Abstract

Dying should be a beautiful, holy, ritualistic experience – a part of life as profound as marriage, birth, and other religious ceremonies.

Many people hope to die at home surrounded by friends and family, with hospice present to ease suffering and pain. Sadly, however, for many community members in the United States, particularly those with low income, this end-of-life scenario is not possible for a variety of reasons.

We present architectural drawings for an alternative space for dying; a holy spiritual space for community members to come to die. Importantly, this would not be a healthcare facility.

The Virginia Woodlands would be a space to die in peace, simplicity, quiet and comfort at affordable cost. Guests would be enrolled in hospice, and their own hospice team would care for them at the Woodlands. The Virginia Woodlands would not provide medical services but would provide a safe, secure location for community members to be visited by their hospice care team, just as if they were at their own home location. A simple meal of soup and bread would be available daily if requested.

The Virginia Woodlands would be situated in the middle of a Virginia hardwood forest, closely surrounded by woods, but with one view facing south opening into pasture land. The Virginia Woodlands would be affiliated with an organic farm supplying greens and vegetables to the adjacent cafe/restaurant.

The Virginia Woodlands would be a space for families and friends to come together to find solace and support. As a non-profit, the grounds, meditation room and cafe would be open to the public who might also be seeking refuge in a forested, quiet space. The interior space would be collaboratively designed with local hospice experts to facilitate the best possible care of Virginia Woodlands guests.