At the beginning of June this year, the results of the competition to develop an urban and architectural concept for the Paediatric and Oncological Physiotherapy Centre in Katowice-Ligota were announced. The first prize was awarded to the Archistudio Małgorzata Pilinkiewicz / Archistudio Tomasz Studniarek team. The competition was organised by the Medical University of Silesia.
The winning concept for the Physiotherapy Centre
The authors, architects Tomasz Studniarek and Małgorzata Pilinkiewicz, were honoured for a proposal which, in the jury’s opinion, stood out for its harmonious combination of functionality and architectural form. The project was praised for its well-considered use of space and skilful integration of the building into its natural surroundings. Attention was also drawn to the good organisation of the entrance and parking areas, as well as the clear separation of the patient, student and staff areas. The jury highly appreciated the functional layout of the building, which allows for efficient internal communication and flexible adaptation of the space for different forms of work and therapy.
Link to the environment
The Paediatric and Oncology Physiotherapy Centre is to be built on a site adjacent to the Panewnica forests and a bend in the River Ślepiotka, which creates exceptional natural conditions. The design aims to make maximum use of the qualities of the location and the natural landscape, and the architecture has been subordinated to the idea of creating a coherent ecosystem that favours the rehabilitation process for children. The design team envisaged the use of environmentally friendly technologies and architectural forms that refer to nature. The project area provides opportunities for contact with greenery and access to therapeutic elements such as a health path and a recreational terrace suspended above the ground.
Spatial solutions
The building will be located in the middle of the plot, with access from Medyków Street. The communication layout allows the building to be connected to the neighbouring hospital and the heliport. The form of the urban design is based on flowing lines, with a fan-shaped layout of car parks and an entrance courtyard that leads to two main entrances. The most attractive, southern side of the building, has been designated as a recreational footbridge overlooking the forest. The footbridge will be connected to a therapeutic path that will appear along the natural greenery located in the western part of the plot.
Functional layout of the Physiotherapy Centre
The centre will be two storeys high and shaped like an oval pavilion with an internal garden. The main entrance is preceded by a bay for patient delivery vehicles and a partially covered courtyard. Separate entrances are provided for patients and for students and staff. On the ground floor, there will be rooms for patients and their carers, including surgeries, exercise and therapy rooms. Widened corridors will make it easier for wheelchair users to get around. The education section has been located next to the student waiting area and includes a conference room.
The inner atrium serves as a garden and relaxation area. It has been divided into two parts, allowing them to be used independently. On the first floor, there are teaching rooms, cloakrooms, administrative offices and technical rooms. The layout of the stairwells and lifts ensures compliance with fire regulations and accessibility for people with disabilities. Additional recreational terraces on the first floor form a summer extension of the circulation spaces and connect the southern and northern parts of the building. The technical rooms have been placed in the western part and are accessible without interfering with the patient area.
Architecture and technology used
The form of the building is inspired by nature. The façade combines large glazings with soft lines and ceramic fins in natural colours. The glazing exposes functionally important spaces while allowing contact with the environment. The exterior greenery penetrates into the interior through a central garden. The recreational footbridge over the site is made of an openwork truss and wooden elements. Trees have been retained in the construction to provide shade. The entrance area will be constructed from glulam, which reduces the carbon footprint of the development and creates a welcoming interior. The rest of the structure will be constructed using precast reinforced concrete technology.
The building will have a comprehensive set of installations, including ventilation with heat recovery, air conditioning, electrical installation, a fire alarm system and photovoltaic panels. The technical terrace on the first floor will serve as space for the air handling units and heat pump units. If indirect foundation is confirmed, ground heat exchangers will be possible. A minimum of 30 per cent of the energy required to operate the building is to come from renewable sources. The solutions used aim to combine modern architecture with environmental concerns and to create a friendly space for the youngest patients.
Source: SARP Katowice, Archistudio Małgorzata Pilinkiewicz / Archistudio Tomasz Studniarek
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