MATERNAL HEALTHCARE ENTER A PLATFORM TO CATER TO THE PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REHABILITATION OF MATERNITY CARE PATIENTS

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.