For the loved ones...: An investigation into a healing architecture for cancer patients in the urban environment

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to design the concept of ‘Healing Architecture’ for cancer patients. Healing is the process of re-establishing harmony within an organism. Illness implies when the balance is lost and the body needs its natural ability to heal and regenerate. Healing cannot be understood in isolation from the dynamic life of an individual which includes the family, the environmental context, and the community in which life is deeply involved with. In fact, healing is not a process of fixing or curing, but rather the return of balance in life.

Thesis project is informed by own personal experience. My mother passed away two years ago from pancreatic cancer. As a result, I had to spend a lot time in the emergency department, wards, oncology units and the hospice. No matter how good the medical systems are, patients still suffer from emotional pressures and are likely to be vulnerable. Cancer patients suffer physically and psychologically which varies depending on their stage. Some of them are in tears having lost confidence, feel isolated from the rest of the world and even loss a sense of worth. The pain is indescribable. Patients have to go through complex medication, restricted diets, lose in physicality, depression, stress, anxiety, fatigue, fear, sadness, anger and so forth. There are increasing scientific evidence that poor design works against the well-being of patients and in certain circumstances can have negative effects on physiological indicators of wellness. (Ulrich, 1991)

With the number of cancer patients increasing every year, along with an aging population, the implications are clear. This thesis therefore proposes that caring and nurturing environments are important to the well-being of patients in Hospice environments.