WOmeN and cancer: a spatial DEsign approach for well-being in the Recovery journey (WONDER) PhD Alice Daminet

WOmeN and cancer: a spatial DEsign approach for well-being in the Recovery journey (WONDER)

Hospital architecture today often takes the form of mega-structures focused on efficiency, care, and the treatment of bodies. In response, smaller-scale initiatives have emerged to reintroduce humanity and social connection into oncology care, offering psychosocial support. Yet, despite growing awareness of how care environments affect patients’ wellbeing, there is a clear need to strengthen research on Women's experience in Healthcare. Cancer Caring facilities provide a particularly relevant context to explore gender-sensitive design approaches, as the experience of cancer and coping mechanisms vary significantly by gender. Grounded in feminist theories, this research has two key objectives: (i) to develop socially sustainable, gender-sensitive design recommendations for future care environments, co-created with a diverse panel of participants, and (ii) to propose participatory tools and methodologies that can enhance future architectural projects focused on women’s well-being, ensuring cultural and contextual relevance within Belgium’s healthcare system. To achieve these goals, we adopt a mixed approach, incorporating qualitative, quantitative, visual, and participatory methods. The research includes four case studies, one of which is a 6-months research stay at Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre in Dundee and the University of Dundee (Scotland), along with in-depth analysis of three types of Belgian oncology care structures. By combining fundamental research with practical applications, this project aims to rethink care environments beyond mere functionality with social sustainability at the core of the research process.