1st prize

Golden Slumbers Family Hospice

Karl-Johan Gydell

Supervisor: Susanne Clase | Chair: Johanna Eriksson
Chalmers University of Technology

Author's description 

"A common misconception is that a hospice is a place where you come to die. In reality, the hospice philosophy is about providing a safe shelter where guests come to embrace quality of life.  In a traditional Swedish hospice, the guest will be living with a partner or family member, while visitors can come and go. In a children’s hospice on the other hand, it’s more common for the entire family to be living together at the hospice. 

In the case of a children’s hospice, it is generally acknowledged that siblings and parents are in need of care and support just like the patient. While this holistic approach is recognized and designed for in most children’s hospices, families with children won’t be able to take part of it unless it’s the child who is sick.

But what distinguishes the trauma of a sick child’s sibling, from that of a sick parent’s child? The purpose of a “Family Hospice” would be to provide a temporary home for families with children, offering a comprehensive care and support for the entire family regardless of whether the child or parent is ill. 

The aim of the thesis is to design a “Family Hospice” in Bräcke, Gothenburg. The design proposal is constructed based on literature studies of garden- and hospice design, conversations with specialists and study visits. The result could contribute to a further discussion on whether the concept of a family hospice could be the way forward for pediatric palliative care in Sweden, as a supplement to already existing alternatives."

Jury statement

"The idea of a family hospice as "a temporary home for families with children, offering a comprehensive care and support for the entire family regardless of whether the child or parent is ill" is considered by the jury to be very relevant and innovative. In terms of design, the design also impresses with its detailed and precise elaboration. The result is a clearly structured ensemble with a high quality of stay, which fits perfectly into its surroundings and whose rooms are tailored to the respective needs of use. Graphically well presented, the project also leaves no doubt about its feasibility."