How to alleviate the stress of terminal illnesses while improving quality of life? This is the question Adrianna Tkaczyk is trying to answer with her thesis entitled. "Palliative care center. A creative background for life" carried out at the University of Arts in Poznan under the direction of Dr. Stanislaw Sipinski.
The premise of Adrianna Tkaczyk's project is to create a center that, through architecture and the use of the qualities of nature, will be a remedy to improve the quality of life of the terminally ill. Research conducted by the graduate student revealed a certain paradox of Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark. Despite high wages and living standards compared to other Western European countries, the country has a shortage of palliative care centers and trained personnel. For this reason, the author chose the seaside town of Aarnhaus as a suitable location for such a center.
Apartments overlooking the sea are a permanent residence zone for terminally ill patients
© Adrianna Tkaczyk
danish tradition
The center's design is inspired by the scale and architecture of a typical Scandinavian house, and draws on the traditional waterfront buildings of Danish cities and the surrounding landscape. Built on an area of 2,500 square meters, the facility is divided into a living area and a day care and wellness area. Variously arranged according to their function, a series of houses with gabled roofs form a small village. The sea-view apartments are the permanent residence zone for the terminally ill. All buildings are connected by a light glass passageway. The houses, along with corridors, form inner courtyards. Numerous gardens serve a variety of functions from recreation, play and socializing to a place for contemplation and tranquility.
The cottages together with corridors form an inner courtyard
© Adrianna Tkaczyk
circle
The entrance to the site and the daycare area has a different form than the rest of the village. Crossing the boundaries of the area, those entering are shown the form of a circle with a diameter of 39 meters. This is a reference to the famous Viking fortresses discovered in Denmark (within the ring fortress were placed four almost identical houses in a square). The circle brings variety and dynamism to the center's fixed form, and facilitates passage from the nearby parking lot and movement within the facility.
light
The premise of the project is to integrate with the surrounding nature, so an important element in the composition of the masses, was the expression of the facades and the appropriate placement of windows. Key was the longest possible access to daylight, which has a positive effect on mental and physical health. Given that the facility is intended for people in various stages of illness, it became important to choose the right play of light and shade, taking into account people who spend most of their time in bed.
An important element during the design was the placement of windows
© Adrianna Tkaczyk
living area
The residential area is divided into smaller units - cottages. The apartments have eight to ten rooms, which are separated by a common area - a dining room with a living room. In the zone, the most important thing is the patient's personal space that allows for relaxation. The living area opens up to nature through interior courtyards, and each apartment is equipped with a terrace overlooking the bay. The common area is connected to relaxation spaces, a library, a wellness area, wood, ceramics, painting and sewing workshops.
The common area is connected to relaxation spaces
© Adrianna Tkaczyk
integration
The center is also an integration between education, palliative care and outreach. There is space for lectures, conferences, lectures, and volunteering. A publicly accessible arboretum has been located in the western part. Students from Aarhus University will be able to conduct research and experiments in botany there, and on occasion engage with residents. Off to the side of the arboretum is a farewell room and a temple.
In the western part is located the publicly accessible arboretum
© Adrianna Tkaczyk
The designed palliative care center is a response to the needs of the terminally ill. It is designed to build a sense of acceptance in a calming and comforting environment. Paths of reflection, the play of light, the integration of nature, and the fostering of interpersonal relationships alleviate anxiety and ailments, improving the quality of life.
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illustrations courtesy of Adrianna Tkaczyk
