Sam Meneses

BETWEEN BREATHS

Environmental Design

2026

Between Breaths is a Ronald McDonald House next to St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. PROBLEMChildren who need hospitalization get separated from their homes which leads to emotional distress, financial challenges, and causes family members to experience physical separation. While hospitals provide medical treatment, they do not offer environments that support family living, routine, and emotional healing.PROPOSALThis project proposes a residential environment that functions like a home and connects directly to the hospital which will enable families to stay together while their child receives treatment for a serious or life-threatening illness. The program includes private family rooms, open play areas, classrooms, and gathering rooms that encourage comfort and connection. UNIQUE FEATUREThis house is different from a typical Ronald McDonald House because it would also accept patients over the age of 18 if rooms are available for their families since St. Michael's is not just a hospital for kids. However, families of hospitalized children are prioritized.DESIGN INTENTIONThe design aims to create a calm and supportive atmosphere between hospital visits shifting families from a clinical environment to a restorative one. NEEDA second facility is needed at St. Michael’s Hospital because the demand for family accommodation during long-term pediatric treatment continues to grow and existing hospital infrastructure does not provide the residential, emotional, and communal support families require during extended periods of care.