Meek, ChristopherTrakulpattanakorn, Kesinee2013-07-232015-12-142013-07-232013Trakulpattanakorn_washington_0250O_11486.pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/1773/22873Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2013Using a current facility in South Lake Union as a platform for developing a long-term recovery center, this project incorporates an inpatient care environment with ambulatory and acute care patient rooms, a clinic, healing gardens, and physical therapy and social support spaces. This thesis examines the relationship between light and health, and employs an evidence- based design approach to treating cancer patients. This thesis proposes that architecture can also provide a healing mechanism but creating light and dark spaces that foster healthy circadian rhythms for cancer patients during their most difficult treatments and recovery. The design decisions are directly informed by medical research. Program activities focus on promoting patients healthy circadian rhythms with daylight, electric lighting, building organization and green open spaces. The relationship between body hormonal secretions and light dark cycle combined with the suggested light dark exposure time provide criteria for analyzing the performance of a particular design solution, and the design for this center comes as a result of an iterative process. The goal of this project is to seek design solutions to support the treatment and healing process though an architectural intervention uses light, views, and connection to the outdoors as critical component of a healing environment based on the most current research into light and health.application/pdfen-USCopyright is held by the individual authors.Circadian Rhythms; Light; Recovery CenterArchitecturearchitectureThesis