Humble Abode
Through this design we tried to bridge the gap between users and the nature for the betterment of both
The project was aimed at making a hospice care unit for terminally ill youth. The thought process behind the project was aimed at uplifting the children at the hospice and alleviate the morbidity that the circumstances have placed on them. Efforts have been taken to not let the children miss out on anything they would have had if not for the current scenario. For instance, a homely vibe has been created so that the residents feel they are in a residence and not a healthcare unit, like a hospital.
The organisation of the spaces and other zones have been done by keeping nature in focus. Nature has its own cure. Man, being a natural being tends to get drawn to the nature for relief and shelter. In similar manner, we have allowed various openings at various levels to allow interaction between the residents and nature. The extended wings at the front of the building are around a courtyard, the whole structure has a central courtyard open to sky at its very heart and to end with we have given a yard at the back for the residents to involve in pet therapy sessions and also free themselves to interact with the nature. The central courtyard is fully accessible at the ground floor level and is open to everyone giving the children a space to make friends. Apart from this, on the second floor, a small space has been transformed into a green space which further leads into a meditation room, which helps create the required ambience. The courtyards are zen garden-themed, to allow meditative relief.
A couple of trials and errors from different perspectives had to be applied to arrive at the final outcome.
The materials were chosen as per vernacular and local pallet and that which would reflect a homely ambience while maintaining the standard of a healthcare unit. Materials have also been chosen as per a homogeneous colour pallet.
The zoning was done in such a way that the courtyard separates between the private and public zone, thereby becoming itself the semi-private zone. The east-facing side is the public zone and the westward-facing zone is the private zone on the ground floor.
