Hospice – Home for the Terminally Ill

Introducing the third edition of the Hospice – Home for the Terminally Ill Competition, an evolving architectural ideas contest dedicated to crafting sanctuaries for those grappling with terminal illnesses.

Building on the success and insights gained from our inaugural challenge, this year's competition continues to delve into the critical need for spaces that extend beyond medical treatment. The first editions unveiled inspiring designs that recognized the intricate interplay of emotional, psychological, and physical needs in end-of-life care. This new edition seeks to further this exploration, encouraging architects to innovate and refine their approaches in creating environments that offer comfort, dignity, and a sense of community to those facing life-threatening illnesses.

Participants are tasked with conceiving a facility that not only provides medical support but also caters to the psychological and emotional well-being of its visitors. The design should comfortably host up to 15 visitors and 5 staff members, featuring essential spaces such as a common area with a library, a gathering room, a chapel, a kitchen, a dining room, a nurse’s room, and a therapy room for psychological support.

In this third edition, we continue to offer participants the freedom to select a theoretical site within their own country, encouraging them to integrate cultural, environmental, and social contexts into their designs. This competition goes beyond architectural aesthetics; it's an opportunity for participants to demonstrate how thoughtful design can offer solace and support to those in the most challenging phases of their lives.