POST COVID REHABILITATION RESEARCH CENTRE
Adam Savage 00549336
SITE ANALYSIS
POINTS OF INTEREST
STAGE 1. Preliminary sketches
1.1
1.2
1.4
1.5
STAGE 2. Designing the internal spaces
1.1) Bubble diagram allowed me to identify specific rooms and their functions in order to ‘cluster’ them into specific iiiiiiiiizones: Research, Rehabilitation and Radiology (named ‘scan’ on the diagram) 1.2) Preliminary sketch of the central garden that I wanted to include in my design from the beginning. This will iiiiiiiiiiprovide additional daylighting ventilation and biophilia in the building and also creates more natural circulation iiiiiiiiiiin the building (this can be seen in the Stage 2 floor plan sketches below).
Ground Floor Sketch
1.3) Configuring the orientation of the building on site as well as highlighting the possibility of extending over the canal iiiiiiiiiion the desolate car park area and the structural grid that will form the frame of the centre 1.4) Conceptual landscaping design to give me with a perspective of the buildings orientation, new location of the iiiiiiiiiiiroad and to assist in the placement of noise and wind absorbers (such as trees, fences and grass mounds) 1.5) Rapid sketch of the form of my building highlighting the exposed structural frame and double height spaces
First Floor Plan Sketch
- Circulation
2.1
2.2
2.1 Conceptual sketch #1 is a perspective of the entrance to the building (highlighted on the ground floor plan sketch). Demonstrating key components that aims to contribute towards a calming environment such as double height ceilings, timber materials and biophilia.
STAGE 3. Configuring the grid structure
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
1.3
2.3
2.2 Conceptual sketch #2 is a perspective of the rehabilitation corridor (highlighted on the ground floor plan sketch). Demonstrating the incorporation of the central garden that aims to provide users with a strong connection with nature, maximise daylighting and increase the natural ventilation in the building.
2.3 Conceptual sketch #3 is a perspective of the main patient corridor (highlighted on the first floor plan sketch). Internal features (such as the timber materials and soft yellow colour pallet) inspired by Maggie’s Oldham - aimed at creating a ‘domestic’ atmosphere on the floor.
3.4
3.1
3.5 3.2
3.6 3.3
GROUND FLOOR GRID
FIRST FLOOR GRID
3.1) Arranging the grid to fit the floor plan (50 x 30m) 3.2) Adding beams to the grid to support the first floor level that will go above 3.3) Adding additional (3m) columns to create double height ground floor
3.4) Identifying position of central garden (highlighted in blue) and removal of posts 3.5) Identifying areas that would benefit from additional daylight and making them double height (highlighted in red) 3.6) Stacking both floors on top of each other to form the final structure
DESIGN PROPOSAL
MCLC RESEARCH CENTRE MediaCity Long-COVID Research Centre is a flexible, sustainable mixed-use project targeted at an idiosyncratic audience. Covering over 12,500sqm, the site is advantageously located adjacent to the Ontario Basin, which forms part of the Manchester Ship Canal providing a calming waterfront scenery for the users and visitors of the complex. The site is also handed a significant strategic role due to the close proximity to the region’s most successful and fastest growing business and employment district – Media City. This does not only help to boost the local community but also allows to design an eco-friendly structure that can stand out in an area largely dominated by steel and concrete residential buildings. The longCOVID rehabilitation research centre creates an exciting opportunity to redevelop a desolate car park area into one of Salford’s most exciting and sustainable redevelopment projects that aims to attract wildlife onto the site by incorporating green features such as green roofs and a water feature.
Figure 1. Entrance to the building, connected to the car park walkway
The bold characteristic of the centre is designed to contrast the surrounding context both aesthetically and architecturally yet still manages to complement them simultaneously. The grid structure is made from glulam beams. This intelligent [5x5m load bearing] framework (shown in figure 2) offers spatial flexibility that enables the innovative arrangement of spaces inside and allows unit spaces to be added if additional space is required [and vice versa]. These ‘voided’ units allow light and air into deeper areas of the building whilst visually and physically connecting the two floors and functions. Most of the external facade of the building is constructed from Low-E glass. This allows the building to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer as well as maximising the views of the site’s waterfront surroundings and daylighting in clinical areas of the building such as the testing labs.
