Abstract:
The research investigated how international best practices for cancer care can be best integrated in Omani architecture and its landscape. The investigation was carried out through the design of a cancer care facility to serve the National Oncology Centre, Royal Hospital Muscat. The thesis proposes a master plan that urbanizes two central landmarks, Muscat Grand Mosque and The Royal Hospital. A series of design iterations on the local landscape and architecture between the two landmarks together with an exploration of criteria extracted from case studies has been carried out to establish the following design drivers: thermal comfort by material selection, personalization of space, direct and indirect connection with nature by means of courtyards, a balance in natural and artificial daylight, to a sensory experience through interior construction, water features by utilization of the falaj1and spaces for family support presence. As a result, the patient and family palliative care experiences are enhanced providing a therapeutic space suitable for cancer care programs in Oman. The care home carries out practices from successful palliative care buildings while also imparting an Omani character and culture. The proposal has been evaluated according to criteria emerged from the literature review and the case studies to embed the concept of care for the environment, occupants and architecture. Furthermore, the project developed an expansion of the existing Grand Mosque Garden connecting it to the hospital grounds through pedestrian streets and landscaping. This thesis initiates an incentive to strengthen the palliative care movement in Oman by developing a cancer care home that would like to suggest to policy makers, the importance of palliative care to the existing healthcare system.
