ARCH HIVEAiman Hakim Rahman
22/03/2023
The masterplan set up in Penrith in Cumbria region East of the Lake District National Park in UK. The project called The Last Vacation purposely to help and promote elderly and end of life care system that be one of the main challenges in the region where there are a lot of elderly that live alone. By developing the project scheme, it can actually helping the social issue while also boosting the economy in tourism as the Lake District is famous for its tourism and nature. The design of the masterplan divided into 5 main complexes which are; 1) The Retreat is one of the main complexes in the masterplan for The Last Vacation project. It is designed to provide a comfortable and private living environment for the end users. The retreat consists of a series of small individual units or villas arranged around a central courtyard, creating a sense of community and shared space. The villas are designed to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate the changing needs of the residents. They are equipped with modern amenities and technology to ensure a high standard of living. Each villa is surrounded by a private garden, providing a connection to nature and outdoor space for the residents. The Retreat also includes communal facilities such as a restaurant, lounge area, and wellness center to promote social interaction and a sense of community among the residents. 2) The Temple of Contemplation is designed to provide a serene and peaceful environment for the end users to reflect and connect with their spirituality. It is a multi-faith prayer space that can accommodate various religious and cultural practices. The space is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for different seating arrangements and lighting conditions to cater to different practices and preferences. Natural light and views of the surrounding landscape are also incorporated to enhance the calming and meditative atmosphere of the space. 3) The Ritual complex is an important part of The Last Vacation masterplan, providing a space for funeral services and ceremonies that can accommodate people from all religions and cultures. The design of the space is intended to be adaptable to different needs, so that it can be customized according to the beliefs and traditions of the deceased and their families. The Ritual complex is designed to create a peaceful and comforting atmosphere that supports the grieving process. It includes spaces for contemplation, reflection, and mourning, as well as areas for socializing and gathering. The design incorporates elements of nature and natural materials to create a sense of connection with the natural world and promote a sense of calm and tranquility. The space can also be used for other types of gatherings and events, such as memorial services, celebrations of life, and community events. It is an important part of the overall vision for The Last Vacation, providing a place for people to come together to honor the dead and support each other through the grieving process. 4) The Catacomb in the Last Vacation masterplan is designed as a sustainable solution for handling human remains. Traditional burial practices often require significant amounts of land for cemeteries, which can be a challenge in densely populated areas. The Catacomb offers a space-saving solution for handling the deceased. The Catacomb is designed as a vertical underground space, with a series of pods that can accommodate multiple bodies at once. These pods are equipped with technology that helps speed up the natural decomposition process, which can take years. This technology uses a combination of heat, humidity, and oxygen to break down the bodies, leaving behind only bones. 5) The Infra Structure farm in the Last Vacation masterplan is where all the energy production and cyclic production of resources are being produced and made. This complex is crucial in achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly system in the entire project. It includes facilities for renewable energy production, waste management, and water treatment.
The design of the facility incorporates a connection with the town center to provide accessibility and convenience to visitors. The underground passage linking Penrith Castle Ruins and Brougham Castle ruins creates a unique and immersive experience for visitors to view death in a different perspective. This connection not only serves as a functional pathway but also as a symbolic one that represents the journey of life and death. Additionally, the proximity of the facility to the public transportation system, specifically the train, allows for easy access for visitors coming from different parts of the region
The use of lighting in the underground passage is designed to create a sense of guidance and hope for visitors as they make their way towards the facility. The light that penetrates the top ceiling creates a visual connection with the outside world, reminding visitors that life still exists beyond the darkness of the passage. Additionally, the inverted tombstones provide a powerful reminder of the dead who have come before, and the legacy they leave behind. The design of the passage and the use of these elements come together to create a contemplative and reflective journey for visitors as they approach the facility.
The Retreat (Gateway Housing Scheme) is an important initiative that aims to provide housing for end-of-life care patients and the elderly community in Cumbria and the United Kingdom. The project is designed to emphasize palliative care and meet the specific needs of its residents, who may have a variety of disabilities and illnesses
The Acclimate Architecture is an approach to designing buildings that adapt to the local climate and environmental conditions. In this case, the retreat has been designed to accommodate the potential for flooding by elevating the building above ground level. This not only reduces the risk of damage from floodwaters but also allows the water to flow underneath the building, creating a new habitat for native flora and fauna. By integrating water into the design, the retreat can offer a more natural and therapeutic environment for the end users. Additionally, the elevation of the building provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape and allows natural daylight to penetrate the space, enhancing the therapeutic journey for the end users.
