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Perforated Brick Facade and Abundant Natural Light in a Therapeutic Community Center

Authors:
Justyna Hys, Ioannis Kyprianos Fragiadakis, Justyna Hys
Perforated Brick Facade and Abundant Natural Light in a Therapeutic Community Center

Project in-detail

The use of perforated brick facades and extensive glazing creates a light-filled, garden-integrated environment focused on therapeutic support for individuals and families affected by lung cancer.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated walls provide both privacy and natural light throughout the interior spaces.
02
A central atrium enhances ventilation and promotes social interactions among users.
03
Extensive gardens integrate therapeutic landscapes that connect users with nature.
04
Sustainable features include solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
05
Timber elements create a warm, inviting atmosphere within a clinical setting.

The Kraków Oxygen Home is an architectural project designed as a community center for individuals and families affected by lung cancer, located in Kraków, Poland. This structure serves multiple functions, including spaces for consultation, therapy, social interaction, and recreational activities, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and well-being. The design integrates natural elements and sustainable practices to create a tranquil environment conducive to healing and recovery.

Architectural Form and Function

The layout of the Kraków Oxygen Home is organized to facilitate both individual and communal experiences. The ground floor comprises a welcoming lobby, a community dining area, and consultation rooms, structured for easy access and flow. The first floor houses additional consultation areas and a library, surrounding a central atrium that allows for light and openness while also enhancing user interaction. Outdoor spaces feature gardens, walking paths, and seating areas for relaxation and social engagement, supporting mental and emotional well-being.

This project represents an architectural response to the community's needs, focusing on user experience and environmental integration. The design prioritizes accessibility and comfort, making it a functional space for treatment, support, and community activities.

Innovative Design Approaches

What distinguishes the Kraków Oxygen Home from other similar projects is its integration of natural elements into the architectural framework. The use of ceramic brick for the façade offers durability while blending aesthetically with the surrounding landscape. Large glass openings invite natural light and provide views of the gardens, fostering a connection to nature that has proven benefits for mental health. The incorporation of perforated walls strategically balances privacy and light, enhancing user comfort within the spaces.

Sustainability is a critical aspect of this design. Energy-efficient features such as solar panels and eco-friendly materials minimize environmental impact, while the careful selection of timber for interior elements contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. These choices reflect a commitment to both physical and psychological health, creating a space that encourages healing through thoughtful design.

Spatial Arrangement and Materiality

The project’s spatial arrangement maximizes functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. Each area is designed to accommodate specific activities, from individual therapies to communal gatherings. The integration of outdoor spaces enhances the overall experience, creating platforms for interaction and relaxation that support emotional healing.

The choice of materials is intentionally aligned with the project's ethos. The combination of ceramic bricks, glass, and wood not only satisfies aesthetic expectations but also reinforces the connection between the architectural project and the natural environment. The details of these materials highlight a commitment to sustainability and well-being, making the Kraków Oxygen Home a coherent and purposeful architectural endeavor.

For a comprehensive understanding of this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that detail its innovative ideas, the reader is encouraged to explore the full project presentation. This will provide deeper insights into the design and the vision that shaped the Kraków Oxygen Home.

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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.

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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

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