Polyclinic
The design objective, set from the earliest stages of the project, was to create a space dedicated to health that would convey the feeling of a domestic space, favoring the possibility of improving social interactions and allowing patients to experience the period of convalescence and rehabilitation in a harmonious and serene environment.
The room appeared as a labyrinthine succession of interlocking walls and low ceilings. The large black metal windows, obscured by half-height masonry and plasterboard elements, were only partially visible from the inside. Moreover, the structure of the building (consisting of three pillars arranged on the central axis) was completely hidden.
Once we understood the true nature of the space, the first (and instinctive) action was to return at the originally form of the space. This action improve significantly the natural light and air and activate an interesting physical and visual relationship between the interior and exterior of the building.
The floor plan is divided into two rectangular areas characterized by large transparent surfaces on the long sides and opaque walls on the short sides:
The first area has a smaller surface and is situated between two external areas: the condominium entrance on one side and a terrace on the other. After a series of demolitions, the existing large windows physically and visually connect the interior with both outdoor areas. For this reason, it was identified as an ideal area to locate the reception and waiting room.
The curved wall accompanies the viewer from the main entrance through the waiting room to the terrace with vegetation as a backdrop without covering any part of windows. Behind this wall are located the sanitary facilities.
The second area is large enough to contain all the necessary rehabilitation and therapeutic activities and is divided into three sectors: space for dynamic activities/gymnastics, physiotherapy treatment modules and medical consultations.
The choice of the layout of these three sectors is based on the incidence of light (direct or indirect), the visual opening to the outside and the need for privacy, not only visual from the outside but also acoustic.
The treatment cubicles, with their barycentric position alternating with the structure of exposed reinforced concrete pillars and their height of only 2.25 m, manage to avoid a direct visual connection between the corridor and gymnasium areas, lying an indirect relationship of sharing the same space.
From the corridor of the doctors' offices it is possible to enjoy all the light coming in through the gymnasium windows, avoiding the feeling of being inside a long, narrow space and with the perception of being part of a single, large, airy and bright space. Vice versa, from the gymnasium the eye can go beyond the volume of the modules, reaching the wall of the medical offices, maintaining a constant visual relationship with the unitary dimension of the space.
By placing the gymnasium on the northern axis of the area, it is possible to carry out activities without the need for window blinds, maintaining a continuous relationship with the outside. The windows, all facing north, provide continuous but never direct light into the space, and the vegetation outside allows those exercising to enjoy a pleasant landscape and not be observed by anyone from the outside.
In terms of materials, the project always works in the most 'raw' form possible.
Untreated phenolic wood panels are used for all partition walls in treatment modules and medical practices. Where opacity is not required, polycarbonate honeycomb panels are used. For the floor, linoleum was used, which, in addition to being a completely natural material obtained by mixing various types of earth, guarantees softness to the touch and the hygienic characteristics essential for this type of structure.
Applying the same line of reasoning as for materiality, it was decided that the electrical and thermal systems should be visible. This has led to the study and precise realization of the route, exit points, accesses and inspection points for cables and piping to allow a correct assembly between the installations and the built spaces, giving a result of added value to the architectural space.
