An exploration of sensorial properties of building materials and their effect on hospice care. A case of selected materials.

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to assist designers to be able to widen their material choice knowledge in relation to specific design projects at hand, it is thus important to not only know about the properties of new and existing materials but also be able to visualize the associated intangible and sensorial properties. To know how the material properties, relate with the human senses. The flatness of today‟s standard construction is strengthened by a weakened sense of materiality. For example; Natural materials-stone, brick and wood allow our vision to penetrate their surfaces and enable us to become convinced of the veracity of matter (Pallasma, 31). The research will be able to utilize the concept of sensorial properties of selected building materials for the design of a hospice facility suitable for Uganda. “Authentic architectural experiences consist then of approaching, or confronting a building rather than the façade; of the act of entering and not simply the frame of the door, of looking in or out of a window, rather than the window itself.”-Juhani Pallasma. We spend most of our time in a built environment and when considering medical facilities and clinics, much of design has focused on family and patient centered care. The clinical and support staff spend most of their time in these environments caring for the patients and their families. Gaining insight into effects on both patients and staff is important in understanding the correlation between the environment with the brain and body responses. Genuine architectural encounters are multi-sensory: it is not enough to see architecture; you must experience it. Thus, the experience of a good hospice facility should contribute to the patient‟s healing process as well as comfort.