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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
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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.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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