### Analytical Report on Earth Waves: Hospice for the Terminally Ill

#### Project Overview

Earth Waves is located in Eastern Crete, within the Mediterranean landscape. This hospice for the terminally ill combines architectural design with the surrounding environment, aiming to create a space that facilitates both healing and reflection. The project emphasizes themes of earth, essence, and human comfort, with a conceptual focus on sustainability and the integration of natural forms.

#### Spatial Strategy

The architectural design features a flowing structure that reflects the softness of natural forms, symbolizing the journey of life and the passage towards death. Interconnected spaces are carefully arranged to support both private reflection and communal healing. Key areas include a welcoming lobby and reception, therapy rooms that leverage natural light and views, a library and gathering area for community interaction, a chapel for spiritual reflection, and a restaurant that incorporates local herbs to enhance well-being and social engagement. Pathways within the site are designed to encourage interaction with the natural landscape, promoting outdoor exploration.

#### Materiality

The choice of materials plays a critical role in the design's environmental and aesthetic objectives. Rammed earth serves as the primary material, recognized for its sustainability, insulation properties, and warmth. This approach evokes a connection to ancient building traditions and the local landscape. Complementing this, reinforced concrete columns provide structural integrity, while terracotta infill adds visual warmth, echoing traditional Cretan architecture. Rustic metal elements in windows and the pergola offer a contrast that highlights the harmonious integration of materials, creating a respectful nod to the unique qualities of the Cretan terrain.