Architecture is known primarily as a physical form, with weight given to material and statics, and in this reductionist process, excludes experientially-based spatial dialogues. Dance and movement are used to reintegrate this embodied practice into architecture and space. There have been many investigations integrating western dance into architecture. Bharatantayam, an ancient South Indian, Hindu dance form, has not been recognized as equal to Ballet and other western art forms beyond labels of cultural dance forms. This thesis experiments with the philosophies and practices of Bharatanatyam to work through the design process of climatory resilient architecture installation. By combining dance movement experiments and community narrative investigations, this project ultimately became a community gathering space in one of the hottest regions of Maryvale, AZ. The illustrated process becomes an example of a generative process integrating and intersecting diverse ethnic philosophies with habitat and community oriented site explorations to promote a pluralistic architectural way of being.

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of Bharatanatyam dance on stress, mood, and anxiety. I have danced Bharatanatyam since I was 8 years old, it has offered me a way to release stress and anxiety. This study provides empirical data to support the claim that Bharatanatyam has therapeutic effects that release stress and reduce anxiety. This investigation was conducted through self-reports and interviews. A Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale was used to determine positive and negative effects. The average positive affect during the “dance weeks” (DW) was 46.6 and the average negative affect was 12.2. During the “no dance weeks” (NDW), the average positive effect was 23.7 and the average negative affect was 31. The participant’s interview PANAS results had an average positive effect of 39.8 and an average negative effect of 12.8. Analyzing the self-report journaling highlighted a more prevalent use of positive words during the DW and a more significant use of negative words during the NDW. The Bharatanatyam dancers who were probed to enter post-performance environment for an interview also used positive words to describe Bharatanatyam dancing. In conclusion, practicing Bharatanatyam had an overall positive effect on mood, and can reduce stress and anxiety.