Architects from the RIL STUDIO studio have prepared an urban planning and architectural concept for the ‘Paediatric and Oncological Physiotherapy Centre in Katowice-Ligota’ of the Silesian Medical University. It is a modern facility decorated with wood to promote recovery. The solutions proposed by the architects appealed to the jury members, who decided to award the project second place in the national competition for the conceptual design of the facility.
The competition for the design of the ‘Paediatric and Oncological Physiotherapy Centre in Katowice-Ligota’ was organised by SARP Katowice and the Medical University of Silesia. In mid-June, its results became known. The winning concept was prepared by the Archistudio studio, but it was the second place that attracted our attention. The architects from RIL STUDIO Biuro Architektoniczne Hubert Różewicz proposed the construction of a single-storey building that is free of architectural barriers. However, there are more advantages.
The design of the Physiotherapy Centre from RIL STUDIO combines modern technological solutions with nature. The plot of land on which the facility is to be built is adjacent to dense trees. It is the open space that would become an integral part of the therapeutic process.
The building is like a modern pavilion with a courtyard in the middle. This was a deliberate intention of the architects, who noted the importance of communing with high-quality architecture and nature in the recovery process. The central atrium in their concept is a kind of ‘open therapy room’. It is intended to attract the children’s attention, which is why a day-care area and space for a catering establishment have been designed in the immediate vicinity. This solution not only guarantees easy access to the green courtyard from any part of the building, but also promotes spatial orientation for users with different degrees of mobility.
The building itself is limited in scale. The designers created a single-storey building whose appearance differs from soulless hospitals. They achieved this effect with natural materials and colours. In fact, the building is decorated with wood and the dominant colour in the space is mint green.
The interior of the building is divided into three main functional zones. The first is the administrative, office and ‘quiet’ zone. It has been located in the side wings, where the quiet atmosphere is conducive to work requiring concentration and individual therapy. Another is the “noisy” area – designed for group work, where communication extends around a central atrium. As a natural extension of the sensory garden, this dynamic space allows for group therapies and educational activities with students. This spatial layout allows the building to be used flexibly according to needs, from quiet administrative work to intensive rehabilitation activities involving larger groups of patients.
The architects at RIL STUDIO designed the building using CLT (cross-laminated timber) technology. This concept guarantees fast construction because it uses prefabricated modules. The cross-laminated construction of the CLT panels provides excellent thermal insulation properties, allowing the temperature inside the building to remain constant regardless of external conditions. In addition, the wooden modules effectively reduce noise, which is particularly important in the ‘quiet zone’.
Furthermore, a number of environmentally friendly and energy-saving solutions have been incorporated into the design. A photovoltaic installation will partially cover the building’s energy needs, while a modern mechanical ventilation system with recuperation allows heat recovery from used air. A rainwater drainage system with rainwater retention and permeable paving emphasise the ecological approach to site development, while ensuring that the maximum biologically active area is maintained. On the south side of the building, an openwork structure with sunshades over the terraces was planned, which protects the interior from excessive heat and increases the comfort of the recreational spaces.
The arranged space around the building is impressive. The designers plan to incorporate the trees growing there into a park-like setting. A recreational area is planned with an outdoor gym, swings and a sandpit. Attention to detail is also noticeable in the landscaping – designated car parks, specially designed permeable paving and carefully planned access routes.
The Physiotherapy Centre designed by RIL Studio is an example of the harmonious combination of architecture with nature and modern technologies. This was appreciated by the members of the Jury, who justified the awarding of the second prize in the following way:
“The Competition work solves the competition task by proposing a particular harmony of form, function and construction. References to the triad of durability, usability and beauty are no coincidence:
- beauty and simplicity of form result directly from the spatial assumptions and material solutions adopted,
- an excellent solution of the function has been achieved both on an architectural scale and on the scale of an intimate spatial premise,
- a single-storey – in principle – cubature building was proposed using a modern, ecological and durable material, i.e. cross-laminated timber.
The creation of an inner courtyard-like atrium with a sensory garden is deeply justified. It allows the functions of the Paediatric and Oncology Physiotherapy Centre to be zoned appropriately to the location, paying particular attention to the emotional aspect of the child. The non-dominant spatial arrangement, perfectly integrated into the surroundings, makes use of the advantage of the mid-forest location by the creek, allowing for an “additional outdoor therapy room.
The spatial relationships achieved by the authors of the concept undoubtedly confirm the described idea of creating a “child-friendly space during rehabilitation”. Attention is drawn to the correct, in the opinion of the Competition Jury, solutions of communication and parking and the care for the maximum preservation of biologically active area. […]”
design: RIL STUDIO Architectural Office(www | FB | IG)
Composition of the author’s team:
m.Sc. arch. Hubert Różewicz (cooperation – competition work)
paulina Lechowska-Różewicz, M.Sc. Paulina Lechowska-Różewicz (cooperation – competition work)
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