• Shelter at the End of Time

Shelter at the End of Time

“The old idea of one hospital to satisfy all needs is a thing of the past . . . we need a series of institutions . . . in the terminal situation, the family is as necessary as any other form of care. But we exclude families from intensive care units . . . we’ll need [care settings] where humanity won’t have to overcome the technical apparatus. “ John D. Thompson (1975)

Embracing the Manifestation of Death 

Every story starts with the beginning, but this story starts at the end. During the last days of my grandfather’s life, he held my hand and looked into my eyes. he tried so hard to say something… Something important. He could not… But I heard his silence. It was loud and Clear. That day for the first time I understood what true love means. This thesis is inspired by my grandfather’s vision of life. When he was suffering from Parkinson and struggling to move any muscle, he said: “I will still enjoy life, until I can control my eyes.” Yes, the ending is always painful but there is beauty at the end of each story. Do you want to know how his story ended? Similar to everyone, he passed away in a hospital bed where the machine’s beeping continued without him being able to hear them.

The center of the divine creation is a fragment of true-self

The project explores death as a transition to another form of existence, aiming to add value to life. It emphasizes the connection of human behavior with the surrounding world, highlighting the notion that the center of divine creation resides within each individual. The project takes the form of a graphic novel titled “The Shelter at the End of Time.” It follows the stories of four main characters: a senior, parents, a child, and a nurse. Each character’s perspective is explored, considering their background stories and desires to guide the design constraints. The use of water, symbolizing death and rebirth, is linked to the idea of life’s continuation in a different form. The Dam serves as the main point of reference, connecting various program elements. The graphic novel is divided into three chapters. The first chapter, “Humanity: A Failed Project,” explains Albert’s life, the senior character, and his near-death experience while working on the dam. The second chapter focuses on the idea that beauty fades and that is beautiful. It delves into Albert’s life within the project until his last moments. Part of this section is recorded in the narrated video. The story utilizes metaphors to challenge surgical deaths in hospitals, with the dog representing the doctor’s efforts to save the senior from death and the shepherd symbolizing surgical operations that may lead to painful deaths. 

Speculative reconsideration of the shelter

The book incorporates different naming strategies to redefine each space within the project. Six main programs are presented, including the Shelter of Stillness, Temple of Forgetfulness, Curtain Call-Osseum, Opening Night Machine, Garden of Life, and the Closing Night. These programs offer unique experiences for different individuals involved in the process of grieving and remembrance. The Shelter of Stillness, inspired by the caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly, acts as both a house for living and dying. It symbolizes the transition from life to memory, with a temporary part connected to the living and a permanent memorial remaining after death. A significant element in the Shelter of Stillness is the tree, which provides interaction for the child and serves as a source of enjoyment. It also facilitates the transition to the Garden of Memory. The book highlights the importance of dignified deaths and ritualistic grieving processes, contrasting them with hospital deaths that often lack a sense of remembrance and respect. The Curtain Call-Osseum acts as the ritual space where people pause to share stories about the deceased, creating a warm environment for grieving.

Moth and flame

The project aims to provoke inquiry and rhetorical thinking through allegories rather than offering concrete solutions. It acknowledges that life and death are intertwined and encourages embracing and celebrating the last chances and moments of life. As the light displays the shape, shadow would define the edges. This project seeks the absence of light to discover a drop of joy. These last moments create the memory of remaining and the last experience for the senior. Indeed, there is no good way to say the last goodbye. But we can live well not in spite of death but because of it. Death implies life and life implies death. Let death be what takes us not the lack of imagination.