1st Edition

The Production of Hospice Space Conceptualising the Space of Caring and Dying

By Sarah McGann Copyright 2013
    136 Pages
    by Routledge

    136 Pages
    by Routledge

    Challenging the widely held notion of a hospice as a building or a place, this book argues that it should instead be a philosophy of care. It proposes that the positive and negative impact that space can have in the pursuit of an ideal such as hospice care has previously been underestimated. Whether it be a purpose-built hospice, part of a hospital, a nursing home or within the home, a hospice is anchored by space and spatial practices, and these spatial practices are critical for a holistic approach to dying with dignity. Such spatial practices are understood as part of a broad architectural, social, conceptual and theoretical process. By linking health, social and architectural theory and establishing conceptual principles, this book defines 'hospice' as a philosophy that is underpinned by space and spatial practice. In putting forward the notion of 'hospice space', removed from the bounds of a specific building type, it suggests that hospice philosophy could and should be available within any setting of choice where the spatial practices support that philosophy, be it home, nursing home, hospice or 'hospice-friendly-hospitals'.

    Contents: Introduction; Situating the problem of hospice space; The question of the hospital; The question of the hospice; An Irish hospice; The production of hospice space; The unbounded hospice; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Dr Sarah McGann is Head of Department of Architecture and Interior Architecture, Curtin University, Australia.

    A Yankee Book Peddler UK Core Title for 2013 'Where and how people die is becoming a pressing concern in an ageing society, and Sarah McGann's timely study of its architectural and therapeutic context is richly rewarding.' Ken Worpole, London Metropolitan University, UK ’Buildings and the spaces we live and work in become part of our life story. They hold memories, meaning, relationships and stages of our life. We invest time and energy in creating a good space that will enhance our quality of life and make the time within that space purposeful. We spend a lot less time and energy creating a good space when we are sick or when we are facing death. This book takes us on a journey that assists us to understand what makes a good space during illness and when someone is dying and how a space can assist with the dying process and the grieving that occurs. It helps us to understand how a philosophy of care can design a space and how we can use this space to bring quality of life even at death. Today, with our increasing ageing population, this book is a valuable resource for all those who work in this special space.’ Barbara Horner, Curtin University, Australia