Safe Niños
Interior Architecture, Spatial Experience
Client
COANIQUEM
Industry
Healthcare
Category
Interior Architecture, Spatial Experience
COANIQUEM
COANIQUEM
COANIQUEM
COANIQUEM
COANIQUEM
Research
Challenge
In partnership with COANIQUEM, a nonprofit pediatric treatment facility in Santiago, Chile, that cares for young burn survivors free of charge, the Safe Niños project challenged designers to reimagine the 6-acre campus with human-centered environments that celebrate well-being for patients, their families and medical staff.
Patient (Children)
Target Audience
Staff
Family
CO-CREATING HEALING ENVIRONMENTS
CREATING
HEALING ENVIRONMENT
A holistic and integrative approach to providing support to families and children during their burn injury recovery process.
Design Strategy
MAPUCHE RUKA
HEALING TREE
ROLLING HILLS
HEALING HERBS
Drawing inspiration from the rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes surrounding Concepcion, we aim to provide the calming influence of nature in every aspect of the campus, reinforcing the idea that healing is a holistic process. Our proposal not only addresses the practical needs of the campus but also promotes a sense of belonging and inspiration. By integrating nature and a balance of calm and active spaces, we envision a campus that reflects Coaniquem's values while providing an inclusive, nurturing space for rehabilitation and empowerment.
EXISTING SECOND FLOOR
MINIMIZING COST WHILE MAXIMIZING FUNCTIONALITY
Due to the building's restrictions and the budget, we rearranged the space to reduce construction costs. We are proposing to demolish the walls highlighted in blue; no load-barring walls will be removed.
Sketches
HEALING GARDEN
A therapeutic garden, cared for by the children and staff, will foster a sense of belonging and shared experiences. We aim to create a space that honors the rich cultural heritage of the Mapuche people's deep connections with the land.
WAITING ROOM
The waiting room is adorned with vibrant colors and filled with a sense of warmth and comfort. In the center of the room stands a magnificent healing tree. Its branches reaching out in all directions that symblizes what Coniquam is doing -- supporting lives.
The healing tree design is inspired by an existing healing tree branch on the first floor, the old tree took root and sprouted on the first floor, flourishing and growing vigorously on the second floor. It is a continuation and inheritance of the existing design.
PLAYFUL ZONE
Throughout the day the schools spills out into the waiting room, people play and learn together. When needed the school closes to provide more private lessons.
School
A small school, with furniture that can be easily moved and around for multiple functions.
QUIET ZONE
Inspired by the traditional home of the Mapuche, the RUKA, small structures in the quiet zone of the waiting room, create semi-private spaces for people to rest or play. There are three different sizes, one for parents and teenager, one for small children, and one wheelchair accessible.
FAMILY ROOM
Traditionaly in Mapuche culture, families do not spend the night outside of their home. Because of this, families need to spend long day at the clinic. We are providing private family rooms, to accommodate their needs. There are two private rooms, one for small children, and one for teenagers.
FAMILY ROOM
The cafeteria is designed to provide multiple functions. It can be converted to a conference meeting space that seats over 20 people when needed. There are two rooms, so the cafeteria can be separated when the other room is being used for a meeting.
Floor Plan
Lighting Plan
In order to improve the light condition in the building we are providing indirect up light, to create a more relaxing environment and while bringing more light into the building, which is currently very dark. The lighting fixtures are also made with PET felt, which will help to reduce noise.
Elevation
The Ruka
This semi private structure provides children, teenagers, and parents a space for them to rest and play. This particular Ruka is designed for children. The whole structure is made of plywood, and the fabric with Mapuche pattern adds more privacy to the space.
Pattern Design
After further studying Mapuche culture, I learned that textiles and their unique patterns have many specific meanings, so the pattern design above is abstract and simplified based on its traditional patterns.
Prototype
The Healing Tree
This Healing tree is a significant structure in the space. It provides visual interest and connects to the healing tree story. It also provides functions like a table, and acoustic panels.
The diagram shows how each modular connects to the other. Since the tree is tall, the minimum each modular with three tree ribs, along with the steel plates and metal pieces.
Physical Model
