Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and Home

Abstract

This thesis project began with an investigation of the current healthcare industry and healing design practices. A gap exists in the current healthcare industry between hospital and home. This gap forces people to rush their healing process and often leads to additional complications. Throughout this thesis project, in-depth literature review and case studies were compiled to derive a set of healing design principles. These principles are intended to be used in the design process of healing facilities. To begin to bridge the gap between the hospital and home, a new healthcare typology has been proposed within this thesis project. This typology is a transitional healing facility that would act as a half-way point between the hospital and home. This facility is meant to serve people with physical conditions for a stay of up to six months. The design of this facility was created to promote recovery, healing, and successfully lead people to the point of remission. This facility would allow people to heal in a proper environment without the stressors of home life surrounding them. Overall, this thesis project offers new solutions on how architectural spaces can support the healing journey to promote ease and remission. While doing so, this thesis project tackles specific issues surrounding the current healthcare industry through the lens of design.