By Introduction
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of lush forests and the tranquil Sognsvann creek, the Outdoor Care Retreat is a sanctuary located just a hundred meters from the entrance of Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. Its counterpart, situated in the deciduous woodland near Sørlandet Hospital Kristiansand, offers a similar respite amid oak trees and birch, overlooking a picturesque pond. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Psychosomatics and CL-Child Psychiatry at Oslo University Hospital, this retreat provides a therapeutic escape into nature.
Nature as Therapy
The Outdoor Care Retreat harnesses the healing power of nature to offer solace and tranquility to visitors. As children’s psychologist Maren Østvold Lindheim at Oslo University Hospital emphasizes, the retreat fosters a sense of calm and joy, crucial for patients undergoing treatment. Surrounded by natural beauty, patients find renewed strength and motivation to navigate through their medical journey.
Versatile Usage
Designed for both treatment and contemplation, the retreat serves as a refuge where patients can spend quality time with loved ones away from the clinical confines of the hospital. Open to patients from all disease groups, the cabins offer a serene space for reflection and relaxation, managed through a convenient booking system.
Innovative Design
In a departure from the imposing hospital structures, the retreat’s cabins exude simplicity and warmth. Inspired by the whimsical charm of children’s wooden tree cabins, these luminous structures blend seamlessly into the landscape, with asymmetrical branches extending outward. Constructed primarily of wood, the cabins age gracefully, harmonizing with their natural surroundings over time.
Inclusive Accessibility
Reflecting Snøhetta’s commitment to inclusivity, the cabins are designed to be wheelchair accessible. The spacious entrance, crafted from black zinc, ensures ease of access for patients, including those confined to hospital beds. Inside, the cabins boast a main room, a smaller treatment area, and a bathroom, all enveloped in the comforting embrace of oak.
Immersive Experience
The interior design echoes the woodland ambiance, with oak-clad walls and sculpted pillows evoking a sense of coziness and familiarity. Large glass windows blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, inviting nature into the space. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the forest while nestled within the cabin’s embrace.
Conclusion
The Outdoor Care Retreat is not merely a physical space but a sanctuary of serenity and healing. Embraced by nature’s embrace, it offers a reprieve from the rigors of medical treatment, providing a haven where visitors of all ages can find solace and renewal amidst the tranquil beauty of the natural world.
