‘port sudan pediatric center’ by tamassociati, red sea state, sudan

image © massimo grimaldi

all images courtesy of tamassociati

 

 

 

creating a bridge between institutes of privilege and structures of need, the ‘port sudan pediatric center’ by tamassociati is the latest in an architectural collaboration with italian NGO emergency; however, this iteration was 92% funded by the MAXXI museum of rome as part of their 2per100 competition, itself a response to italian ‘2% law’ that declares a mandatory allotment of 2% of the total expenditure for any public works project be dedicated to the realization of art. photographer massimo grimaldi proposed to photograph the documentation of the hospital’s construction as well as daily activities upon its opening. among settlements of raw earth dwelling in the seaside city the clinic is one of the strikingly few places capable of providing basic healthcare to children in the area, much less free, high quality treatment. the port city experienced a population boom as a result of widespread droughts and violent conflict and the influx has exacerbated the shortage of an area already in dire need of a basic infrastructural system.  

 

the single storey space contains 18 beds, 3 surgical areas and includes a sub-intensive care unit. built around a courtyard, the spaces are distinctly non-hierarchical and contain a succession of spaces cooled by various passive ventilation techniques. save for small openings, the building acts a a large-scale shading device by employing traditional cooling methods like a particular lowered brick tile vault, called jagharsch, that helps maximize surface area for the dissipation of heat. the benefits of stack effect are also used in the overall form of the hospital and uses ‘badgir’ or wind chimneys to circulate air and minimize the entrance of dust. a predominantly white exterior also helps protect the building from solar heat gain although the insertion of locally prevalent coral stone– a product of the mounds material left behind in the wake of demolished buildings. additionally, wooden blinds are reminiscent of a late ottoman building system that served to shield interiors from direct sunlight. the architecture thus transcends the act of renovation and becomes a structure of memory. beauty and richness are not forgone in the creation of an economically viable and responsible architecture, deeply in service to its users.

 

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

the clinic in its dusty context

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

a plethora of shading devices is part of the building envelope

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

a palette of small openings cools interiors and inhibits the entrance of dust

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

a double height waiting hall wraps around a courtyard

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

vegetation is specific to the area

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

hall view

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

shading devices superbly control interior temperatures

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

exemplary use of responsive building systems

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

thick brick walls were used to create a protective envelope

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

view of the 14 bed ward

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

a local typology of small vaults helps with heat exhaust

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

exterior views

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

the building is organized around a courtyard

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

documenting the construction process was part of the fund-winning project

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

view before the white cladding

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

hallway in-progress

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

one of the many apertures

image © massimo grimaldi

 

 

tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state

construction view

image © massimo grimaldi

 

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tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state
 
tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state
 
tamassociati: port sudan pediatric center, red sea state
 

 

project info:

 

commissioned: emergency ngoarchitect: tamassociati (massimo lepore, raul pantaleo, simone sfrisowith laura candelpergher and enrico vianello)project manager: pietro parrino.coordinator: rossella miccio, pietro parrino.site developer:  marco paissanstructural consultant: francesco steffinlongoconstruction company: roberto crestandeveloper: autocostruzionebuilt area: 780 mqlot area: 5000 mqcost: 1.200.000€