Heal – Challenge to design a rehabilitation center

Heal – Challenge to design a rehabilitation center

Adult orphans

The population of orphans is nearly 153 million globally. These orphans, under the age of 18, are sheltered in orphanages. Since they are without parents, these children are homeless and malnourished, fighting for their survival.

Countries around the world have social systems in place that are responsible for supporting orphans. They ensure that the children do not end up on the streets, and are given a safe and secure life. Orphanages provide not just physical support but help secure the psychological and social well-being of these children. Adoption of orphans is a common procedure. They may also be sponsored by external funding agencies, to secure a bright future for some kids.

Despite this, there are many children that are never adopted or sponsored and are left behind. When they turn 18, they lose the status of being an orphan, legally, and have to leave the residential institute.

What does the future of adult orphans look like?

Brief of the competition

The motto of every city is to ensure that all its inhabitants have access to a healthy life.

Brief: The challenge is to design a rehabilitation centre for orphans above 18 years so that they have access to a safe and secure shelter for a limited period of time.
A rehabilitation centre is a space that offers to heal of mind, body and soul to its users. Since the orphans that will live here might be disabled in some manner, an inclusive and sensitive design approach must be taken. The centre must also have a learning and skill centre. The physical, psychological and social influence of space design is to be addressed. The aim of the design is to not only create a shelter, but rather a home that is capable of enhancing the living conditions of orphans for the better. The design must be simple, safe and user-friendly. The navigation and movement through the structure must be possible with minimal supervision.