The "Be With Animals" children's hospice is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that integrates therapeutic principles within a nurturing environment. Focused on children facing chronic illnesses, the hospice combines the healing power of nature and animal interaction to create spaces that foster emotional and physical recovery. The layout is intentional, featuring carefully organized areas that prioritize accessibility, interaction, and community engagement.

Design and Spatial Organization

The design of the hospice emphasizes open circulation paths and various activity zones to facilitate interaction. Central to the layout are outdoor courtyards and play areas that provide children with direct access to nature and opportunities for engagement with therapy animals. This approach encourages exploration and promotes well-being through unstructured play. The ladder library and amphitheater serve as multifunctional spaces, offering not only a quiet area for reading but also opportunities for communal activities and storytelling that enhance emotional connections.

The corridor design features semi-open spaces that maintain visual connections with the outdoors, allowing natural light to fill the interiors. This design element is critical for creating a serene atmosphere conducive to healing. Additionally, communal spaces like the public kitchen and dining area foster social interactions among children, families, caregivers, and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of community in the healing journey.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets this project apart from other children's hospices is its strong emphasis on integrating animal and nature therapy into the architectural framework. The use of a polycarbonate façade enhances transparency and light diffusion, establishing a relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. The warmth of a timber frame structure creates a comforting atmosphere, while natural stone elements in landscaping are selected to evoke tactile experiences that resonate with the surrounding ecology.

Sustainable material choices reinforce the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility, as landscaping elements incorporate native plants, fostering biodiversity and resilience. This consideration aligns with contemporary architectural ideas that prioritize not just the function of spaces but also their ecological impact.

Therapeutic Environment

The overall architectural design promotes an environment tailored to the needs of its users. By considering the unique emotional and physical requirements of children in care, the hospice integrates educational opportunities within its layout. The ladder library encourages learning and engagement, reinforcing the idea that recovery can take place in dynamic and interactive contexts. The incorporation of spaces designed for both solitary reflection and social interaction balances individual needs with the importance of community support.

The "Be With Animals" hospice stands as an example of how architecture can effectively respond to the emotional and psychological needs of its users. This project illustrates the potential of thoughtful design to create an environment that is not only functional but also deeply nurturing.

For further details on the architectural plans, architectural sections, and broader architectural designs of the "Be With Animals" project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a more in-depth understanding of its unique architectural ideas and functionalities.