Where do we die? Our preferences for our space of death.

How do we understand the space we inhabit for our own death? Who decides where we die? And does it matter? Much of current UK end-of-life care practice and policy discussions centre on the location of one’s death. Whilst these discussions may focus on particular (care) settings and illuminating people’s choices, the nuances of what influences space, place, and preference offer much to still explore and understand.
Led by an architect (Virgina Rammou) and supported by an anthropologist (Erica Borgstrom), this event encourages a multidisciplinary and personal engagement with these issues. This workshop will invite participants to discuss their existing knowledge and own preferences on places and spaces of death. Prompts will include considering what places and spaces are considered possible for death and the historical, socio-economic, demographic, and cultural influences which shaped how and why certain places and spaces are considered more or less preferrable. The workshop will explore with participants what preconceptions or misconceptions there may be about such preferences, and how preferences may change over time. Lastly, given the practice and policy focus on ‘place of death’, the workshop will invite participants to formulate ideas about the possibility of rethinking the places and spaces of our death.