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Natural Light and Emotional Support in a Wood-Centric Healing Environment

Author:
Lapo Batistini
Natural Light and Emotional Support in a Wood-Centric Healing Environment
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With wooden walls that enhance warmth and create a connection to nature, the facility offers a serene environment aimed at providing emotional support and comfort for terminally ill patients and their families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wooden walls provide warmth and a tactile connection to the environment.
02
Natural light is optimized through strategically placed openings and internal courtyards.
03
The layout eliminates long corridors, prioritizing intimacy and comfort.
04
Common areas encourage emotional support among families during challenging times.
05
Design integrates with the Tuscan landscape, enhancing the experience of serenity.

Fiorile is located in the gently sloping terrain of the Tuscan countryside, about 3 kilometers from the nearest town. Designed for terminally ill patients, the facility aims to create an environment that promotes both comfort and emotional well-being. The design concept centers around creating a home-like atmosphere that encourages human connection while blending into the surrounding landscape.

SPACE ORGANIZATION

The layout encourages interaction among patients and their families. Common areas, such as a kitchen and living room, are designed to support social activities, providing essential emotional support during difficult times. Private rooms are designated for personal reflection, offering a space for solitude amid challenging situations. This careful organization of spaces promotes the significance of relationships in the healing process.

NATURAL LIGHT AND VENTILATION

Natural light is a central feature of Fiorile. Strategically placed openings throughout the building allow daylight to fill the interior. This feature brightens living spaces and connects them to the outdoor environment, fostering a feeling of openness. The design also includes internal courtyards, which optimize natural ventilation, helping to create a comfortable indoor climate that enhances the experience of occupants.

MATERIAL SELECTION

Material choices are important to the overall design of Fiorile. External walls are constructed to provide protection against ground humidity, which helps maintain a stable indoor climate. Internally, wooden walls serve a dual purpose: they are both structural and aesthetic. These walls conceal necessary supports while offering warmth and texture that distinguishes the space from typical healthcare settings. This focus on materiality adds comfort and a welcoming atmosphere.

AESTHETIC AND FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION

Fiorile avoids the typical hospital look by featuring a design that eliminates long corridors and harsh signs. This creates a friendly, approachable setting that feels more like home. The layout promotes family interaction with large communal spaces for shared experiences. This combination of aesthetic choices with practical considerations reflects a commitment to creating a thoughtful environment that prioritizes the needs of its occupants.

The design incorporates natural elements, carefully positioned to provide views of the landscape. Each room connects to the surrounding environment, creating a peaceful backdrop. Patients and their families can find tranquility as they navigate significant moments in their lives, supported by an architecture that understands the importance of connection and comfort.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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