Image by Isobella Lord
Ievers Liminal
Centre
Architecture for Voluntary Assisted Dying
Studio
Disruptive Hospitals
Location
Ievers Reserve, Parkville
Year
2020
Design Team
Wendy Zhang; Belinda Krmpotic; Hashim Fakhreddin; Isobella Lord; Rebecca Yang
Hypothesis:
To what extent can architectural design challenge current health-care systems, as well as stigmas and taboos associated with death, to ultimately reduce 'death anxiety' and provide dignity to those who choose VAD?
The Victorian government states that this process will be the safest and most conservative in the world, currently the VAD medication can only be accessed when the patients meet very strict criteria. This strenuous process gives little to no comfort to patients, their families and healthcare staff members.
​
Our overarching design concept, Compression and Release /Liminality informed the placement of the different programs and served to advise atmospheric qualities that would be strived for in different spaces.
​
The aim of these design philosophies is to create unique experiences for the users and provide moments of relief, the design also aims to bring about a more homely experience and do away with the clinical feeling and experience within traditional health care facilities
First level
Public Spaces
​
Private Spaces
​
Green Spaces
​
Water
​
Public Circulation
​
Back of House Circulation
Ground level
Basement level
(Rhino)
A-A: Incorporating a recessed courtyard was to create a more intimate and grounding experience for the users and the ramp can also be a transition from inside to out.
Considering the patient's circumstances we have strived to create many small moments within our building. In nooks, under skylights and next to nature.
SECTION A-A
(cuts through the recessed courtyard on the ground floor and through two of the patients' rooms)
SECTION B-B
(cuts through the ramp as it recesses into the courtyard that serves as our main entrance.)
The main entry leads users down a linear ramp wrapped on either side by bodies of water. This act introduces the users to the first spatial expression of compression, and metaphorically addresses the stigmas associated with death as users look down the ramp into an open courtyard, which represents the act of release as the spatial volume increases and opens up to the sky and green spaces.
The monumental pillars which break up this courtyard reach four metres in height to create visual intrigue for the surrounding community and introduce them to the notion that there are spaces below ground level. These pillars serve as a reminder that there is no shame in death through visual exposure to otherwise hidden areas.
Meditation room on basement section by Isabella Lord
“It breaks your heart open, our hearts have been closed, because we’ve closed them, we’ve defended ourselves against pain. And this opens them.”
-- from a person grieving the loss of their mother
Design strategy diagrams by Rebecca Yang
(Rhino & PS & Illustrator & Procreate)