ST. MICHAEL HOSPICE MULTI-FAITH ROOM
DESIGN by CLAUDE BORG
A multi-faith prayer room conceived as a universal space for reflection, remembrance, and quiet contemplation. Through light, natural materials, and restrained geometry, the design creates an inclusive environment that welcomes every individual, regardless of faith or belief.
A ROOM WITHOUT HIERARCHY
The room's proportions were carefully calibrated to create an intimate, private setting for quiet reflection. At its centre, a single bench symbolises equality: every visitor shares the same space, without hierarchy or distinction between traditions. Discreet integrated cabinets store the artifacts required for different religious and spiritual practices, keeping the room adaptable without clutter
A NEUTRAL SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE
Rather than adopting the architectural language of any single religion, the design deliberately avoids symbols, forms or references tied to one faith. Simplicity, natural materials and light were used to build a peaceful atmosphere, allowing the space to speak to the shared experience of life's journey towards death rather than to any particular belief system.
FRACTURED GEOMETRY, SHARED IDENTITY
The ceiling is formed from jagged, triangular planes that fold across the room in a diagonal movement. By avoiding strong vertical or horizontal lines — forms often associated with specific religious architecture — the geometry keeps the room's spiritual identity open and neutral, while still encouraging a contemplative state of mind.
WARMTH IN WOOD AND LIGHT
A restrained material palette of natural wood and white rendered walls gives the room a calm, timeless character. Every material was chosen for its warmth and simplicity. Lighting is fully concealed within the architecture, so that soft, indirect illumination — rather than any fixture — becomes the defining feature of the space.
WATER, LIGHT AND THE GARDEN BEYOND
A small waterfall introduces the sound of flowing water into the room, evoking purity, renewal and calm. A large glazed opening connects the space visually to the hospice garden, while a CNC-cut decorative screen filters the view — preserving privacy while letting daylight, rain, wind and the changing seasons become part of the contemplative experience.
ADAPTABILITY ACROSS BELIEFS
Flexible by design, the room adapts to prayer, meditation, reflection and remembrance in equal measure. Dedicated storage accommodates the needs of multiple spiritual traditions, so that the same space can serve every visitor — regardless of religious belief or personal philosophy — with equal peace, dignity and comfort.
