Architecture Thesis by Rebecca Carle

the last journey Rebecca Carle

2013-2014 Undergraduate Architecture Thesis Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Bachelor of Architecture

This book and project are dedicated to my mom, without whom I would not be the person I am today. I have learned so much from her strength and love. Her battle with ovarian cancer influenced me to take a better look at palliative care and how everyone deserves the chance to die with dignity. I love her and miss her very much. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who have assisted me throughout this year and have helped get me where I am today. Kay Edge- I could not have picked a better advisor to help guide me with my thesis work. I truly enjoyed working with her this year and am extremely grateful for all of her encouragement. Clive Vorster- I am very appreciative of the assistance he gave me during my thesis investigation and throughout the rest of my education. I have greatly benefited as a student and person from his guidance. Friends- I am extremely thankful for the old friends I have kept and the new friends I have made over the years. They have given me a second family at school, especially Sidney, Veronica, & Emily, and I could not ask for better friendships. Melissa, Brad, & Family- I am very grateful for the amazing support system I have at home. Their encouragement means more than they could know. Dad- There really are no words to tell you how grateful I am for all of your support. Without your encouragement and wit, I would not be who I am today.

acknowledgements

Introduction

Process Work

Part | Patient Room

Whole | Hospice Building

The death rattle is what’s so unnerving. People who sit beside someone who is close to death might hear a sound that’s not quite a snore, not quite a gurgle, not quite a rasp. It doesn’t hurt; it probably isn’t something the dying person is even aware of. But it sounds terrible. Once the so-called death rattle starts that’s usually an indication that the person is not coming back. The sound, made with each intake of breath, is merely air moving across phlegm. And as they breathe in and out, it makes that sound -- that sound that we have learned to fear. Robin Marantz Henig

introduction

As a society we try to hide from the reality of death because it scares us. We are scared of our own death and of the pain of leaving others behind. We are scared of losing a loved one and helplessly watching them slip away. Death and dying provide an array of unknowns that make it easier to ignore the concept. As the living, we comfort ourselves with funerals and memorials after death, but what do we do for the dying before they transition from life? We abandon them in hospitals and nursing homes, adding to their pain and fear of dying.

Architecture provides an opportunity to create a beautiful place for dying. Through the perspective of the patient, the spaces become more than just rooms; they become the final resting places in life. The patient room carries the responsibility of being dynamic, calming, and functional all at once. The space can make death a beautiful, peaceful transition to another reality.

Through the exploration of the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective, the concept of memory, and spatial ascension, a sense of place is created for each moment of the transition. There are many ways to address the Constructed paths of reflection and the comfort of those experiencing their last movement of light begin to ease the fears of days. Hospice care begins to relieve the dying during the last days. physical and emotional suffering of the dying. Most care takes place at home, but It is here that death is no longer feared, but sometimes other options are necessary. In accepted. those cases, hospice centers and hospitals become the refuge for the dying. It is these spaces that must provide an appropriate place for the patient to discover a sense of self and an acceptance of dying while within a comforting, painless environment.

abstract

The concept of hospice traces back to the Middle Ages when it referred to a place of refuge, providing shelter and rest for weary or ill travelers on a long journey. Today it is less of a place and more of a concept of care. Hospice aims to relieve the physical and emotional suffering of the dying. Its role as a compassionate and supportive environment aspires to make the final days of the patient as pleasant as possible. Hospice care provides pain relief through medication and therapy, while easing emotional distress through counseling and other support. Most hospice care occurs at home, but when that is not an option, hospitals and hospice centers become the support. It is these spaces that must provide an appropriate place where the patient can discover a sense of self before passing into the world beyond.

concept of care

Memories remain as impressions of time within our minds. They are not based upon fact, but are derived from our perception of an experience and the surrounding environment. We absorb memories like the plasticity of a concrete wall and its formwork. The formwork provides the support for the wall, like environment of the space creates the base for a memory. After the wall is poured, the absent formwork leaves an impression in the concrete, creating a presence even when it is no longer there.

memory

An opening in a wall can construct an infinite number of spatial conditions. Size and placement alter the experience within the space by creating a sense of openness or a sense of enclosure. The arrangement and number of openings affects the amount of light permeating into the space, as well as the framing of the view outside. The wall thickness of the aperture influences the feeling of connection between inside and out.

