The Architecture of Gender and Health: A Holistic Life-Cycle Based Approach to Women’s Reproductive Health in Moncton, New Brunswick

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role of architecture in women’s health. The proposal consists of a facility in downtown Moncton, New Brunswick that provides reproductive and health services in both on-site and outreach capacities. The selected site and program respond to medicalization of formerly community-based services, and a present-day demand for increased access to alternative and stigmatized treatments (such as midwife-lead natural birthing and abortion). The objective is to return to women their agency within this arena. The architecture aims to incorporate control over one’s environment and non- distinction between users with a system of nature-based elements promoting a holistic woman-centred approach to healing and everyday wellbeing. The integration of people and services on a community and building scale encourages open discussion, acceptance and normalization of all facets of women’s reproductive health and life cycle.