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Healing Spaces Enhanced by Natural Light and Concrete-Centric Design

Author:
JUAN GONZALO BULA
Healing Spaces Enhanced by Natural Light and Concrete-Centric Design

Project in-detail

Nestled within a vibrant park, a concrete and glass structure harmonizes with nature through a central garden, embodying a healing environment tailored for lung cancer treatment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a central garden that symbolizes lung health and provides a serene space for patients and visitors.
02
Utilizes large glass panels to maximize natural light and enhance the healing atmosphere.
03
Incorporates reinforced concrete for structural integrity while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
04
Employs a unique layout that guides patients through emotional stages of acceptance and healing.
05
Prioritizes sustainability with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient design principles.
The Our Lung Center project is a thoughtfully designed healthcare facility located in Bror Hansson Park, Kraków, Poland, dedicated to the treatment of lung cancer. This architectural endeavor represents a fusion of medical functionality and emotional support, aiming to address not only the physical needs of patients but also their mental and emotional well-being during a challenging time. The design is informed by a conceptual framework that mirrors the psychological journey patients undergo upon receiving their diagnosis.

Functionally, the Lung Center is organized into three distinct levels, each serving a specific purpose while enhancing the overall patient experience. The ground level is designed as a communal space that promotes education and interaction. It includes a café, library, and information areas that serve both patients and visitors, fostering a sense of community engagement. This level emphasizes accessibility, ensuring that individuals can navigate the space with ease while feeling welcomed and supported.

Moving to the first level, the focus shifts toward treatment and care. This area contains medical offices and therapy rooms, where natural light is abundant, created by large windows and strategically placed glass partitions. This thoughtful approach ensures that patients experience a calming environment conducive to their recovery process. The design uses a combination of materials, such as reinforced concrete, wood, glass, and powder-coated metal panels, to not only construct an aesthetically pleasing building but also to create spaces that feel warm, inviting, and healing.

The second level is further dedicated to facilitating both patient and staff interactions within treatment rooms. Here, careful consideration is given to privacy and openness, employing frosted glass for windows to maintain a sense of confidentiality without sacrificing the benefits of natural light. The design prompts seamless circulation throughout the building, allowing easy movement between spaces while enhancing the overall accessibility of the facility.

Unique aspects of this design are evident in the integration of green spaces and the emphasis on sustainability. A central garden prominently displayed throughout the building serves as a living symbol of lung health and the importance of clean air. This incorporation of nature is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a functional purpose, providing a peaceful retreat for patients and visitors alike. The project also promotes sustainability through its choice of natural materials and careful consideration of the facility’s environmental impact.

The Lung Center also embraces its role within the wider community by engaging local residents in educational outreach efforts, particularly with regard to lung health and environmental awareness. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to not only treating illness but also raising awareness about the factors that contribute to lung health, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection among community members.

Overall, the Our Lung Center represents a nuanced understanding of the relationship between architecture and health. It successfully combines thoughtful design practices with essential healthcare functions, creating a supportive environment for patients navigating their journey through lung cancer. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, a closer examination of the project presentation will yield deeper insights into its well-considered design strategies and outcomes.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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