Eudaimonia to flourish

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can architecture enhance the overall experience of oncology patients and their support persons?

ABSTRACT: “The purpose of Architecture is to improve human life. Create timeless, free, joyous spaces for all activities in life.” John Lautner

Architecture is the arrangement and configuration of spaces and structures articulated thoughtfully to produce within them life that meets the needs of its users and improves the way man lives. Good architecture, therefore, produces environments that serve their purpose and are practical to use. In a healthcare setting, this entails that a space or structure function to holistically nurture, treat and heal its patients; both medically and psychologically. However, in the modern world of health and medicine, architecture appears to have very rarely succeeded in executing its role and realising its potential in this sector. Hospitals and rehabilitation centres alike are required to function well and efficiently. Therefore, the design of these buildings plays a major part in delivering good services and outcomes.

Cancer is a leading chronic and fatal disease worldwide. The World Cancer Research Fund identifies the highest cancer rates internationally to be from Oceania, Europe, and North America. Australia ranks highest in cancer rates and New Zealand second. Treatment plans for cancer patients are harsh and long in duration at the hospital. With such a disease, a poor environment only further deteriorates one’s ailment and recovery period. Therefore, the question that should arise is how can architecture best serve and enhance the overall experience for these patients? Substantial quantity of researches indicate that healing environments and empathetic design can greatly aid the body’s ability to self-heal and ensure psychological stability. This is established through a positive and uplifting environment whereby de-stressing the patient increases one’s rate of recovery and or receptivity to treatments.

This research project explores the issue and importance of wellbeing in a medical environment and the effect of healing spaces through the patient/visitor journey, to ensure a positive and holistic patient focused model of care. The research project examines theories and studies on the psychological effects and influence of nature and design on the human, as a method of exploring and integrating findings to aid the healing process from an architectural position. The intent is to produce an architectural solution or methodology that best serves patients in New Zealand, leading to the design of a new facility at Auckland Hospital. The objective of this facility is to provide sensitive healing and support spaces that are culturally inclusive, and patient focused