Building Bridges: A Unique Partnership Between Architects and Palliative Care Enthusiasts

The Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), a WHO Collaborating Centre, has been a pioneer in developing compassionate communities for the last 20 years, particularly in low and middle-income countries. IPM has created spaces where people come together to care for those with palliative care needs.

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of architects in India. Established in 1917, IIA plays a major role in promoting the profession of architecture by organizing and uniting architects across the country to enhance the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession, both in practice and education.

Recently, IPM witnessed an unexpected collaboration that bridged two very different fields: architecture and palliative care.

The Birth of an Unlikely Partnership

The collaboration began when a group of palliative care enthusiasts and architects came together, united by a shared vision of creating “compassionate spaces.”

While the term ‘space’ is traditionally associated with architects, and ‘compassion’ with palliative care, both concepts extend far beyond their conventional definitions. Space isn’t just about the physical environment; it encompasses the internal, emotional, and spiritual spaces we occupy within ourselves. Likewise, compassion is not only about caring for the dying—it involves empathy, understanding, and the holistic support of individuals at all stages of life.

This unique partnership represents a broader exploration of what it means to create truly compassionate spaces, both in the external and internal environments we interact with daily.

The Story Behind the Collaboration

The roots of this partnership lie in the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Kerala’s deep, compassion-driven philosophy of design and spaces.

Their long-standing admiration for IPM’s initiatives, which prioritize empathy and care, naturally paved the way for this collaboration.

The IIA Kerala Chapter firmly believes that spaces are not just about their outward aesthetics; they encompass a deeper, more holistic view—one that integrates the spiritual and emotional aspects of design.

This mindset has sparked a desire to influence the next generation of architects by broadening their perspectives on public spaces and design. As Ar. Vivek, the Executive Committee Member, of IIA Kerala Chapter shared, “IIA has always believed in the importance of integrating compassion into its work and architectural process. We’ve consistently sought opportunities to collaborate with like-minded organizations and individuals to create a more empathetic and supportive environment for all.”

The relationship between IPM and IIA quickly blossomed due to the shared spirit of compassion embedded in both organizations. However, the partnership took a more meaningful turn when an architect from IIA had a deeply personal experience with IPM. His father received palliative care at IPM during the final stages of his life, and this intimate encounter triggered a significant realization.

This personal experience inspired a group of architects to visit IPM for a conversation session called ‘Design & Healing’ with Dr. Suresh Kumar, the founder-director of IPM.

“Dr. Suresh’s words, ‘Architects will also die, and palliative care is the only resort for many who face serious suffering during this phase. That’s how most people die,’ struck a chord with me and many of my colleagues. These simple, direct words forced us to confront the reality of death for the first time, sparking a deeper reflection on our role in creating spaces that serve both the living and the dying,” said a young architect.

This interaction became a turning point in the relationship between the architects and the palliative care team, with both parties now committed to exploring the symbiotic relationship between inner and outer spaces.

Creating Compassionate Spaces Together

Following these insightful conversation, several collaborative initiatives were launched, encouraging architects and palliative care professionals to explore how they could design compassionate spaces together.

Oasis National Design Competition, 25/05/2024

One such initiative was the Oasis Design Competition for Young Architects, which emerged from IIA’s desire to enhance the physical facilities of IPM. Some areas of the campus, having withstood the test of time, required urgent renovations.

This national-level competition invited ideas for a social plug-in for IPM, with nine entries shortlisted to present their concepts before a global jury. Urban Precinct from Bangalore won the competition, receiving a prize of 2 lakh Indian rupees. The IPM campus will soon feature new spaces that promote compassion, elevating its ongoing care activities.

Another impactful initiative was the “Death Café for Architects,” a unique space designed for architects to reflect on death and how to create environments that ease the journey for those at the end of life. “I have always thought of death and dying as topics that should not be openly discussed,” shared one participant. “However, the Death Café was a transformative experience. I realized that thinking and speaking about death can, in fact, be openly done within close circles.” This candid conversation on death allowed architects to rethink the role of design in providing comfort during life’s final moments.

Designing Compassionate Spaces: A Unified Vision

The evolving collaboration between architects and palliative care professionals is proving that both fields share a mutual commitment to designing compassionate spaces—not only for the dying but also for the living, caregivers, and communities.

Reflecting on this partnership, Ar. Vinod P Cyriac, Chairperson, IIA Kerala Chapter shared, “As an architect deeply immersed in the heart of action and people for the past 15 years, my firm conviction has always been that discussions around wellness, self-improvement, and the betterment of our environment and social systems are incomplete without addressing the role of public spaces.”

Dr. Suresh Kumar, Founder Director of the Institute of Palliative Medicine, further emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating,

“Palliative care aims to enable people to live and die with dignity, and this involves more than just medical treatment. It is about enhancing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, a collective effort that requires the involvement of everyone.

The Institute of Palliative Medicine has always promoted this holistic approach, working alongside social organizations, the police, students, and political parties.

Collaborating with architects in Kerala marks an exciting new step in our ongoing efforts to create spaces that nurture the well-being of all.”

The Future: Fellowship in Compassionate Spaces

Today, this partnership has reached a critical juncture. The first-ever program of its kind, the “Fellowship in Compassionate Spaces,” is set to be launched. This learning program will bring together people interested in compassion driven changes to explore the intersection of design, compassion, and end-of-life care.

The program will offer participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of how compassionate spaces can be created, both physically and emotionally, to better serve individuals and communities.

As this innovative program unfolds, it promises to be a unique experience—one that redefines how we think about space, care, and compassion.

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