This thesis explores the emotional connection between Architecture and experience. It is through Edward Relph's phenomenological reinterpretation of the person-environment relationship that a theoretical joint is articulated. Relph describes various levels of 'outsideness' and 'insideness' with regard to places. The greatest degree of 'outsideness' refers to places, which have only superficial qualities and have no sense of belonging. At the other extreme, the greatest degree of 'insideness' characterizes experience of places full of significance but with little self-conscious reflection. It is through this articulation, as well as through contemporary discussion by architects and theorists such as Juhani Pallasmaa, Steven Holl and Peter Zumthor that this thesis will explore the intimacy of an architectural experience. This intimacy, which relies on the experience of the human body and mind as one, constitutes the framework for an emotional experience of Architecture.
The case study investigation, which will comprise the second half of the thesis, is concerned with the potential for an environment to aid the emotional well being of an individual. This investigation includes the design of a Center for Well Being. This facility will provide for the everyday enrichment of the human spirit. Targeted towards both those fighting an illness and those wanting to prevent illness and increase personal and family health, the Center will provide services such as educational health seminars and resources, movement and exercise programs, and workshops that promote a healthy mind-body connection. The aim of this case study will be to investigate a framework for encouraging a more intense and fulfilling emotional experience utilizing architectural poetics.