KINARA: A WELLNESS RETREAT (A DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE BUILT AND NATURE)

Abstract

Harmony, the very thing that lets humans exist in peace not only with themselves but also with the surroundings. To be in the utmost health, there should be a harmonious balance between mind, body and soul and in utmost comfort a harmonious connection between man, the built and nature. In the urban setting, constant exposure to buffers like tensions, stress etc. create a disconnection not only with our surroundings but also within ourselves and make us more susceptible to issues like anxiety, depression etc. These disconnections are the reasons that the harmonious balance between man and environment (natural/built) is distorted and as a result the balance of mind, body and soul is affected. Thus, the need is to delayer the urban buffers to reconnect man, nature and the built to promote well-being. Architecture can be a mediator to help delayer these buffers through establishing the dialogue between man, built and nature. "The thesis intends to bridge nature and the built, through thefusion oftheir intangible and tangible elements, to connect man with the surrounding thus enhancing wellbeing." The aim is to use architecture as a tool to promote wellbeing and healthy lifestyle through exposure and interaction of user with the scenic and therapeutic environment of Kinara. The resultant effect will help user in rejuvenation of senses, reestablishes connection with nature and unwind to achieve wellbeing