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Therapeutic Spaces Crafted with Polycarbonate and Timber for Children’s Wellness

Authors:
Luoyao Zhang, Lindong Wang, Min Yao, Yutong Liu
Therapeutic Spaces Crafted with Polycarbonate and Timber for Children’s Wellness
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Utilizing a polycarbonate façade and cross-laminated timber, the design fosters a nurturing environment that enhances the therapeutic experience for children facing serious health challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with a rooftop library, providing an elevated space for learning and relaxation.
02
Incorporates animal therapy areas designed for safe interactions with therapy animals.
03
Features a play area with natural elements to promote unstructured play and exploration.
04
Utilizes a semi-open corridor for seamless indoor-outdoor connection and natural light access.
05
Employs sustainable landscaping with native plants to enhance environmental integration.

## Architectural Analysis Report: "Be With Animals" Children's Hospice

### Overview

Located in a densely populated area, the "Be With Animals" children’s hospice utilizes health-focused design principles to aid in the recovery of children with chronic illnesses. The intent is to create a welcoming environment that prioritizes both the physical and emotional needs of its young residents through carefully designed interactions with animals and nature. By shifting away from conventional medical environments, the design concept emphasizes comfort, support, and engagement in a setting conducive to healing.

### Spatial Organization and Engagement

The architectural layout employs a strategic arrangement of spaces to enhance accessibility and interaction between children, caregivers, and their surroundings. Central outdoor courtyards and play areas are integral to the plan, promoting engagement with nature and facilitating social connections among children and animals. Highlights include:

- **Ladder Library and Amphitheatre**: This versatile space supports learning and storytelling activities, encouraging participation from both children and animals, thereby enriching their therapeutic experience.

- **Semi-open Corridor**: Designed to maintain visual connections with outdoor areas, the corridor allows for ample natural light, contributing to a soothing atmosphere while facilitating movement throughout the facility.

- **Public Kitchen and Dining Area**: This communal space fosters social interactions among families and caregivers, which are essential for emotional healing.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project incorporates a carefully considered selection of materials that enhance both the structural integrity and sensory experience of the hospice:

1. **Polycarbonate Facade**: Utilized for its transparency, it diffuses light throughout the interior while creating a visual connection to the outdoors.

2. **Timber Frame Structure**: Chosen for its sustainability, timber also introduces warmth, which is vital in a hospice environment.

3. **Natural Stone Elements**: Integrated within landscaping, these materials provide tactile engagement while harmonizing with the local ecological context.

4. **Sustainable Landscaping Materials**: Selected for their resilience, these materials support biodiversity and contribute to restorative outdoor environments that enhance the overall therapeutic experience.

The design outcomes address a spectrum of needs, from enhancing emotional recovery and promoting social interaction to providing educational opportunities through flexible spaces. The thoughtful integration of both spatial and material choices cultivates a supportive community atmosphere that encourages healing.

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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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Competition organisers

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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