Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona

SPEAKER:

The Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona is a building dedicated exclusively to the treatment and research of childhood cancer, located in the surroundings of the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, the center behind the project. The Rai Pinto Studio and Arauna Studio teams have developed a design project for the spaces of this new building designed by the architects at Pinearq.

The location of the center on the border between the city of Barcelona and the slopes of the Collserola Natural Park inspired the integration of a nature-based narrative in the design. Through observation and play, the interiors of the center show us how many organisms in our natural environment have developed remarkable characteristics in order to survive. These examples are allegorically linked to the resilience and determination shown by the children being treated at the center.

The spaces are decorated with the shapes of the natural world. In this way, what we often do not see becomes visible and we see the value of nature and its extraordinary creativity in finding ways to live. Some examples we can find include butterflies that make long trips and take care of each other at night to protect themselves; seeds that are carried by the wind for long distances; birds that migrate between continents; and flowers with many surprising properties.