The participants were tasked with designing a space for people struggling with a terminal disease – proposing a concept of an object that would accommodate fifteen patients and five staff members. The project was also to include basic spaces for hospices, as well as a library and additional rooms. Participants were also asked to take into account local conditions, both cultural and environmental ones.

The submitted projects were evaluated by an international jury which comprised industry leaders such as Alan Dunlop, dr Nirit Pilosof, Rubén García Rubio, Arturo Mc Clean, Rion Philbin, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Sonsoles Vela Navarro and Steven Wright. The jury evaluated the concepts in terms of functionality, aesthetics, materials used and environmental impact. This was the third edition of the competition.

Our students proposed a complex of buildings in Konstancin-Jeziorna (circa 20 kilometres away from Warsaw) under the name ”The Gift of Time – a Place of Peace and Dignity”. It was designed as a shelter place for contemplation and healing. It is surrounded by natural reserves and historic villas, close to local hospitals. It complements the local health network of services in the region by offering supplementary treatment, psychological support and a strong sense of community. The project redefines palliative care by blending compassionate design with sustainable development. Locally sourced materials were proposed for the construction, such as hempcrete that ensures thermal efficiency. The hospice has no barriers, which makes it accessible to everyone. It combines care for people with care for the environment.

The jury recognised the value of the WUT project as a barrier-free solution, with sustainable approach to design and construction, good planning, integration with the surrounding and selection of materials. The opinions also praised its compassionate narrative.

Sources: infoarchitekta.pl and architecturecompetitions.com/hospice3