5 key facts about this project
# Analytical Report on the Architectural Design Project: "Embrace"
## Overview
"Embrace" is a hospice care facility located in Singapore, designed to reflect the connection between patients, their families, and the experiences of life and memory. The intent is to foster an environment that offers comfort and support to users in a time of vulnerability. The design is rooted in sensitivity to the tropical climate, utilizing appropriate materials and layouts to enhance user experience throughout the year.
## Layout and Spatial Configuration
The project features a circular spatial arrangement that encourages natural flow and interaction. Key areas are designed for specific purposes, including:
- **Arrival Area**: An open and welcoming entrance that invites visitors into the space.
- **Reflection Spaces**: Contemplative zones are strategically placed throughout the facility, allowing users to engage with the themes of memory and honor.
- **Play Area**: A dedicated zone that promotes playful interactions among family members, particularly welcoming for children.
- **Rooftop Garden**: Designed as a serene space for reflection, this garden symbolizes the "harvest of memories" and provides a direct connection to nature.
## Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials in "Embrace" aims to evoke warmth while prioritizing sustainability. Key materials include:
- **Concrete**: Employing this for structural elements to offer durability and thermal comfort.
- **Wood**: Used for its tactile warmth, softening the environment while enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.
- **Glass**: Implemented to maximize natural light and create visual continuity with outdoor spaces.
- **Natural Stone**: Applied in flooring and exterior treatments, contributing to durability and a grounding effect.
- **Greenery**: Integral to the design, vegetation enhances sensory experiences, improves air quality, and promotes overall tranquility.
The architectural approach emphasizes the integration of existential themes such as continuity, memory, and community, allowing for spaces that cater to diverse human emotions associated with hospice care. The rooftop garden not only serves as a landscaped area but also acts as a metaphor for life's cyclicality and nurturing experiences.