Health is Wealth (R and H R 2003)
Humans frequently experience the close connection between their bodies and minds. Any disturbance in one of them will unavoidably affect the other. The weakening or abnormal operation of organs and systems is referred to in modern medicine as disease. This can be caused by congenital defects or environmental agents like pollutants, allergens, toxins, or infectious germs. The other major cause of diseases, according to modern science, may be internal imbalances such as intellectual conflicts, emotional outbursts, or mental restlessness that result in stress reactions.
Architecture and Health go Hand in Hand
Beyond shelter, architecture can act as a powerful tool for promoting well-being. The concept of architecture as a “third skin” emphasises how design choices can significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health.
Consider the transformation of a residence into a nurturing environment. A home that respects its natural surroundings—climate, noise, and vegetation—fosters a sense of balance. Disregarding these factors, however, can negatively impact the well-being of its occupants.
For instance, design elements like courtyards, skylights, and arches promote exposure to natural light and ventilation, boosting immunity and regulating body temperature. Similarly, incorporating natural materials like bamboo, mud, stone, and wood fosters a connection with nature, promoting a sense of calm and well-being
Gaining an understanding of healthcare architecture (White Papers, 2023)
The professional discipline of architecture known as “healthcare architecture” is dedicated to the planning and design of healthcare facilities, such as clinics, hospitals, facilities for medical staff like doctor’s, nurses, etc., towards consultation and examination of patients, and other settings. To create spaces that are effective, safe, and supportive of healing, this architecture calls for a special blend of technical know-how, planning expertise, and creating a conducive environment for the medical facility and the patient with a thorough understanding of healthcare operations and clinical spaces.
Delving into Integrated Healthcare Architecture
The goal of integrated healthcare architecture is to enhance healing via social interaction and a connection to the natural world by fusing healthcare facilities with public or communal spaces such as gardens, plazas, facilities for attendants of patients, and many more. By including components that encourage environmental integration and community involvement, this strategy goes beyond the traditional design of medical facilities.
Integrative design is essential in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare facilities designed with integrative principles can significantly improve the well-being of both patients and medical staff. Imagine a medical complex nestled amidst nature, with public areas seamlessly blending into the landscape. Natural light, shade, landscaping, and water features would not only be aesthetically pleasing but also create a calming environment. This approach moves away from the sterile, often-oppressive feel of traditional healthcare facilities, fostering a sense of peace and reducing feelings of confinement. Interaction with the natural world has been shown to lower stress and promote healing, benefiting both patients on the road to recovery and medical professionals facing demanding work environments.
Exploring Carcavelous Health Complex (Moreira, 2024)
Integrating healthcare buildings with public spaces is a novel approach to modern architecture that deviates from the traditional conception of designing medical facilities. One illustration of this is the Carcavelos Health Complex, which architects Simao Botelho, Studio J, and Duoma worked together to design. Located in the heart of Carcavelos, Portugal, this complex is more than just a structure; it is a community-focused health centre that combines public gardens and medical services to provide a comprehensive setting for social integration and healing. The Carcavelos Health Centre is a health facility connected to a brand-new, socially inclusive, and dynamic public space that serves as a social hub for the community at large as well as the centre’s patrons and staff.
The Family Health Unit (FHU), Shared Assistance Resources Unit (SARU), Drug Addiction Treatment Team (DATT), and Psychiatry Service (PS) are the four health services that are combined into one building under the Carcavelos Health Complex project, which is the result of an architectural public competition.
Architectural Anatomy of Carcavelous Health Complex (Moreira, 2024)
Through its creative design and harmonious integration with the environment, the Carcavelos Health Complex in Portugal prioritises a patient-centred experience. Embracing urban energy while functioning as a noise buffer, the complex is situated between a tranquil garden and a busy area.
At the centre of the complex is a central public garden that invisibly combines green space and medical facilities. For patients, this creates a peaceful atmosphere that promotes social interaction, stress relief, and a connection to the natural world. A continuous ground-level podium and the hospitable south facade serve to strengthen this link even more.
To maximise functionality and patient privacy, the design deftly makes use of the topography of the site. The PS and DATT are positioned for maximum privacy on different levels, while the FHU/SARU is closest to the garden for convenience of access. The building’s central corridor and linear layout allow for future structural expansion.
Carcavelos Health Complex: A Sanctuary for Holistic Wellbeing
The Carcavelos Health Complex fosters a distinctive atmosphere that enhances general well-being, going beyond simply treating illness. It is influenced by the philosophy of yoga and recognises the connection between the mind and body, with stress being identified as the primary cause of many illnesses. The complex wants to foster emotional equilibrium, inner serenity, and genuine healing.
