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Biophilic Healing Space With Air-Purifying Plants and Natural Timber Elements

Authors:
Neil Aspinall, Neil Aspinall, Kate Mathers
Biophilic Healing Space With Air-Purifying Plants and Natural Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Incorporating air-purifying plants within a naturally illuminated courtyard, this design utilizes timber and glass to create a supportive environment for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an indoor courtyard with a variety of air-purifying plants to enhance indoor air quality.
02
Utilizes user-controlled environmental systems for personalized comfort adjustments.
03
Features a communal table as a central element to promote social interaction among users.
04
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with expansive glass windows to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding environment.

The architectural project focuses on creating a supportive environment for individuals affected by cancer in Krakow, Poland. This design emphasizes health and community, incorporating principles of Healing Architecture to promote well-being through thoughtful spatial organization and material selection. The project seeks to foster interactions while providing necessary personal space, making it distinct in addressing both emotional and physical needs.

Community and Interaction The project's core revolves around the concept of communal spaces, with a significant emphasis on the "communal table." This focal point encourages social interaction and collaboration among users, reflecting the importance of community support for individuals undergoing treatment. The organization of space flows seamlessly, allowing smooth transitions between public and private areas, ultimately enhancing accessibility for those with health challenges.

Notable features include the "Oxygen Room," an interior courtyard designed to improve air quality through a variety of air-purifying plants. This room serves a dual purpose: it functions as a tranquil retreat and actively contributes to the overall health of the building's environment. The design prioritizes natural light and views of greenery, integrating elements that are soothing and restorative, differentiating it from more traditional approaches in healthcare architecture.

Design Elements and Material Selection The architectural design utilizes a carefully curated selection of materials, including wood, glass, and natural textiles. Wood provides warmth and comfort, while expansive glass windows enhance natural illumination and foster a connection to the outdoors. The integration of plants within the interior adds a biophilic element, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and indoor air quality.

The layout of the building incorporates user-controlled environmental systems that facilitate comfort and personalization, reflecting a progressive approach to healthcare architecture. The design minimizes barriers to movement, promoting an inclusive atmosphere that caters to individuals with varying levels of mobility.

Overall, this project exemplifies a thoughtful synthesis of community engagement, user experience, and environmental considerations. To gain deeper insights into this architectural design, including architectural plans and sections, please explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its unique features and functionality.

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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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MICROHOME
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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