Building in Harmony: Working with Our Environments for Happy and Healthy Lives

Current design strategies and building methods rely heavily on manufactured materials which have negative impacts on the environment and the building’s users. This thesis advocates for sustainable solutions that harmonize with the environment. By employing locally sourced materials, emissions from transportation are minimized and hazardous materials are avoided. Biophilic design principles foster a deeper connection between users and their surroundings, yielding numerous health benefits for the occupants. This Barrett creative project explores design strategies tailored to Arizona's local environment, drawing from research on material use and cultural significance. Case studies are included to exemplify successful implementations of the concepts. The paper culminates in a comprehensive exploration of my creative project design which highlights the strategies discussed and my personal takeaways relating to the topic.