The project "THE BRIDGE" by students of the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology - Zuzanna Dzień, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik and Wiktoria Słowińska, created under the supervision of Professor Jerzy Wojewódka, won an honorable mention in the prestigious international competition "Hospice - Home for the Terminally Ill" organized by the Buildner platform. The goal of the competition was to create a space for people affected by terminal illnesses that will allow them to live out their last days in comfortable, friendly conditions, while offering care and a sense of dignity and belonging.
elevation
© Wiktoria Slowinska, Zuzanna Day, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik
the space between life and death
The main idea of "THE BRIDGE" project reflects both the literal and metaphorical meaning of the bridge. The building planned for the Przylasek Rusiecki area of Cracow, structurally suspended over a sheet of water, symbolizes a bridge connecting two shores: temporal life with life after death. This approach to the design of the hospice space reflects the authors' intention to make the hospice a place that offers not only physical comfort, but also emotional and spiritual support.
cross section
© Wiktoria Slominska, Zuzanna Day, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik
a place immersed in nature
Przylasek Rusiecki, with its picturesque ponds, walking paths and natural vegetation, is the perfect location for the realization of this concept. The presence of geothermal waters with health-promoting properties further emphasizes the unique character of the complex, creating conditions conducive to relaxation and reflection. Integrating the building into such a landscape not only enhances the aesthetics, but also emphasizes the coexistence of man and nature, giving patients and clients the opportunity to peacefully commune with their surroundings.
entrance
© Wiktoria Słowińska, Zuzanna Dzień, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik
architecture with patients and patients in mind
The lump of the building is the result of a detailed analysis of the needs of people in a difficult stage of life. The entire structure is surrounded by columns resembling nearby trees - such an architectural arrangement is inspired by a Greek temple, which gives the place an atmosphere of the sacred. The combination of closed and open spaces allows for a seamless transition between nature and the building's interior. Glazing provides access to sunlight, while openings in the floor allow patients to come into contact with the water, which not only adds aesthetic value, but also enhances the sense of integration with the surrounding nature.
entrance
© Wiktoria Slominska, Zuzanna Day, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik
The project uses CLT (cross-laminated timber) technology, creating a structure from locally sourced wood. This makes it part of the principles of sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint of the construction. The main entrance to the building is located in such a way that it is accessible to the local community, and a pathway through the building integrates it into the neighborhood, making residents aware of the needs of the sick.
place of relaxation
© Wiktoria Slominska, Zuzanna Day, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik
holistic approach
The designed interior of the hospice responds to a wide range of needs - from physical to spiritual. The building includes therapy areas, a chapel, space for volunteers and workshops, as well as space for an exhibition of works made by patients. The authors of the project had the opportunity to become personally acquainted with the functioning of hospices, which allowed them to better understand the daily needs of patients. Cooperation with medical staff and observation of hospice life resulted in the creation of a building that takes into account the emotional and social needs of patients.
terrace and chapel
© Wiktoria Slominska, Zuzanna Day, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik
The graduation tower located at the hospice, taking into account the therapeutic properties of iodine, allows patients to benefit from the health-promoting properties of natural inhalation, which increases their quality of life.
award for deep sensitivity and understanding of needs
THE BRIDGE project stands out not only for its thoughtful architecture, but also for the authors' sensitivity to the problems and needs of people at the end of life. The use of nature inspiration, the combination of open and closed spaces and the symbolic elements of the architecture contributed to the international recognition of the concept. The students have created a model for future solutions in the design of hospice spaces, putting the human being at the center, while respecting nature, culture and sensitivity to the invisible.
library
© Wiktoria Slominska, Zuzanna Day, Aleksandra Kowalczyk, Wiktoria Musiolik
