Andrum: exploring the use of biophilic architectural design in the context of a Gothenburg cancer support center
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Architecture and planning beyond sustainability, MSc
Publicerad
2021
Författare
Engström, Agnes
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Every day 137 people are diagnosed with
cancer in Sweden. The illness not only
impacts the patient itself, but also family,
friends, colleagues, and society. Tackling
cancer is usually difficult, both physically
and mentally, and those affected often
feel lonely and misunderstood. Many of
them consider the psychological care
aspects missing or insufficient, especially
after finishing treatment. A more holistic
view on cancer care is needed, where
the mind and body are treated as
equally important. Therefore, this thesis
work will propose a new cancer support
center in Gothenburg: a place where
people affected by cancer can meet
others in their situation, get support,
information, and rehabilitation. There are
many successful examples of cancer
support centers, but none currently exist
in Gothenburg.
Research has shown how contact with
nature can improve health, with a wide
range of positive effects such as stress
reduction, faster physical recovery, an
immune system boost and a happiness
increase, all aspects that could benefit
people dealing with cancer. Biophilic
design is a method where the human
connection to nature is incorporated
in the design, with the purpose of
increasing wellbeing. The method is
explored through research, site analysis
and sketching, with the aim to propose
an environment suitable for physical and
mental healing, in close connection to its
natural surroundings.
The proposal also aims for ecological
sustainability, through the ‘re-greening’
of a city plot void of vegetation, as well
as with high material standards. Merging
the aspects of human healing and health
with planetary healing and health is a
strong combination, as they go hand in
hand.
The project is based upon a Research
Informed Design approach, including
literature studies, interviews with
patients, relatives and staff (n=6), surveys
with patients and relatives (n=53), and
reference studies focused on the
relation between nature, cancer support
and the built environment.
The result may contribute to a
raised discussion about the spatial
and psychological needs of people
affected by cancer, as well as to the
importance of including biophilic design
in the development of health-promotive
environments.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Andrum, architecture, cancer support, community , rehabilitation, biophilic design, nature, healing, sustainability