aperture

The intersection of light and solid raises the occupants awareness of the spiritual and secular within themselves. Tadao Ando

light

Elements draw the eye upward, lifting the spirit and senses toward the sky with lightness and intrigue. The allusion toward ascension allows for the absorption of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light and awe, while enabling the release of heavy thoughts.

ascension

With a vertical stature, the body is unbounded; however, in a horizontal state, experience is subjective of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surroundings. Perspective becomes narrow and physical experiences are limited. The eyes and mind are left to wander as the body lies in waiting. An opportunity arises for the architecture to incite qualities of ease in the space. The resulting spatial qualities begin to allude to something more. With consideration for the perspective of the occupant, variations in apertures, and qualities of light, a space begins to take form. The openings in the space must react to the view, the activity of the occupant throughout the day, and the movement of light over time. It is through these openings that the opportunity arises to alter the stoic conditions and restriction of a basic patient room.

perspective

Like moths to a lamp my eyes were constantly drawn to the electric light in the room, which was absolutely not designed for bed ridden patients. The room conveyed neither balance nor calm. The patient room serves as more than just a shell for dying; it has a life of its own, reflecting back thoughts, memories, and passage of time. It has an obligation to offer the patient a feeling of protection, yet it should allow for the growth of peace and acceptance. The movement into the space asks for a smooth transition into a place of privacy, but without the feeling of constraint. The ceilings should begin to create a dynamic atmosphere, while the framed view of the landscape ought to create a connection with the natural setting.

the patient room

Programmatically, the patient room allows for a place of cleansing, a place for family, a place for nature, and a thoughtful entrance. The space before the entry into the room becomes an important gathering spot in times of need and grief. The outdoor area allows for reflection and thought in connection with the natural environment. Space in the room is allocated for the family to sit and stay, while the washroom provides the patient with a place for calm and cleansing.

plans and sections

axonometric drawings

Plan

The patient room provides a dynamic, calming, and functional place to lead one to acceptance. Angled roof planes provide a ceiling structure based on movement and on dynamism, creating a tapered clerestory for light to permeate into the space. The division of space provides ample room for the patient and family to stay, comfort, and grieve together. The large window rounds the corner of the room to provide an obstructed view of the landscape, while acting as a platform to observe the passage of time.

the patient room

Section

the patient room

structure

Designing a hospice room is a sacred assignment. A hospice room is not only a place to keep a terminal patient comfortable, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a place where patients and their families will visit, reminisce, comfort each other, and, ultimately, say goodbye. Douglas W. Whitney WBRC Architects and Engineers

plan

Too often death is treated like an embarrassing fact, a regrettable failure of life that is best hushed up. The hospice building serves as more than just a final place for the dying; it is a place for reflection, comfort, and acceptance. It becomes essential for the building to include moments of tranquility and peace to foster the reflection and acceptance for the patients and the families.

hospice building

first iteration

second iteration

The path of the living, the path of the body, the path of the soul: the procession of each differs through the perspective and emotion, as well as material and content. The touch of the wall, the memory of the form, and the light of the sun create an atmosphere for the reflection of self and memory as they join in the end.

path

40 40

plan

41 41

north elevation

south elevation

section a

section b

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. n. o. p. q.

entrance lobby offices staff break room dining area sunset space visitor washrooms path of the body patient room staff utilities gathering space private spaces path of reflection path of acceptance courtyard sunrise space chapel

programmatic plan

o k p e

h l i

f g

programmatic plan

site plan

model

Because of the dynamic ceilings within the building, the varying angles of the roof become a challenge to structure and compose functional protection against moisture. The roof of each patient room becomes its own system, while the hallways create another. The intermediate spaces between the rooms call for a gradual slope to emphasize the sharper angles in the hallways and private rooms. The gathering space peaks above all, letting in light from both sides while forcing water to the center. Where the roof angles meet, water gracefully flows toward the edge and away from the building.

roof

entrance

lobby

gathering space

patient room entrance

patient room

path of the body

chapel

patient room exterior

presentations