MATATIRTHA MEMORIAL AND HEALING CENTER

Abstract

The project emphasizes the memory of a deceased mother and how the concept of community therapy for people grieving the loss of a loved one can positively impact their lives and help better deal with the situation. In religious context, Matatirtha is a place where people gather to Pay homage and celebrate the life of their deceased mother. The main inspiration of the project is the journey of a grieving friend after the death of his beloved mother during the pandemic, how grief engulfed him and affected his personal and professional life. Untimely death and especially the death of Mother and children are the most painful incidents. This architecture thesis report explores the design of a Memorial and Healing center as a response to trauma and loss especially for the Bereaved people who have lost their parents and children. The objective of this study is to investigate how architecture can create a healing environment that fosters a sense of comfort, solace, and hope for individuals and communities affected by grief and trauma. The Healing Center for the Bereaved is a place where people can indulge in various activities that have the potential to stimulate conversations between them, where they can share their grieving journeys and in doing so accept the reality and eventually heal. Matatirtha famous for the luscious green forest, as a picnic destination and abundant in natural beauty also attracts internal and external tourists throughout the year, to further carry the value and spirit of the place a Memorial is proposed where people can revisit the memories of their deceased mothers through Virtual Reality and technology along with other significant exhibition areas. Gone are the days of solely relying on photos, videos, and memories to remember a loved one. With VR technology, we can create digital worlds that allow the bereaved to experience healing in a way that is both tangible and immersive. Hence, The thesis explores a comprehensive analysis of the Memorial and Healing Center as a space that promotes healing and remembrance through thoughtful design and purposeful planning and design framework that integrates the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of healing.