE
Site Study – – – – – – – – – -69
5.1 Site Selection Criteria – – – – – – – -69
5.2 Site Attributes – – – – – – – – -70
5.3 Site Location – – – – – – – – -70
5.4 Infrastructure Analysis – – – – – – – -76
5.5 Site Analysis – – – – – – – – -77
CHAPTER SIX
Design Report – – – – – – – – – -79
6.1 Design Brief/ Proposal – – – – – – – -79
6.2 Schedule of Accommodation – – – – – – -80
6.3 Design & Planning Considerations – – – – – -83
6.4 Site Zoning – – – – – – – – -85
6.5 Concept Development – – – – – – – -86
Summary & Conclusion – – – – – – – -96
Contribution to Knowledge – – – – – – – -98
References – – – – – – – – – -99
Appendix – – – – – – – – – 102
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study
Over the past decade around the world have taken an active in their health and as a of this, the health tourism travel sector evolved so as to fill customer needs.
tourism as defined by the International Tourism is the part of the tourism sector which attracts tourists by deliberately promoting its health-care services and facilities, in addition to its regular amenities.
These health- care services may include medical examinations by qualified doctors and nurses at the resort or hotel, special diets, acupuncture, vitamin-complex intakes, special medical treatments for various diseases such as arthritis, and herbal remedies
Health tourism is a much broader concept centered mainly on resorts designed to pamper or improve the body and relax the mind.
Hundreds of health resorts and spas exist round the world, offering specialized beauty and fitness services, and extensive programs to improve on the health of individuals. These resorts are almost always located in stunning natural environments tourism).
Ardell, PhD. (2003). Wellness Model. Retrieved on the 20th of August, 2010 from
Baker, B. (2002). “Happy by Nature.” Washington Press.
Chez, R. Pelletier, K., & Jonas, W. (2004). Toward Optimal Healing Environments in Healthcare. Second American Samueli Publishing.
Coates, G. (2000). Principles of Life Enhancing Design: Architecture of Erik Asmussen. Kansas State University Press.
Cooper, M., & Barnes, M. (1999). Healing Gardens, Therapeutic Benefits & Design Recommendations. John Wiley Press.
Coss, R.G. (2003). The Role of Evolved Perceptual Biases in Art & Design. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag,
Dreiseitl, H. (2001). Waterscapes: planning, building and designing with water. Deutsche Bibliothek Publishing.
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