The Architecture, Culture & Tectonics Research Group warmly invites you to attend their Seminar on Wednesday 13th September 2023 at 13pm online via Teams.

Path of Awareness: The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Place

Guest speaker: Dr Anran Chen 

Abstract:

Mindfulness meditation has been increasingly used as a tool to address both physical and mental health issues in contemporary society and has gained growing interest and application in various fields. Meanwhile, designers have attempted to use architectural design to help improve people's well-being. However, the relationship between dedicated mindfulness practice and the physical environment in which it is practised awaits further exploration.

This study aimed to investigate how spatial design can facilitate formal mindfulness practice. The research conducted a comprehensive comparison of mindfulness practitioners based on factors such as expertise level (beginner/proficient), religious background (Buddhist/non-Buddhist), and practice frequency, aiming to gain diverse perspectives on how the environment can effectively facilitate mindfulness practice.

The findings of this empirical research provided a systematic and refined research framework consisting of nine main factors. The framework provided guidance for both designers and mindfulness practitioners to change the environment and better facilitate mindfulness meditation – which leads to long term well-being. Such physical environment, like mindfulness practices itself, is a tool to help people reach their goals. Hence, people would be encouraged to go beyond physical boundaries and obtain awareness, happiness, and well-being with the support given. 

Biography:

Dr Anran Chen is a member of the ACT research group, Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham. She obtained her PhD in 2023 under the supervision of Dr Amy Tang, Dr Nicole Porter and Dr Laura Hanks. Her research interests include: the place design for mindfulness, and wellbeing in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design.