Waiora Healing Home

Creating a better quality of life for children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses in New Zealand

Alison Bosman, a recent graduate of Unitec Institute of Technology’s Master of Architecture, investigated a holistic approach to paediatric palliative care for her qualifying research project. Ara Manawa connected her to specialist clinical knowledge within Auckland DHB to inform her design process.

Rendered view of Hospice room

Rendered view of Hospice room

Alison posed the research question: 

How can architecture offer a positive contribution to palliative and hospice care for children in order to enhance their quality of life?

Her research drew on three theoretical approaches: biophilic design, child-centric design and anti-institutional architecture. This revealed the benefits of integrating natural elements into healthcare environments. Social connections were also found to be valuable, and could be enhanced by spaces that include the family and community in the care process.

Rendered view of Hospice building entrance

Rendered view of Hospice building entrance

Rendered view of Hospice shared lounge space

Rendered view of Hospice shared lounge space

Rendered view pool room looking onto Waiwera beach

Rendered view pool room looking onto Waiwera beach

Alison created designs for a purpose-built paediatric hospice and respite care centre located in Waiwera, north of Auckland. For centuries Waiwera has been renowned for its natural thermal springs, pools dug on the beach used by Māori for healing wounds after wars and by Europeans post-settlement for curing of skin conditions. The curative powers of the thermal waters were referred to as ‘te rata’, ‘the doctor’. The designs pay tribute to the history of the site and continue the story of the original Waiwera thermal baths. She intertwines this with the concept of waiora, the sustenance of life, health and wellbeing.

The facility combines paediatric palliative, hospice and respite care, providing accommodation and care for eight children (0-16-year olds) and their families, offering end-of-life care as well as brief stays for respite. The proposed design attends to the cultural, emotional, spiritual and social needs of patients and their loved ones, providing a home away from home in a time of need.

Rendered external view of Hospice building

Rendered external view of Hospice building

January 2021

THANKS TO

Unitec - School of Architecture

AUTHOR

Alison Bosman, Unitec - School of Architecture Student

Architecture, Unitec, StudentStudentAra Manawa, biophilic, children, Architecture, unitec, wood, water, plants, paediatric, paediatric care, Hospice, palliative, palliative care, Waiwera, respite care