Niches of Solace

According to statistics, at any given time – 15% of New Zealanders are being affected by anxiety¹. “Ecopsychology proposes that environmental disconnection is an aspect of many existing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.”² Therefore, this thesis focuses on creating architecture centred around mental health by connecting humans to a natural (biodiverse) environment. 

The thesis aims to act as an example and explore the possibility of how architects could gain inspiration from a biodiverse environment in order to put nature at the forefront of design – for the sake of creating a positive environment that nurtures mental health.

Through trial and error, the conducted design research established a method of printmaking to discover what were eventually labelled ‘niches’. Niches are the moments of in-between in a biodiverse setting that could serve as gaps and therefore act as allowed space for humans. These findings fuelled the concept that there could be a niche for people to exist within a healthy ecosystem that could, in turn, allow them to thrive in a community.

Challenge House at 9 Wolfe St, Auckland CBD became the proposed site to demonstrate this example. This was chosen as it is a centrally located site and therefore targets those studying and working in the central city - people who would typically suffer the most from environmental disconnect. The following proposal to demonstrate the application of this research is a mental health care facility with a modern approach towards treatment and driven by the values of ecotherapy. The design is derived from the method of establishing niches, therefore, providing space for this therapy to occur in an internal courtyard forest setting. The design also includes available accommodation so that occupants can address their issues whilst still maintaining their regular routines and stresses.