Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Circular Design Utilizing Glass and Timber for Palliative Care Spaces

Authors:
Zuzanna Agata Myszker, Agnieszka Gogól
Circular Design Utilizing Glass and Timber for Palliative Care Spaces

Project in-detail

Circular forms and expansive glass panels harmonize with timber elements to create a serene hospice environment, enhancing patient support through a thoughtful integration of nature and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout fosters community engagement while ensuring patient privacy.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances sustainability and reduces carbon footprint.
03
Integration of large glass panels maximizes natural light and offers views of Pildamms Pond.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
05
Design features therapeutic spaces that prioritize emotional support and reflection for users.

LUGNAR is an architectural project situated in Pildammsparken, Malmö, Sweden, designed specifically as a hospice for terminally ill patients. The project embodies the principles of care and support through its thoughtful integration of space, function, and natural elements. The design purposefully employs a circular configuration to foster a sense of community and openness, representing wholeness and connection among patients, families, and staff.

The arrangement of LUGNAR facilitates various functions essential for a hospice setting. This includes individual therapy rooms, communal group support areas, and gathering spaces that allow for emotional interactions and shared experiences. The architectural design emphasizes accessibility while ensuring privacy and comfort for patients. Large glass panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the adjacent Pildamms Pond, enhancing therapeutic experiences through connection with nature.

Natural materials, such as timber and stone, are used extensively across the project to promote a calming environment. This choice reinforces LUGNAR's commitment to a nurturing and homelike atmosphere, crucial in hospice care. Concrete elements provide structural integrity while being complemented by softer materials to enhance the sensibility of the space.

The use of water features within the surroundings further amplifies the calming effect, catering to the sensory needs of users. Incorporating nature has been a core element of the design approach, pushing boundaries on how indoor and outdoor spaces can converge to improve wellbeing.

Holistic Design Approach

LUGNAR's circular architecture encourages social interaction while maintaining the necessary privacy for individual experiences. The layout supports the concept of the "Circle of Support," emphasizing equality and community among users. Each area of the structure is interconnected, allowing for a seamless flow and facilitating easy access for both patients and visitors.

The horticultural landscape surrounding LUGNAR plays a vital role in its design philosophy. The strategic placement of the building amidst trees and water not only offers scenic beauty but also serves a therapeutic purpose, echoing findings in environmental psychology that link nature exposure with improved mental health outcomes.

The project differentiates itself by creating distinct spaces that cater to various forms of support—a crucial consideration in hospice design. By focusing on both communal areas for group support and private rooms for personal reflection, LUGNAR addresses the multifaceted needs of its users.

Architectural Integration

The architectural integration of LUGNAR extends beyond its physical structure. The design promotes engagement with the landscape, inviting users to participate in the surrounding environment. The large openings to the outside, facilitated by glass panels, blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor realms. This approach not only enhances the visual experience but also allows natural light to permeate the interior, contributing to a more tranquil atmosphere.

All aspects of the design—from the choice of materials to spatial organization—have been meticulously planned to align with the core mission of LUGNAR. The result is an architecture that resonates with its purpose while offering comfort and understanding to those experiencing severe illness.

For a more comprehensive understanding of LUGNAR, including architectural plans, sections, and specific design details that illustrate its unique qualities, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This exploration will provide deeper insights into the architectural concepts and innovative approaches that shape this distinguished hospice facility.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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.

`

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

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy