Rooted in Senses: Multisensory Design For Mental Wellbeing

Abstract

Modern society's increasing disconnection from nature has produced measurable consequences for mental, emotional, and physiological well-being. Technology dependence and indoor-centric lifestyles have severed the harmonious human-nature relationship that historically supported cognitive development. This condition is intensified in urban conditions where efficiency is often prioritized over human perception.This thesis investigates how biophilic and multisensory design strategies can restore this essential link by embedding nature within the urban fabric through architectural experience. Blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces positions nature not only as a backdrop but also as an active participant in design, reconnecting people to the natural world. Research demonstrates that exposure to nature produces immediate and long-term psychological benefits, such as reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive performance. Ultimately, this thesis argues that in a time where fast-paced lifestyles are idealized, architecture becomes an essential intervention for creating spaces where mindfulness can be cultivated and sustained through embodied, sensory experience.