Figure 2. North facade of the centre highlighting the voided units and exposed timber frame
The decision to incorporate timber materials (shown in figure 3) instead of steel or concrete was based on its environmental and psychological benefits. As timber is a renewable material and produces far less carbon dioxide [when harvested than compared to the amounts of CO2 produced from manufacturing steel or concrete] it allowed to create an eco-friendly design that contributed to the project’s environmental goals. Additionally, while the study of wood and health is relatively new in the field of environmental psychology, a clear relationship between the presence of other natural elements has been established in the built environment. Early evidence suggests that the human relationship with wood is similar to previously investigated responses of our species to other natural materials and nature cues (Pacific Truss, 2015). That is, wood is a biophilic material that reduces stress activity when present and as the goal of this centre is to accommodate a variety of stressed and anxious users, the design choice was indisputable. Figure 3. East facade of the centre highlighting the vast use of wood and biophilia in the project SITE PLAN 1:1600 Diverted Road New Communal Garden #1 New Foot Bridges Bicycle Lane New Pond Wood Nature Trail Zebra Crossings New Communal Garden #2 Refurbished Waterside Jettys Refurbished Car Park Existing Pedestrian Access Bridges Grass Mounds Research Centre Entrance Existing Office Building Existing Hotel Building
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DESIGN PROPOSAL
MCLC RESEARCH CENTRE Upon entering the research centre, you are greeted by a striking central garden encased in rippling glass and a large open space thanks to the ground floor double height ceiling. The central garden is the most crucial component to the buildings design. Firstly, its position allows the surrounding spaces to be separated into zones based on function: Zone 1 is for RESEARCH (Figure 4) Testing Laboratory Senior and Junior Doctor’s Office Meeting Room Staff Changing Room Zone 2 is for RADIOLOGY (Figure 5) MRI Scanning Units CT Scanning Units Ultrasound Scanning Units X-Ray Scanning Units Reception Patient Changing Facilities Waiting Area
Figure 4. The testing lab, part of the Research zone
Zone 3 is for REHABILITATION (Figure 6) Consultation Rooms Physiotherapy Multi-Use Hall Waiting Area The central garden provides users with a palliative connection with nature as soon as they enter the building which eases them with a calming atmosphere whilst being in a clinical building and providing the corridors of the building to be sufficiently lit enough to reduce the use of artificial lighting systems by 70% (Fraher, 2020). Finally, the garden in accessible in order to encourage patients staying in the building to explore the natural environment outside. As the centre will be accommodating users suffering with symptoms of longCOVID this means that they have recently been in isolation due to contracting coronavirus. Therefore, the purpose for encouraging patients to go outside is to avoid them to desire to stay indoors after isolation. The first floor will be occupied mainly by patients and their visitors therefore designing this space to create a homely atmosphere is vital in helping them to feel comfortable. The units are single height in order to achieve a domestic atmosphere on the first floor, spaces are designed with timber and a soft yellow colour pallet [inspired by Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre, Oldham] to create a homely aesthetic. The floor is accessible by both staircase and 2 hydraulic elevators to accommodate patients at different treatment and recovery periods.
SITE AXO 1:1000
Figure 5. ‘Timber only’ radiology corridor, designed to reduce patient stress levels during scanning procedures
Figure 6. Rehabilitation zone, designed to create a calming atmosphere by incorporating green walls, ndoor plants and overlooking the central garden (left of image)i
POND The integration of a water feature on site was an environmental goal for the project. Although the site is enclosed by 3 basins the location still lacks wildlife and the grey bricks and absence of green spaces creates more of an industrial atmosphere. The pond was integrated onto the landscape to attract wildlife with the goal of helping eco-systems flourish as ponds are known to be wildlife magnets. The pond provides essential drinking and bathing water for birds and mammals and by planting a range of plant species around the edge, will encourage an even greater diversity of wildlife (RSPB, n.d.). This will help to create a calming and welcoming environment for visitors and provides areas on site for users to withdraw to and reflect.
WATERSIDE JETTY One of the main goals for the project was to redevelop as much of the existing site as possible and to create an eco-friendly interactive environment that encourages patients to explore the outside. The cold and dull jetties on the south side of the site offered an opportunity to restore the area into a green and exciting waterside feature where users can visit to meditate, relax and, (in the summer) swim!
DIVERTED ROAD The original main road ran through the centre of the site separating the land into two areas. The decision to divert the road was to allow the central orientation of the centre building as this allowed to maximise daylighting in areas that required lots of light (i.e. testing labs). The two-way diverted road connects with the existing car park on the southeast area of the site and allows cars to return the way they arrived by providing a circular route for cars to follow. Trees are positioned on either sides to reduce acoustic disturbance and to block views onto the road.
