What's Next

After leaving the intensive with a better idea of what I am doing, I still have a few questions left to answer. From the review I took a few things back:

Foundation for Kairos Retreat-create a mission statement for facility

I need to think through the aspects of the facility. What happens, what doesn’t. What does the site look like? (Although I have all this in my head, it’s time to get it out on paper.)

Why Japanese Architecture: After reading a few books on the topic, I feel confident in the choice for Japanese inspiration. The role that nature plays in its architecture is integral. The individual will interpret the space for themselves. It is our job to provide a space that provides the connections to nature and allows open interpretation of the spaces.

Notes on this weeks readings:

THE NEW JAPANESE HOUSE

Metabolism Architecture-susceptibility of change between rooms. Flexibility of function, reciprocity between inside and out. Taboo to connect buildings, no relationship to others.

Ceiling connects heaven and earth. Exposed structure.

Architecture of live possibilities. Space floats from one meaning to the next when we approach a building we are searching for ourselves in it.

Architecture and nature-a system of organizing

Scenery-Jukkyo

Sohmon-first gate

Sandoh-the approach

Sanmon-third gate (gate of the mountain)

Kairoh-the corridor

Kyo no niwa- garden of void

Kidah-the base

Shumidan-hanzon-the main idol

The house is a possibility, something that is only animated by contact with the user.

PLACE, TIME AND BEING IN JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

Fundamental reverence for the forces of nature.

Kami-deification of the life force which pervades all beings, animate and inanimate.

Roji-convoluted garden path-psychological disconnection from the worlds at large.

Geometric planning compass

Kenko Yoshida- “A house should be built with summer in mind. In winter it is possible to live anywhere.”

Fixed center-pillar

Tadoa Ando-“I do not believe architecture should speak too much. It should remain silent and let nature in the guise of sunlight and wind speak. I introduce nature-light, wind and water, within a geometric and ordered architecture, thereby awakening it to life. Climatic changes in turn transform the condition of architecture from moment to moment. In these results, architectural expression is born 1that is capable of moving the human spirit and allows us to glimpse the eternal within the moment.”

Discontinous unity-choki seminar building by Takamas Yoshizaka

HOSPICE INPATIENT ENVIRONMENTS

Program of care:

Constant availability of medical and nursing

Accepted based on need not money.

Bereavement fellowships.

Social workers, nurses, clergy, physicians.

Needs food, comfort, socializing, privacy, diversions.

Need to further look at the Hillhaven Foundation in Tuscon, AZ and Connecticut Hospice.

Family rooms, kitchenettes, indoor gardening and artwork, outdoor garden, dining room, multipurpose room.

A conclusion of the needs of hospice patients found on page 201

Further research on Hanuman Foundation also known as The Dying Project in Sante Fe, New Mexico

So where do I go from here:

Finish research on foundations for the dying and create a mission statement for this facility.

Look at Japanese interpretations for other facilities. I have started at the core of my project, but there is much more to do as I start looking at the form of the administration, medical and community spaces.

Site Plan: look at landscaping along the paths in addition to their location. I keep picturing the Woodland Cemetery with the light shining through the trees down to the lush green lawn below. Between the units, I would prefer to keep underbrush for the sake of privacy but along the paths, I could open it up and just leave the trees, furthering their reach into the heavens.

Admin, Medical and Counseling: Keeping each building small helps to keep it more personal for the patient. By separating these elements into separate buildings, I can achieve my goal. I would prefer to allow the administration building take the form of a covered walk that encourages pause and reflection upon first entering the facility. The medical building will provide basic services for a small staff of doctors and nurses. I am planning on combining the offices for the counseling services in this building as well. The community building is becoming more and more important. The need for interaction is a critical element . Providing a flexible space that can accommodate group counseling, funeral/celebratory services, dining, activities, etc. It is the variety in this space that will become unique to each group of visitors. This building will also provide access to the laundry facility and to a large kitchen. It is in these types of everyday interactions that relationships are formed that can create the support system necessary after the dying is gone.

I have always planned on using the river to some extent. It is one of the reasons I picked the site. I keep envisioning the spiritual center being located floating on the river. If this is going to happen, I need to design this aspect right away. The site provides another location on top of a small hill that already declares its spiritual connection to nature. I was going to place the spiritual center here but with its natural beauty, I feel it is better left with a few benches for meditation but not a physical structure. Using the river for spiritual connection allows the fundamental meanings of life to be broadcasted in one place at one time. Earth, fire, water and wind can all be felt and heard as one sits on top the river.