Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Oxygen Capsules and Water Walls in a Tranquil Healing Environment Designed for Lung Cancer Care

Authors:
MichaŁ Hattwich, Konrad ZmysŁo
Oxygen Capsules and Water Walls in a Tranquil Healing Environment Designed for Lung Cancer Care
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating oxygen capsules and a central water wall, this healing environment fosters recovery for lung cancer patients through a carefully designed landscape that promotes tranquility and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Oxygen capsules provide a private space for patient relaxation and meditation.
02
The central water wall enhances acoustic comfort and promotes a calming atmosphere.
03
Green roofs contribute to sustainability and biodiversity in the urban setting.
04
Natural timber is utilized extensively in furnishings to create a warm environment.
05
Dedicated pathways facilitate seamless movement between therapeutic and communal spaces.

### Project Overview

The Lung Cancer Care Center, known as the Waterwall Garden, is located adjacent to the Maria Curie-Skłodowska Hospital in Kraków, Poland. The primary intent of the design is to create a therapeutic environment that supports patient recovery and wellness through an integration of functional spaces and natural elements. The site promotes a relationship between the built environment and outdoor landscapes, featuring a central garden with water features that provide a restorative atmosphere for patients and visitors.

### Spatial Organization and Layout

The layout is strategically structured to encourage movement and interaction among users while offering varied spaces for relaxation and social engagement. Key areas include the Main Park Square, designed as a communal gathering point with seating surrounded by greenery; the Post-Treatment Recovery Center, which includes dedicated areas for oxygen therapy and consultations; and the Waterwall Patio, which extends the garden into an outdoor space for activities and connections with nature. The arrangement incorporates open, semi-private, and private areas, balancing the needs for community interaction and solitude.

### Materiality and Aesthetics

A thoughtfully chosen material palette contributes to a warm and inviting environment while ensuring functionality. Glass is utilized for façades and partitions, enhancing natural light and openness. Concrete provides structural integrity, while metal elements reinforce durability. Natural timber is incorporated into furniture and decking to achieve an organic aesthetic. The color scheme predominantly features yellows and greens, reflecting themes of renewal and vitality, which positively influence the mood of users. Special design features include oxygen capsules for relaxation, water elements that enhance the garden's calming atmosphere, and green roofs that exemplify sustainable design practices.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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