Project Summary
The Approach
Research was conducted on the connection between healing and place, and furthermore, how adults and children perceive their environments differently. A major focus was placed on the site design and the form of the ceiling plane—each are designed to soothe the child, while igniting their imagination.
The Programming
The site design played an important role in informing the building design. It was important that a significant amount of the site became garden spaces in lieu of built spaces. Therefore, the Berkeley Children's House takes form as two thin rectilinear forms nestled with an array of public and private gardens. These gardens bring nature in for the patient to enjoy—either directly or indirectly. The public gardens, located south of the building, can be accessed by all. Even when a patient is bedridden—they can still see and hear the beauty of nature and community from their bedroom, allowing them to feel engaged with the outside world in some capacity.
Details
Body
Therefore, in the Berkeley Children's House, the patient's room and 'neighborhood' ceiling is curved in form, taking on the resemblance of clouds—light strikes it, creating a playful, ever-changing ceiling plane. Its simplicity and beauty is attractive to all age groups. This primary design feature facilitates a comforting, playful, and healing environment that provides a framework for creating positive memories between the patient and their loved ones.
Related work
