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.



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.


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.



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.







all facilities are facing the courtyard to allow trouble-free orientation for the patients and if needed to provide a secured environment





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…




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.













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