Ayurveda is a system of medicine with historical roots in India. The Sanskrit term Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life,” and the principles of this ancient wisdom remind us that the entire web of life is intricately interwoven. With a unique emphasis on total wellness, the art and science of Ayurveda work is to harmonize our internal and external worlds.

A center is needed to supply internal and external healing, enriching New Yorker’s knowledge of Ayurveda, and a place to practice their Ayurvedic lifestyle. Ayurveda is not necessarily a present subculture in New York City. However, I believe that there is a subculture of people within New York City that would align with the practices and beliefs of Ayurveda. I hope to create a center that would bring awareness of Ayurveda and would be the hub to form this subculture. I intend to cater to all aspects of Ayurveda practices which include yoga, meditation, bodywork therapies, diet, and education on implementing Ayurveda in their daily lives. My design strategy is to focus on the main concept of Ayurveda: to achieve a perfect balance of mind, body, and spirit which is represented in a person’s doshas. Since birth, every human being has had an individual combination of the three doshas (life forces). Ayurveda is built around the five elements of ether: air, space, fire, water, and earth. The unique combination of these elements come together to make up the 3 doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Vata dosha represents the elements of air and space. Vata is responsible for our energy and movement as well as for nerve impulses. The Pitta dosha represents the elements of fire and water. Pitta is responsible for the energy of digestion, metabolism, the sensations through which the organism perceives and reacts adequately to what is happening in the environment. The Kapha dosha represents the elements of water and earth. Kapha is responsible for muscle growth, body strength and stability, weight, and your immune system.

According to Ayurveda when balanced, the doshas maintain the systems of the body; when a dosha increases due to certain diet or lifestyle habits, an imbalance is created. Ayurveda helps restore harmony to the areas that lost balance. The core of Ayurveda is focused on prevention. It's based on the concept that general health and wellness rely on this delicate balance.

Taking this concept, I wish to translate the doshas and their associated elements into my designs physically and conceptually which will be reflected in my space planning and materiality. My programs are supplied for the community of Ayurveda but also for those who may not know anything about this subculture and wish to learn and live with any aspect of this practice.