LIFE AFTER DIAGNOSIS: REIMAGINING WELLNESS FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Not only are these patients and their families dealing with the devastating news of their illness, but they also need to think about how they are going to afford it. The cost of medical bills, chemo treatments, mental health appointments, and housing (if they plan to stay home or relocate to be closer to a hospital) can be a large burden to take on at once. The main question that drives this thesis is, how can architecture and design elements be utilized to create a calming and therapeutic environment within housing and a community center to support the mental wellbeing of cancer patients? There are many foundations that have started designing these healing spaces through housing and community center designs, for example, Gilda’s Club, Maggie's Centers and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. By using these foundations as precedents, this thesis can gain some inspiration on key architectural elements that can benefit the overall wellbeing of cancer patients while battling their illness. The complex life of battling cancer leads to high levels of depression and anxiety due to feeling isolated and out of control of their situation. This thesis aims to restore independence to patients and to move away from the typical sterile hospital design being the only place for patients to heal.