Samsara center

This thesis seeks to shape the design proposal of a hospice Centre, the Samsara Centre, in the international township of Auroville, South India. The proposal articulates and blends elements of Indian cultural and spiritual ethics together with modern hospice architecture philosophy. It is based on the exploration of traditional construction, vernacular south indian materials, as well as sensorial and ambient design. It therefore illustrates a novel perspective on the ritual 'death houses' present in indian traditions by harmonizing these ancient beliefs with the contemporary environment of modern medicine. Finally, a purpose of the design is to bridge local and international populations living in and around the township, by purposefully create a space of shared dialogue for the different communities settled around the site. All in all, the proposal seeks to demonstrate how natural habitat can become an agent that facilitates the pain-alleviation and psychological relief offered to terminally ill patients in hospices.