Abstract:
In the beginning of this project I found that information was scarce; however, over the year I have been able to come to conclusions that have influenced my decisions in the design of this facility. It is much smaller than a hospital, more on the size of a convalescent home although more intimate. Basically it was to be a place to live, a place of warmth for family and friends. A tradition of the hospice was that of communal sharing and care. In the final decision of patients to rooms, I settled on individual set ups with communal spaces based upon opinion and a general poll. limited by access (in the beginning) to a facility and only printed materials and young programs in this area, I had to begin forming my concept and ideas of such a facility. In the end I was rewarded. This came about during an unexpected trip to New Haven, CT. where I was able to contact Hospice, Inc. I was then able to obtain firsthand knowledge through a First Thursday program as well as John Abbott and several members of the nursing stsff. Truly it is a place for living. Much emphasis and concern is placed of the individual, giving as much direct contact from staff as possible. An integral part of the program is its workings with the families separately and with the patient. To highlight the trip, I was able to see the facility being built in Branford, CT. It is due for completion in December, 1979. Another point I was pleased to observe was the location of the facility and its similar setting to the one I had chosen for East Central Indiana.In assigning spaces that are individual yet communal, overall it was important to relate the building to the site’s features, therefore affirming the continuation of life and the life cycle.
