Designing places for the terminally ill requires special sensitivity and understanding of human needs. Hospicefor the Terminally Ill is a master's thesis by Izabela Slazyk of the Faculty of Architecture at the Cracow University of Technology, under the direction of Dr. Manezha Dost. The project redefines the perception of the hospice, linking it to urban and social spaces.
location
© Izabela Slazyk
hospice in the city - breaking down marginalization
Traditionally, hospices are located on the outskirts of cities, in secluded places associated with tranquility. The project in Krakow breaks this convention by integrating the facility into the urban fabric. The goal is to create a space that does not isolate patients/patients, but provides them with a sense of participation in city life. Proximity to people and daily movement can positively affect their well-being and build social acceptance and awareness of the subject of passing.
landscaping
© Izabela Slazyk
The hospice was designed as a second home for the sick, where comfort, a sense of security and proximity to nature are priorities. The concept refers to the idea of humanizing architecture - the buildings and surroundings are intended to support users both mentally and physically.
space that unites generations
An important premise of the project was to break the social taboo of death. Therefore, a playground and a peacock gardenwere planned in the immediate vicinity of the hospice , which act as intermediate zones between the world of the sick and the healthy. The introduction of children's joy and contact with nature allows for the gradual taming of the subject of passing and life in its full spectrum.
landscaping
© Izabela Slazyk
The peacock garden acts as a buffer between the patients and the playground, providing intimacy and opportunities for tranquility. The coexistence of these functions emphasizes the natural cycle of life and builds a bridge between generations.
architectural form and symbolism
The building is designed to be predominantly single-story, allowing patients to move freely and have access to the garden and terraces. The exception is the northern part, where the roof gradually rises - a metaphor for spiritual uplift, symbolizing the transition between life and death.
The lump of the hospice was split into two parts, creating a space inspired by a riverbed. This solution emphasizes the fluidity of life and allows the intimacy of patients without isolating them. The glazed spaces allow visual contact with the outside world, eliminating the feeling of confinement and isolation.
visualization
© Izabela Slazyk
prayer and meditation zone - a play of light and shadow
Hospice is a place where spirituality plays an important role. The project includes a space for prayer and meditation, designed as a hushed zone in which light plays a key role. Natural light enters the space through movable blocks whose shifts control the degree of sunlight and shade. During the day, the sun's rays gently penetrate through the openings, creating an atmosphere of tranquility, while at night the artificial illumination subtly emphasizes the sacred character of the place.
Thanks to this play of light and shadow, the space becomes dynamic and responds to the needs of the patients/patients, allowing them to find solace and tranquility.
a place for prayer and meditation
© Izabela Slazyk
private space - comfort proximity to nature
The patient's room is the heart of the hospice, the place where the sick person spends the most time. The design is intended to maximize the adaptation of this space to the individual needs of patients. Skylightshave been placed above the beds to allow observation of the sky - moving clouds and birds during the day, and stars at night. This solution gives patients a sense of continuity of life and proximity to nature.
An additional element are modular blocks, in whichan aquarium with fish or potted plants can be placed interchangeably. The introduction of natural elements into the room has a therapeutic effect, relieving stress and allowing the patient to better cope with his illness.
room of a sick person
© Izabela Slazyk
integration, not isolation
Izabela Slazyk's design is an innovative response to the challenges of contemporary palliative care architecture. The integration of the hospice with the urban space, the creation of common spaces for different social groups and the use of light and nature as therapeutic tools is an approach that can change the way we think about facilities for the terminally ill.
This is a space that is not associated with isolation and sadness, but with warmth, empathy and harmony - a place where life, although in its final stages, still has quality and dignity.
Graduating the height of the building from the main entrance, scheme
© Izabela Slazyk
