Practitioners and caregivers views on improving the built environment of paediatric oncology facilities : towards a holistic design for a paediatric oncology unit, Pietermaritzburg.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
This study examines the architectural essence of a built environment design, which may
positively contribute towards the effective treatment of paediatric oncology patients. The
design of the built environment may affect an occupant in various ways - physically,
psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Attention to the built environment design is thus
merited because paediatric oncology patients are vulnerable – not only are there difficulties
associated with this specific illness, but there is a link between these difficulties and quality
infrastructure for paediatric oncology patients. The material from built environments for
healthy children may contribute to the design of a new holistic paediatric oncology, according
to latest academic research.
The healthcare environment has improved vastly in the past few decades. Academics have
underscored that although there have been advances in design and healthcare, the design
of built environments for children with cancer is an area that still requires further attention.
Children are the ultimate end-users of the paediatric oncology built environment, but
research is difficult as this is a sensitive patient group. Current design considerations in the
paediatric oncology environment are based on adult research, but these are ultimately not
suited to the needs of paediatric oncology patients.
Modern insights into healthcare deviate from the pathogenic approach to the concept of the
holistic healthcare model, of which the latter focuses on the whole needs of the patient and
no longer only the physical. The holistic approach moves away from the institutional to a
‘home-like’ designed built environment which promotes holistic healing.
This study intends to research and establish an understanding of the needs of the paediatric
oncology population to develop a new design typology based on the patients’ needs.
Observations and assessments are conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages
of the current facilities. This study includes research conducted by means of interviews with
professionals and caregivers, a review of the existing literature on the subject matter,
through case studies, and precedent examples. The results of the research inform a set of
principles and criteria for the design of a new paediatric oncology typology in
Pietermaritzburg.
Description
Master of Architecture. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2016.
Keywords
Theses - Architecture.