Ever since I was a kid, I've been curious on the profound mystery of mortality and what lies beyond. My fascination was ignited by the words of Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and Anita Moorjani, whose writings painted vivid portraits of the human experience in those final moments. This interest led me to embark on a journey of volunteering with palliative care teams in Colombia, where I accompanied terminal patients in their final stages.
What struck me most during those volunteer experiences was the deep longing for a sense of home in their final days. Yet, in Colombia, such spaces were scarce, leaving many without the peace and comfort they deserved as they passed away. When I had to select what to do for my BFA Interior Design thesis, I knew I had to create something around the End-of-Life —a space that would bridge the gap between medical necessity and the innate human need for warmth and familiarity.
Central to my thesis was the cultivation of a cultural perspective on death—an acknowledgment that preparing for the end of life is not only a right but a profound aspect of human existence. The hospice I envisioned would serve as a beacon of compassion, offering a holistic approach to care that encompassed both medical and psychological support for patients and caregivers. Every detail of my design was infused with intentionality, from the soothing colors to the layout that encouraged ease of movement and accessibility. The hospice aimed to address the multifaceted needs of its occupants, ensuring comfort, dignity, and peace during their final journey.
My thesis was not merely an academic endeavor but a heartfelt commitment to redefine the narrative surrounding death and dying. Through thoughtful design I endeavored to instill a sense of comfort and belonging, fostering a space where the end of life could be embraced with grace and dignity.
Healthcare is one of the most basic human needs that every person should have the right to. In Colombia, the healthcare program has had a successful increase in the past few years, helping more people every year. Life expectancy is increasing in the country due to greater awareness and value of personal health. For this reason, the demand for spaces and programs that help people process the concept of death, is higher than ever now that life is of much greater value.
This project is located in La Calera, Colombia. I developed a site and accessibility analysis to get a better sense of the geographic situation and the cultural influence the users I am designing with and for live under. Doing some research about the healthcare system in Colombia, the mortality rate, and the different services people count with in the country, help me ideate some ways of transforming the complexity of how people view and treat death in Colombia.
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of discussing death, I recognized that engaging deeply with individuals might be challenging. Therefore, utilizing surveys provided a more comfortable and anonymous avenue for participants to share their thoughts and experiences. This approach allowed individuals to respond to questions at their own pace and disclose information only if they felt comfortable, thus ensuring the data collected was both comprehensive and respectful of each participant's boundaries.
I distributed surveys to a diverse range of participants, including terminal patients, individuals of varying ages, and healthcare professionals. I valued the perspectives of each group, recognizing the significance of gathering insights from both those directly experiencing end-of-life care and those providing it.
I conducted interviews with approximately 20 individuals spanning a wide age range from 18 to 80. Five of them had a terminal illness (cancer) while the rest were intentionally selected based on their age, income and demographics. What struck me most was the divergence in responses based on age: younger adults expressed a fear of not fulfilling their life's aspirations, while older individuals voiced concerns about facing the end alone.
These nuanced findings played a pivotal role in shaping both the program and spatial design. It became evident that addressing these distinct fears and desires was paramount to creating a supportive environment.
Through these interviews, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding end-of-life care and recognized the profound impact of personalized interventions. Each conversation opened new avenues of possibility, guiding me towards a design that not only addresses practical needs but also honors the unique journey of each individual.
Expressed a desire to spend their final moments in the comfort of home, surrounded by loved ones. However, this was often overshadowed by the fear of lacking adequate medical support in that familiar setting.
Agreed that comfortability, access to nature and natural light are the main aspects people consider a hospice center should have.
Perceived hospitals as sterile environments lacking personal touches and constrained by strict rules, particularly the absence of accommodations for loved ones to stay overnight.
My line of inquiry became...
User journey
The user journey was crafted to illustrate not only the physical navigation and experiences within the space but also to encompass the emotional and spiritual evolution that individuals may undergo throughout their interaction with the environment.
Objectives
To design a hospice center that:
1. Offers a variety of activities and amenities to enhance patients' quality of life and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement.
2. Prioritizes the holistic well-being of both patients and caregivers. This includes providing caregivers with supportive amenities such as spaces for rest, overnight stays, and opportunities for emotional support and grieving.
3. Incorporates spaces that facilitate open communication, allowing patients to express their thoughts, feelings, and end-of-life desires in a supportive environment.
Floorplans
When I completed the project, I shared it with the doctors with whom I collaborated in the palliative care team. They loved so much the design, the programming an saw the real impact it could cause on their patients that together, we initiated efforts to secure funding in order to transform the design into a tangible reality. Additionally, I was contacted by various individuals, including architects and construction companies, expressing interest in collaborating to bring this vision to fruition in Colombia. Although COVID paused this initiative, my lifelong aspiration is to see the construction of this hospice center, driven by the unwavering commitment to improving end-of-life care in Colombia.
