Hi, I’m Kaja – an MA Architecture Graduate passionate about nature-infused design that supports mental wellbeing and nurtures the environment. I have a deep interest in environmentally conscious design, material reuse, and architecture’s role in addressing the climate crisis – principles I believe should be standard in our profession today. Beyond sustainability, I am passionate about creating spaces that actively support mental wellbeing. This year, I’ve developed a strong interest in healthcare design.
My thesis explores the psychological effects traditional healthcare environments have on both staff and patients. Having close family members working in the medical field, I’ve witnessed first-hand the emotional and physical strain these roles carry, prompting me to ask how architecture might offer support. To investigate this, I conducted qualitative interviews and case study research, aiming to better understand how these environments impact those who inhabit them. My work seeks to challenge conventional healthcare design by proposing spatial solutions that promote psychological comfort, resilience, and a more human-centred experience.
This thesis explores the relationship between architecture and healing in medical spaces, challenging conventional definitions of healing environments. Through comparative analysis of historical and contemporary healthcare facilities, it examines how design influences emotional and physiological responses in both patients and staff.
The study begins with semi-structured interviews with medical professionals, focusing on their emotional responses to workplace environments, social dynamics, and patient care observations. These insights highlight the importance of holistic, patient-centric design in modern healthcare.
It then investigates the Epidaurus Asklepion in Ancient Greece, where architecture and nature were integrated to create therapeutic environments. Using Wilson’s biophilia framework, the study analyses how design elements encouraged emotional wellbeing and healing.The research also examines Maggie’s Centres, using Caterina Frisone’s ethnographic studies and the Architectural Brief to understand how their spatial strategies differ from conventional institutional models, offering more supportive, human-centred experiences. Finally, the thesis looks at the North Wing restoration at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where underused space was repurposed for staff respite during COVID-19. This case shows how adaptive reuse can support psychological wellbeing in clinical settings. Altogether, the thesis advocates for integrating biophilic and holistic principles into healthcare architecture to promote healing for both patients and professionals.
The MArch Architecture is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time programme offering exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 2. It combines rigorous professional training with creative and speculative design exploration. In the first year, students join a themed design unit to undertake a creative building design project combined with a technical and professional report. In the second year, students pursue a comprehensive speculative architectural design project, and an in-depth theoretical thesis tailored to their personal interest. The programme fosters independent thinking, innovation, theoretical and technical excellence, preparing graduates for advanced architectural practice and ongoing professional development in a dynamic global context.
See further details on our prospectus page.
