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Biophilic Design Using Living Walls and Natural Timber in a Compassionate Care Environment

Author:
Lee Jia Le
Biophilic Design Using Living Walls and Natural Timber in a Compassionate Care Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing natural timber and living walls, the design creates a warm and inviting environment that enhances the emotional and physical comfort of patients in a hospice setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a central atrium that maximizes natural light and promotes community engagement.
04
Utilizes living walls to improve air quality and provide a calming atmosphere.
05
Designed with flexible spaces that accommodate both private and communal interactions among families.

The architectural project centers around a hospice designed to enhance the experience of patients and their families in a sensitive environment. This facility prioritizes emotional and physical well-being through careful design considerations that fuse functionality with a therapeutic atmosphere. The project's intention is to create a space conducive to healing and comfort, acknowledging the complexities of end-of-life care.

This hospice integrates nature and light into its architectural fabric, using biophilic design principles. The architectural layout promotes a sense of community while providing moments of solitude, ensuring that the needs of both patients and caregivers are met. The arrangement facilitates clear navigation through the building, creating distinct areas for individual reflection and collective engagement.

Unique Features of Design Implementation

The project's most notable feature is the central atrium that serves as a light-filled community hub. This space fosters interactions among patients, families, and staff, underscoring the project's commitment to emotional support. The atrium is designed with expansive glass facades and openings that allow natural light to permeate the interior, minimizing the use of artificial lighting and enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Patient rooms are intentionally placed to ensure privacy while retaining views of landscaped gardens. Each room is equipped with thoughtfully designed elements that accommodate both patients and their families, including seating areas and ample natural light. This design choice reinforces the hospice’s goal of providing a nurturing and supportive environment.

The project also incorporates green walls, enhancing the aesthetic experience while contributing to improved air quality. These living plant systems serve not only a visual purpose but are integral to the concept of a calming environment. The use of natural materials, including timber, concrete, and glass, further establishes a warm and inviting atmosphere, which is pivotal in healthcare settings.

Innovative Spatial Organization

The architecture of this hospice is characterized by efficient spatial organization, creating specific zones for various functions. Common areas are designed to promote socialization while support facilities ensure that staff have access to necessary resources without compromising the needs of patients. The careful allocation of space allows for flexibility, accommodating the diverse needs of those who utilize the facility.

The project effectively layers different uses, allowing for seamless transitions between communal areas and private spaces. This structure serves not only as a functional necessity but also cultivates a sense of community, reinforcing relationships among patients, families, and caregivers.

To explore further details about this architectural project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, consider engaging with the comprehensive presentation of the project. This will provide deeper insights into the important elements and unique aspects of the design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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