3.2 Beit Halochem Rehab Center

3.2 BEIT HALOCHEM REHAB CENTER (SECONDARY STUDY)

Figure 3.2 (a) location

LOCATION: BEER SHEVA, ISREAL YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2011 ARCHITECT: KIMMEL-ESHKOLOT ARCHITECTS TOTAL AREA: 18000 SQM (BUILT-UP 6000SQM)

LOCATION:

On the outskirts of Beer Sheva, where the city ends and the desert begins, the rehab is built. The prominent structure in the context is Beer Sheva north rail yard.

ABOUT:

Constructed of cast-in-place concrete, the facility accommodates such functions as housing. sports, dining, physiotherapy and administration in a schema that takes advantage of the topography to create essentially two ground floors interconnecting five monolithic units with heights up to three floors. A thin roof is employed as one of the ground floors, interlocking, and interconnecting the vertically-stacked units that are also connected through a series of corridors and bridges. The space in-between, connected by thin bridges, are treated as courtyards for public use.

Figure 3.2 (b) view from entrance

3.2 BEIT HALOCHEM REHAB CENTER (SECONDARY STUDY)

Figure 3.2 (c) plan section

The plan is the simple composition of the 5 rocks that make up the campus. Each is a building with its own specific function aimed at a different type of rehabilitation.

To contrast the flatness of the surrounding desert landscape, the height of the building volumes creates interest in section. Some portions such as the sport hall and swimming pool are tall and open, while others like the administration, classes, and so on break up the inner volume of the spaces. The angular form of the rocklike masses mimic the surrounding rocky desert. [15] [16] [17]

3.2 BEIT HALOCHEM REHAB CENTER (SECONDARY STUDY)

Figure 3.2 (d) level play in section

INFERENCE 1: INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN LEVELS

The building divides the site into new topographies. This allowed the design of two ground floors on two different levels, interlocking with each other, as an integral part of the building architecture. By gentle ramps the inner shaded patio of the lower ground floor is connected to the Entrance in the upper ground floor, Thus achieving maximum accessibility as is appropriate for the special needs of users of the building.

Figure 3.2 (e) view to building from entrance

3.2 BEIT HALOCHEM REHAB CENTER (SECONDARY STUDY)

INFERENCE 2: VOLUMES AND CONNECTION

The only double volume buildings are the one containing the sports hall and the swimming pool The yellow path shows the clear bridged connection between all the buildings. This allows for the creation of an ever-changing external internal and permeable environment.

Figure 3.2 (f) circulation between spaces

Figure 3.2 (g) image of swimming pool Figure 3.2 (h) engagement spaces

3.2 BEIT HALOCHEM REHAB CENTER (SECONDARY STUDY)

INFERENCE 3: THE NEGETIVE IN-BETWEEN

The “rocks” accommodate intimate and quiet functions, whereas the negative space between them creates gathering areas, and defines the circulation in the building. The alignment of these rocks, combined with the thin horizontal roof which hovers between them, creates an inviting and protected courtyard.

Figure 3.2 (l) negative space in plan

Figure 3.2 (j) elevation view from road Figure 3.2 (k) negative spaces image

3.2 BEIT HALOCHEM REHAB CENTER (SECONDARY STUDY)

Figure 3.2 (l) horizontal cantilevers and ramps

INFERENCE 4: HORIZONTAL CANTILEVERS:

The use of the horizontal roof is not only aesthetic but also functional. The project lies in the hot Negev desert which makes two things absolutely compulsory; Thick walls to provide shelter against the climate Light- material roof and overhangs, solid / louvred to protect interior areas and create shaded exterior.

Figure 3.2 (m) ramp as circulation

INFERENCE 5: CIRCULATION:

Ramps are used throughout the project for easier accessibility and have a defining character. They are loud gestures and are not pushed into one corner as a compromise.