Haze
Abstract
“This is not a hospital. It is a public building in the middle of the city, where a hospital is hidden. People who stay here turn a corner, and discover something new.” -Frans Jasper, MD Architecture is not a cure for cancer. However, the design of a healthcare facility or the physical-social environment of a treatment center can affect the quality of life and recovery of patients experiencing chronic illnesses. Individuals with cancer are frequently hospitalized after receiving a diagnosis and throughout their treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient; health facilities need to provide spaces that support the endeavors of these individuals. The design of healthcare environments is crucial for patient well-being and recovery. Natural environments and social spaces play significant roles in healthcare design, influencing the physical and emotional well-being of patients and healthcare providers. Therefore, this design project, Haze Pediatric Oncology, and research initiative aim to critically analyze the role of our built environment in shaping our social experiences and opportunities for connection and healing, especially as it relates to pediatric cancer patients. Moreover, this project explores how incorporating natural environments and social spaces into healthcare design can improve the overall patient experience, enhance the quality of care, and contribute to better health outcomes. The strategic design of Haze Pediatric Oncology continually investigates whether architecture - “place” - can help in the fight against cancer and become a non-pharmacological intervenor, a passive member of the care team, and a constant friend to the patient?
Subject
Architecture for Health - Pediatric OncologyArchitecture
Pediatric Oncology
Place Design
Blurring Boundaries
Supportive Design Theory
Health Facility Design,
Department
ArchitectureCollections
Citation
Lesmeister, Madison (2024). Haze. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /200943.