LANDSCAPING VISUALISATION
NORTH ELEVATION 1:300
REHABILITATION
Consultation Rooms (x6) Physiotherapy / Multi-Use Hall Patient Changing Room Waiting Area
RADIOLOGY
Reception Waiting Area Patient Changing Room MRI Scanning Rooms (x2) CT Scanning Rooms (x2) X-Ray Scanning Rooms (x2) Ultrasound Scanning Rooms (x2)
RESEARCH Reception Waiting Area Patient Changing Room MRI Scanning Rooms (x2) CT Scanning Rooms (x2) X-Ray Scanning Rooms (x2) Ultrasound Scanning Rooms (x2)
CIRCULATION
GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:300
EAST ELEVATION 1:100
ENTRANCE LOBBY The lobby provides a large open space, designed to encourage users to explore the building and to maximise daylight. The entrance is overlooked by the reception desk to assist anxious or nervous users so they don’t have to search the building for their necessary support information. The central garden, indoor plants and green walls maximise the user connection with nature, improve the indoor air quality and provide natural cooling.
RADIOLOGY ENTRANCE Designed to attract patients in when outside the clinical area of the building and create a noninstitutional atmosphere through additional green walls and indoor plants that strengthen their connection with nature. The exposed timber beams provide patients with a visual focus for the eyes to follow the architecture as stated in (Van der Linden, Annemans & Heylighen, 2016). The reception desk at the entrance allows users to check in for their procedures and is a requirement for a radiology department.
RADIOLOGY WAITING AREA Designed to resemble a home environment by incorporating features that create a domestic atmosphere such as sofas instead of benches and timber materials instead of plastics. The waiting area overlooks the site’s natural environment which helps to calm patients and connect them with nature. This is enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling windows which also maximise daylight. Art work is displayed on walls to provide users with visual stimulation which can be used to improve meditation and optimism (Future Health. Sustainable Places for Health and Well-being, 2009).
(GROUND FLOOR) INTERNAL VISUALISATION
SOUTH ELEVATION 1:300
Accommodation Units
Private Reflective Spaces
Gym and Yoga Unit
Coffee Shop
Kitchen and Cafeteria
Library
Balconies
Circulation
FIRST FLOOR PLAN 1:300
WEST ELEVATION 1:100
REFLECTIVE AREA Situated beneath the main staircase of the building to provide users with a private space where they can withdraw to when required. A water fountain, coffee machine and kettle is provided if users wish to have a beverage. Patients can look upon the large green wall adjacent to the seating area to provide them with a soothing atmosphere and a visual focus while they can meditate or simply relax. The stair case is constructed from Malaysian Blackwood due to its pound-for-pound strength and to contrast the brighter Glulam SIP panels that make up the majority of the building fabric.
USERS PERSONAL SPACE The first floor space of the building was inspired by the interior of Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre Oldham which incorporates light timber materials and a bold yellow floor. These contrasting materials and colours create a welcoming environment and allow users to relax and reduce emotional stress whilst in the building which is vital in terms of their well-being and recovery. Indoor plants and green walls are integrated on the floor for the same purpose as the ground floor; to improve indoor air quality and create a powerful connection with nature, which is stated in (Van der Linden, Annemans & Heylighen, 2016) to enhance recovery outcomes. Skylights are located above areas in need of additional daylight or ventilation.
COMMUNAL KITCHEN & LIVING ROOM Designed to resemble a domestic kitchen/living room to create a relaxed and homely ambience. The central island was a major design feature in the centre as (Maggie’s, n.d.) states that the central kitchen island is a key design component for all Maggie’s centres as it allows the users of the building to come together and possibly open up about their issues or worries about their conditions therefore this can help patients staying at the centre meet with others who share similar symptoms to them and discuss their ongoing treatment and recovery plan in the hope of creating a sense of community and understanding. The skylight above the island allows maximum daylighting and creates a calming aesthetic when reflecting off the bright yellow floor.
(FIRST FLOOR) INTERNAL VISUALISATION
ACCOMMODATION UNIT Designed to reduce stress. Timber materials are amalgamated as much as possible due to its calming aesthetic and stress relieving benefits. Every unit overlooks the adjacent water basin to create a soothing ambience in the room. The circular skylight maximises daylight as the units are north facing therefore receive less sunlight. Providing units with a green wall creates a sense of continuity through the building as they’re incorporated throughout all areas the centre. Additionally, providing natural cooling, improved air quality and biophilia.
GYMNASIUM One of the biggest challenges facing the design of the research centre that accommodates its patients is the guest expectations. With the health and wellness lifestyle gaining popularity, one of the best ways to delight users is with a well-designed on-site fitness area. The double height space and floor-to-ceiling windows maximise daylight. This was important as the space needed to be attracting in order to encourage patients to partake in daily physical activity. By providing a space for users to participate in daily exercise creates a more positive atmosphere in the building, boosts patient’s energy and mood and promotes better sleep.
REFLECTIVE SPACE Overlooking the central garden provides users of the space with a palliative connection with nature. Users can create a more private space by drawing the curtains behind them. Studies in (“Wellness Architecture & Design Initiative Terminology, Definitions & Resources Global Wellness Institute”, n.d.) demonstrate that providing private areas that look onto nature improves confidence and selfesteem, reduces feelings of stress and loneliness and can help users to be more active. Scented plants are provided in these spaces as nature smells have been found to have a profound effect on stress reduction (Future Health. Sustainable Places for Health and Well-being, 2009).
