pediatric clinic, east africa by 4of7 architecture all images courtesy 4of7 architecture

serbian firm 4of7 architecture developed a proposal for a pediatric clinic in east africa. the design is not site specific; it is configured to suite different surroundings and varied demands. for practical reasons, it is based on the use of a single component designed for infinite growth within a recursive geometric pattern.

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

the idea behind the modular configuration is to define a spatial solution which would be able to grow and adapt according to the changing need; or according to varied conditions at different locations. notionally, if more and more modules were to be added, the clinic facilities could grow infinitely but always confined the circular matrix, defined by three differently sized courtyards.

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa the proposal for the phase one satellite clinic entails ten modules grouped around two circular courtyards, while phase two configuration will need twenty modules grouped around five circular courtyards.

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

the phase one proposal envisages one larger courtyard surrounded by childbirth (incoming patients) facilities and disease prevention (outgoing patients) facilities; and another smaller courtyard to be surrounded by outdoor family area. in 4of7’s design they would like to promote ways of social interaction by planning for integration between spaces for education, recreation and living.

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa all facilities are facing the courtyard to allow trouble-free orientation for the patients and if needed to provide a secured environment

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

the entire structure and shell envelope of phase one of the clinic may be packed into a single container measuring 4mx3mx2.4m or volume of 28.8m³. the package includes corrugated steel sheets and an I-beam structure which could be easily delivered by land or air to most secluded locations. from there on the construction process will rely upon very basic skills and gradual introduction of other components such as flooring, insulation, windows and doors, finishes, furniture, equipment…

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

the design is based on the modular element, made of  a corrugated steel shell and I-beam structure. its polygonal footprint of 27m² has all of the nodes positioned on the perimeters of the two concentric circles. set up and construction sequence is made easy via seven steps shown on the diagrams.

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa 4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa 4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa 4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

4of7 architecture: pediatric clinic, east africa

the proposal was an entry of the ‘design for children’ competition to create a hospital in rwanda.