The scenic pathway : an architectural research project exploring an atmosphere around those facing their imminent demise

Abstract

This research project endeavours to develop a design for a room and its supportive context that seeks to nurture a dying individual - dying that is supported by the architecture.

While the concepts around death and dying are very taboo the design process here sensitively confronts and explores the journey of palliative care through its connection to nature at human scale, notions of protection and sanctuary away from the institution, scenes of intimacy and sensory qualities as well as social aspects of inwardness and outwardness.

Site access is from Colonial Road, which passes through Chelsea’s Estate Heritage Park within proximity to North Shore Hospital and the City Hospital.