This comprehensive strategy goes beyond the person. With environmentally friendly elements like vegetable gardens and a roof garden, the complex embraces sustainability and raises awareness of environmental issues. Furthermore, a public garden featuring a playground and communal spaces promotes community involvement and preventive healthcare measures.
This idea is reflected in the architecture of the building. By contrast with the verdant gardens, the bare concrete exterior draws attention to the interaction between nature and structure. Patients, staff, and the community as a whole are all encouraged to feel well, thanks to the well-lit interiors and multiple garden levels that create a warm and healing atmosphere.
Reduction of Ecological Footprint (Moreira, 2024)
By using bioclimatic strategies such as sun-shaded slabs and window recesses to protect from solar radiation, natural ventilation, energy-saving techniques like time control and LED lights, as well as energy-purifying techniques like movement and light sensors, the building’s ecological footprint is reduced. Additionally, a sizable portion of the roof is covered in photovoltaic panels that allow the building to self-produce clean electricity.
Acquiring knowledge from the project is to inspire young architects in the making
The Carcavelos Health Complex reimagines Le Corbusier’s modernist architecture for a modern healthcare experience, prioritising both functionality and patient well-being.
The building incorporates key elements of Le Corbusier’s vision:
- Pilotis is a raised structure that creates a space for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge while also allowing for a street or green space beneath the building.
- A roof garden that contributes to the building’s energy efficiency.
- Large windows that flood the interior with natural light.
- A clear separation of structure and facade allows for a flexible layout that can adapt to changing needs.
- Open, raw and clean facade designed to showcase the structural expression.
With a focus on the socially vulnerable, the creation of an urban vegetable garden area is suggested as a means of occupying and integrating users and residents. Situated as havens from the busy cityscape, the building’s curvature creates an intimate atmosphere. Notably, the design makes good use of the strong sun in the vicinity. The building’s largest portion in the south is shaped to offer shade, and its west and north faces are planned to maximise air flow. Adding vegetation also helps to keep the interior cooler. This deliberate strategy emphasises how crucial climate-responsive design is to the development of healthcare facilities that successfully foster patient wellbeing and a relationship with the natural environment.
Obstacles Met Throughout Design and Implementation
Due to the project’s unique design, which includes integrated urban vegetable gardens and a roof garden, the designers had to overcome several obstacles both during the design and implementation phases. One such obstacle was the complex’s initial cost. Although these components are environmentally friendly, it can be quite difficult to implement them in an economical way. The architects were able to achieve this by using low-water-use native plants and low-cost landscaping elements. Only rainfall will be enough for these plants. To ensure that it did not leak, the roof was thoroughly waterproofed using coarse aggregates and screed.
Inference
The Carcavelos Health Complex is a prime example of integrated healthcare architecture because of its creative integration of community and environmental design with healthcare services. As this movement gains traction, it opens the door for healthcare facilities in the future to serve as both healing environments and active community centres. This building serves as an example of how architecture can support a socially cohesive and healthier community.
References:
- H.R., N., and R. N. (2003). Yoga Practices for Anxiety and Depression. Bangalore: Vivekanada Yoga Research Foundation Swami Vivekanada Yoga Prakshana.
- White Papers. (2023). Understanding Healthcare Architecture. [online]. (Last updated on 6 October 2023.). Available at: https://health-spaces.com/blog/2023/10/06/understanding-healthcare-architecture/ (Last accessed on 10 April 2024).
- UNI Editorial. (2024, April 6). Integrated Healthcare Architecture: Unveiling the Carcavelos Health Complex. UNI Editorial. Available at: https://uni.xyz/journal/integrated-healthcare-architecture-unvei
- Moreira, S. (2024, April 03). Carcavelos Health Complex / Simão Botelho + Studio-J + Duoma. Archdaily. [online]. Retrieved from: https://www.archdaily.com/1015029/carcavelos-health-complex-consorcio-sijoma
Image References:
- 1_Carcavelos Health Complex_©Franscisco Nogueira
- 2_Carcavelos Health Complex: Topography_©Franscisco Nogueira
- 3_Carcavelos Health Complex: Roof Garden_©Franscisco Nogueira
- 4_Carcavelos Health Complex: Pilotis_©Franscisco Nogueira
- 5_Carcavelos Health Complex: Open Facade and Large Windows_©Franscisco Nogueira
- 6_Carcavelos Health Complex: Central Corridor_©Franscisco Nogueira
- 7_Carcavelos Health Complex: Open Planning_©Franscisco Nogueira
