Project Director

Miller, Tonya

Department Examiner

Moody, Dana; Strickland, Bryan

Department

Honors College

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Through the study of the phases of circadian rhythm and by applying associated environmental cues, can a building further promote health and well-being through design? This study argues that by applying design elements associated with each phase of the circadian rhythmic cycle to a built environment, overall human health and well-being are increased. Research shows, that if the circadian rhythm is disrupted “metabolic syndrome and obesity, premature aging, diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias, immune deficiencies, hypertension, and abnormal sleep cycles develop” (Brainard, 2015, p. 1). Furthermore, if the circadian rhythm is promoted through environmental cues it benefits the body by supporting the immune system as well as processes of DNA repair, which can help prevent forms of cancer (What is Circadian Rhythm, 2022). This thesis creates a hypothetical adaptive reuse plan for transforming the Dixie Mercerizing Mill located in Chattanooga, TN into The Ridgedale Mill. The Ridgedale Mill was designed for the surrounding Ridgedale neighborhood community and is split into a commercial and residential building. This study only focused on the design of the community space within the commercial scope and applies transformative elements inspired by architectural facades and scenic design strategies to promote the circadian rhythms of users. In the multifamily residential building, The Ridgedale Mill was programmed to contain intentionally minimal two- and three- bedroom apartments to encourage residents to leave their apartments during the day and use the adjacent community space within the commercial building. This ensures the residents are encouraged to leave their apartments during the day and use the adjacent community space within the commercial building. The design strategies incorporated in The Ridgedale Mill design were informed by data collected through review of existing literature, case studies, a site visit, and expert interview. The resulting design promotes each phase of the circadian rhythm cycle and demonstrates different approaches that can be taken to promote circadian rhythm in a built environment and, as a result, promote occupant health and well-being.

Degree

B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Date

8-2023

Subject

Interior architecture--Tennessee--Chattanooga; Interior architecture--Health aspects

Keyword

Interior Design; Circadian Rhythm; Interior Architecture; The Ridgedale Mill; Scenic Design; Transformative Design

Discipline

Interior Architecture

Document Type

Theses

Extent

110 leaves

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

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