Aarogya Dham: healing village for holistic wellness

Abstract

Architecture is the frame in which individuals live, and a built environment where social, psychological, physical, spiritual & behavioural components of healthcare support & stimulate the body’s innate capacity to heal itself is called ‘Optimal Healing Environment’. Several research studies have shown the evidences of ‘self-healing’ ability of body, when in positive healing environments. The alarming levels of stress, anxiety and depression today prove the ardent need & significance of holistic wellness & of healing spaces. Hence, this Architectural Design Thesis aims to explore how environments can be conducive to the healing process, to facilitate the practices and foster innate healing. The emphasis is on design methodology, with the motive to incline architects towards creation of healing spaces with the concept of Biophilia. Arogyadham- A place to stay for healing naturally, for wellness and to relax & rejuvenate through naturopathy, ayurveda, yoga, meditation, therapies, sensory experiences, spirituality and much more, in an era of rushing lives and in a world with high level of stresses and anxieties, can be a good escape to heal & to enjoy nature. The project typology of this thesis is ‘Holistic Healing Village’ & the main idea is that holistic wellness & healing centre will primarily focus on ‘natural healing places’ and ‘natural healing process’ for holistic healing, i.e., reviving traditional knowledge of healing body, mind as well as the soul. The motive is to introduce an integrated & inclusive wellness-healin centre in complete natural setting, with an amalgamation of programs for overall healing of body, mind and soul of the users, i.e., Holistic healing. A well-designed healing village in a natural setting, placed in a context having spiritual significance, can alleviate human’s anguish & distress. It can act as a centre for spirituality and healing, it can be a good place for ayurvedic treatment and naturopathy care for varied ailments, it can act as an ideal place for yoga, meditation and rejuvenation with a therapeutic centre and it can be a good nature retreat for holistic healing with traditional methods.