User:Archdetector/sandbox/supportive architecture

Supportive Architecture is the balance of human conditions and the natural environment. developed from the work of American architects Kyle Van Dyke1 and Patricia Totaro2 as a way to approach design and problem solving that seeks to embrace change, nurture life and engage people in the sensory discovery of the immediate environment. In short, it is meant to support human experience. Having minor roots in Supportive Housing, Supportive Architecture is guided by Sensory design that impacts all forms of architecture and abilities. Similar to the work and writings of Juhani Pallasmaa, Supportive Architecture recognizes the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell6 as catalyst that inform and create experience. It surmises that there can be no experience without one or more sense involved.

Supportive Architecture is not an architectural style or theory but rather a mindful awareness of the ubiquitous role architecture plays in engaging or disengaging nature and people. The levels of interface are measured by Nine Tenants7 to be considered and imbued in design. These are Simple Shelter, Human purpose, Spiritual nurture, Healthful living, Social connection, Community vitality, Ecological harmony, Energy efficiency, and Economic viability. Each Individual principle is allowed different priority for the particular problem, context, and circumstance change, but all must be evident in some form to be considered Supportive.

It could be argued that all architecture is supportive8 and, as such, does not need additional adjectives to describe. This is certainly a valid point that must be considered. There is much architecture today, and in the history, that meet the criteria of the Nine Tenants7 of Supportive Architecture.

Examples of Supportive Architecture