BODY: Building - Part 7 = Project: DESIGN

Under the weather is a small live/rest retreat design for a user suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder no matter which season they suffer in. SAD affects 10-20 percent of people aged 18-30, women are 40 percent more likely to experience symptoms of the condition typically referred to as “winter depression.”

This space - 4x4x4m - is designed for one person to withdraw from city life and absorb the Scottish landscape at its fullest. It is situated on the coast of Loch Lomond to immerse the occupant in nature and natural light - taking advantage of the vast openness of the site.

SAD can be caused by the lack of Vitamin D so the building moves to follow the sun to maximise the user’s light absorption. It is inspired by the three main components of an egg (a source of vitamin D): the shell, outer core (white) and inner core (yolk). These three components also relate with biophilic design aspects: prospect and refuge. Prospect relates to long views of surrounding landscapes that allow people to recognize both opportunities and dangers. Refuge is the retreat to shelter for safety and security, e.g. the inner core.

The name is derived from the phrase “under the weather” originally meaning to retreat from the bad weather and going below deck when feeling (sea) sick. This is taken quite literally in this project as the person feels “under the weather” and the building is under the natural weather and open to the elements of nature.