1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND The Palliative Care policy in India is a new development and the infrastructure is viewed as a medical facility, an extension of specialized hospitals. This is an attempt to understand the new Hospice vocabulary in India as an Architectural Challenge. The element of cultural challenges in the hospice perception in the country also acts as a deterrent in the growth of the concept. The research hopes to explore the current conditions, challenges, and scope of the palliative care sector through consolidation of practitioner’s and designer’s perspective. It is to be established that Hospices need to be experiential and homely healing spaces rather than a sanitary isolations. The study aims to highlight how the palliative care model at any scale can be aided by architecture. The Sparsh Hospice is a significant step forward as this shows the Government recognition for the cause and awareness among independent NGOs. The infrastructure proposed aligns with the ideology of creating a space for experience of life and not a sanitary healthcare facility. The focus is also on mental health and how to help patients and their families cope with the inevitable. From the above, it may be observed that spaces when designed for the dying have massive considerations. The psychological impact of minor decisions can be amplified within the mind and experience of the inhabitant. Similarly, it is not just important to control the comfort and the immediate surroundings, but also the impact of the stimulations in sound, visuals and interactions. “The very first requirement of a hospice is that it shall do no harm.” -
Stephen Verdeber
Our exploration faces the challenge whether the hospice philosophy developed and being prevalently practiced in the Developed World, can be functionally replicated in India within the context of traditional Indian culture and thought process which heavily influenced by contrasting religious undertones. This raises questions whether a possible alternative should be developed in India that maybe more in line with the cultural needs and general approach of the people.
Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad
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