Abstract:
Architecture has the ability to act as a healing tool and to create a psychological equilibrium. It
changes the way humans perceive things through modifying an individual's mood which affects
human behavior. By understanding the concept of sensory architecture and exploring the
relationship between man and his environment, we realize that through architectural
manipulation of space, a healing environment can be created which positively impacts the
physical and psychological behavior of patients. This project explores the link between health
promotion and architecture design and to understand how maternity care patients emotionally
perceive spaces. The purpose of the thesis is to improve the system of care for women during
antenatal and postnatal periods, while also building therapeutic interventions to improve their
mental and physical health. By strengthening relationships among the facilities in a region and
by creating a dialogue between them, the purpose is to increase access to care. The center will
serve as a platform where environmental factors will be integrated into the design which will
affect the social, psychological, and physiological human aspects and naturally reduce stress
levels. Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates {MMR) and some of the main
reasons behind this are rapid population growth, lack of access to medical health, lack of
education and high levels of mental stress. Different activities and healing tools will help in
keeping the body and mind healthy while also reducing pregnancy complications. The functions
will also cater to the birthing period of these individuals, and the antenatal and postnatal visits.
The aim is to understand the link between health promotion and architecture design using
different variables, while also incorporating functions that will provide them awareness and
education regarding their own health. For this type of project, inclusive spaces are required as
there is a need to facilitate all the patients by providing spaces where expecting women can
feel safe and supported with the provision of proper facilities and access, to reduce
complications and number of deaths.
