Zara Lane is a Master of Architecture student whose work explores the intersection of psychology, sensory experience, and architectural design. Her current thesis investigates how everyday residential spaces can be retrofitted to better support emotional well-being across generations better, developing a sensory design framework that reimagines the home as a living, adaptable system for care, connection, and change.
1:50 Scale, Proposed Ground Floor Plan
This hand-drawn ground floor plan, rendered in fine liner at 1:50 scale, brings together the research and design explorations of my thesis on sensory and psychological wellbeing in multi-generational housing. It reimagines a typical post-war Melbourne brick veneer home through subtle spatial, material, and environmental adjustments, reflecting how architecture can evolve with its inhabitants over time to foster comfort, connection, and emotional balance.
1:50 Scale Proposed Section
This hand-drawn sectional drawing, created in fine liner at 1:50 scale, reveals the spatial relationships and sensory qualities within the redesigned multi-generational home. It captures how light, texture, and material work together to support the family’s emotional wellbeing, illustrating moments of connection and retreat across generations. The section translates psychological ideas into architectural form, showing how thoughtful design can nurture balance, care, and adaptability over time.
1:50 Scale Proposed Elevation
This fine liner elevation drawing at 1:50 scale presents the reimagined façade of the post-war brick veneer home, blending new interventions with the existing character. The drawing reflects how small architectural adjustments, in material, texture, and rhythm, can embody principles of sensory and psychological well-being. It visualises an architecture that feels lived-in, responsive, and human — one that evolves alongside the changing needs of its occupants.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