(FIRST FLOOR) INTERNAL VISUALISATION
SECTION A-A 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17
1.7
1.16
1.14
1.5
1.2
1.13
1.3
1.1
Refurbished foot bridge - pedestrian access onto site #1 Refurbished waterside jetty - reflective space for users Refurbished existing car park - allows visitors to exit the same way they arrived Waterside footpath Diverted two-way road Cycling lane - encourages physical activity Grass mounds - provides physical challenges and benefits ventilation inside building 2m deep recycled concrete footing - contributes to the projects environmental strategies MRI scanning unit - 500mm lead lined walls to prevent the escape of radiation Communal cafeteria balcony Radiology patient waiting area - domestic aesthetic Library balcony X-Ray scanning unit - 500mm lead lined walls to prevent the escape of radiation Accommodation unit - constructed using timber contributing to projects environmental strategies and to provide patients with a calming living environment Accommodation unit balcony - overlooking MediaCity basin North side access ramp - pedestrian access onto site #2
1.12
1.8 1.4
1:1000
1.6
1.9
1.10
1.15
1.11
1.17
SECTION B-B 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
Green roof provides the building with a much higher thermal performance, improved air quality and supports wildlife habitats which contributes to project’s environmental goals
2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11
SIPs provide an all-in-one solution for use with the floor, ceiling and wall panels of the centre
2.12 2.13
1:600
Entrance Slatted (3 storey) canopy - signifies entrance Lobby seating area - indoor plants provided for biophilia Reflective spaces - both overlooking different areas of the centre (waterfront basin and central garden) Main reception desk - overlooking entrance and unmissable for new users Central garden - inaccessible for patients to encourage them to go outside Hydraulic glass elevator - provides users with a relaxing panoramic view of the central garden Radiology reception check in desk Voided areas above radiology units - allows maintenance for mechanical equipment without accessing the room Food preparation kitchen - provides 3 healthy meals-perday for users of the centre Radiology waiting area - designed with domestic aesthetic to provide calming environment for patients Communal cafeteria seating area - adjacent to kitchen Library balcony - provided with plenty of plants for biophilia, natural cooling, and to contribute to the projects environmental goals
2.10
2.11
2.4
2.8
2.12
2.13
2.2 2.6
2.1
2.5
2.3
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SECTION C-C 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6
1:500
Physiotherapy hall - part of the rehabilitation zone Accommodation unit en suite - customary to every unit Accommodation corridor Seating area - overlooking central garden providing connection with nature for patients and visitors Stair case to first floor - constructed from timber Reflective seating area - hidden below staircase to create private area, indoor plant also provided for biophilia
Central garden skylights allow stack ventilation to occur
108° Green roof allows for flat roof design to still have an efficient rainwater collection system
Trees planted all over the redevelopment site to produce cleaner air, maximise the patient connection with nature and to provide additional habitats for wildlife
Dome skylight maximises daylight in north facing accommodation units
Cycling track provided to encourage daily physical activity 2m drop to water level
Running track provided to encourage daily physical activity 3.3
3.5
3.1
3.6
3.2
3.4
REHAB BOULEVARD Provided with both foot and bicycle paths the Rehabilitation Boulevard is located on the North side of the site, overlooked by the accommodation units and continues to encircle the entire development. The paths are to be used when patients feel ready to leave the centre building and explore the natural environment outside and encourage them to participate in daily physical activities as it has been shown to improve your wellness and optimism. By either walking on the wooden foot paths or using the bicycle lane is a symbolic action and demonstrates that patients have accepted their conditions and are willing to take action in terms of their health and well-being.
BUILDING FORM The exposed timber frame of the building was inspired by REBEL studios in Amsterdam. The voided ares of the building allow daylight and ventilation into the deeper areas of the centre whilst creating a bold characteristic for the building. Areas are voided if no additional floor space was required or to separate clinical areas with high levels of radiation (i.e. X-Ray scanning rooms) from other areas occupied by visitors (i.e. the communal kitchen balcony, located two storeys above the radiology department).
KITCHEN BALCONY Offers fantastic views of the surrounding site context and provides a more relaxed and quieter area of the building for users to retire to. The space is provided with lots of colourful plants to create a calming visual focus (Van der Linden, Annemans & Heylighen, 2016) as well as boosting the buildings connection with nature. Additional scented plants are incorporated onto the balcony as nature smells have been found to have a profound effect on stress reduction (Future Health. Sustainable Places for Health and Well-being, 2009).
EXTERNAL VISUALISATION