The Eden Walkway is an innovative extension of design that focuses on enhancing the experience of the end-users of the facility, particularly during their final times. The walkway is designed to promote healing and provide a therapeutic journey for its residents. It is built in such a way that it enhances circulation and interaction with the surrounding nature. One of the unique features of the Eden Walkway is that it is designed in different levels of heights. This allows residents to experience different points of view of the site and the nature of Brougham Castle. The walkway provides a variety of experiences, from ground level views to elevated perspectives, providing a sense of immersion in the natural environment.
Hot baths are an important therapeutic element that can significantly enhance the experience of end-users in a care facility. The use of natural hot spring water from The Lake District provides a unique opportunity for residents to interact closely with a natural element - water - in a warm and relaxing environment. The natural spring water is fresh and refreshing, making it an ideal medium for hot baths. The warm temperature of the water helps to soothe and relax the body, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Additionally, hot baths have been shown to have benefits for blood circulation, which can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or circulation problems
Ritual Space is an essential part of the development, providing a dedicated space for funeral services. The space is located in the existing ruins structure of Brougham Castle, which has been adaptively reused to signify the decay of architecture and the impermanence of life. The previous program of the castle, as a hall, has been maintained to strengthen the foundation of the proposed program in the building. This has allowed for the creation of a versatile space that is adaptable to cater to different religious and cultural funeral customs around the region. The design of the Ritual Space takes into account the needs and preferences of the end-users, with careful attention paid to the acoustics, lighting, and overall atmosphere of the space. The use of natural materials and subdued colors creates a calming and peaceful environment that is appropriate for the solemn occasion of a funeral service.
The image of the interior space of the Ritual Castle showcases a design that emphasizes the use of primitive and local construction techniques that focus on natural elements and materials such as stones, timber, and rustic materials. In addition to these materials, natural daylighting is an important aspect of the design, providing a source of light that is not only sustainable but also affects human behavior and emotions. Daylighting refers to the use of natural light to illuminate a space, and it can be achieved through the use of permeable and transparent materials in the construction of the building envelope. The use of permeable and transparent materials in the building envelope allows natural light to penetrate the space, creating a connection to the outdoors and providing a sense of openness and expansiveness. This can have a positive effect on human emotions, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
The programming of the Ritual Space is an important aspect of the development, providing a space that is functional and adaptable for different funeral customs and needs. The space includes a preparation area for the body, as well as a main area for the funeral service itself. One of the key design elements of the Ritual Space is the integration of the new structure within the old structure of the castle. This integration represents a contrast between modern construction techniques and the historic materials used in the castle, highlighting the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have.
The entrance of the Catacomb serves not only as a gateway to the afterlife but also as a transitional space that prepares visitors for the experience ahead. The design of the entrance reflects the overall concept of the retreat, which is to create a harmonious relationship with nature. The use of natural materials such as stones, timber, and earth-toned colors creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere. The entrance also serves as a connection point between the above-ground world and the underground catacomb
The underground catacomb is designed to have a series of spaces that cater to different functions related to the composting and extraction of bones. The composting pods are located at the entrance of the catacomb and serve as the first stage of the process where the bodies will be placed in the pods and left to decompose naturally
The Farm is an innovative concept that focuses on the cyclic production of materials and resources for the care facility. One of the key elements of The Farm is the use of sheep that originally inhabit the Brougham Castle compound as a source of food and wool for the retreat and other building insulation. The sheep will be carefully managed and bred for their meat, milk, and wool. The wool will be processed and used for insulation in the retreat and other buildings, providing a sustainable and renewable source of insulation. The use of natural wool insulation has many benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and a healthier indoor environment.
The drawing illustrates the programming of the cyclic farming system within the retreat, which aims to create a closed-loop system where all waste is repurposed for energy and resource production. The sheep that graze within the Brougham Castle compound are used as a food source, while their wool is used for insulation in the retreat's buildings. The manure from the sheep is used for anaerobic energy production, which generates power and energy for the heating and ventilation systems within the retreat. The waste produced during the energy production process is then repurposed as compost for the farming system, creating a sustainable cycle of energy and resource production. The programming of this system not only reduces the retreat's environmental impact but also helps to create a more self-sufficient and sustainable environment for the end users.
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