This thesis will explore how architecture and the natural environment can aid in the recovery of one’s health by dissecting the current relationships between landscape and building, and its impact on healing. Traditional relationships of healing are explored to understand how those elements may be incorporated into modern healing.

The project will focus on a design of a rehabilitation and wellness center in Bethesda, Maryland. Due to an existing ‘medical hub’ in the vicinity, the proposed building will assimilate well into the existing program on the site. The design is being approached by understanding what factors can contribute to healing including how views out the window, being immersed in nature, and materiality affect health. Biophilic design, healing gardens, and the senses in architecture are analyzed as means to effectively design healing spaces. Further primary observations of local hospitals and interviews with medical staff were conducted in order to grasp what the needs of the users in these spaces are.