The design objective, set right from the early stages of the project, was to create a health space that would convey the feeling of a domestic space. Fisioterm Roma, conceived by Cristina García Montesinos and Lelio di Loreto of the salpepe studio, was born on these assumptions, favouring the possibility of improving social interactions and allowing patients to experience the period of convalescence and rehabilitation in a harmonious and serene environment.
The space presented itself as a labyrinthine succession of low walls and ceilings. Large black metal windows were only partially visible from the inside, obscured by half-height masonry and plasterboard elements. Once the true nature of the space was understood, the first (and instinctive) action was to restore its original form. This action greatly improved the natural light and air and activated an interesting physical and visual relationship between the interior and exterior of the building.
The floor plan is divided into two rectangular areas characterised by large transparent surfaces on the long sides and opaque walls on the short sides. The first area has a smaller surface and is situated between two external areas: the condominium entrance on one side and a terrace on the other. After a series of demolitions, the existing large windows physically and visually connect the interior with both exterior areas. For this reason, it was identified as an ideal area to locate the reception and waiting room. The curved wall accompanies the viewer from the main entrance through the waiting room to the terrace with the vegetation as a backdrop, without covering any part of the windows. Behind this wall are the toilets.
The second area is large enough to contain all the necessary rehabilitation and therapeutic activities and is divided into three sectors: space for dynamic activities/gymnastics, physiotherapy treatment modules and medical consultations. The choice of the layout of these three sectors is based on the incidence of light (direct or indirect), the visual opening to the outside and the need for privacy, not only visual but also acoustic.
The treatment cabins, with their barycentric position alternating with the structure of exposed reinforced concrete pillars and their height of only 2.25 m, manage to avoid a direct visual connection between the corridor and gym areas, maintaining an indirect relationship of sharing the same space.
From the corridor of the doctors’ offices it is possible to enjoy all the light coming from the windows of the gymnasium, avoiding the sensation of being inside a long and narrow space and with the perception of being inside one big airy and bright space. Vice versa, from the gymnasium the gaze can go beyond the volume of the modules, reaching the wall of the medical offices, maintaining a constant relationship with the unitary dimension of the space.
By placing the gymnasium on the northern axis of the area, it is possible to carry out activities without the need for window blinds, maintaining a continuous relationship with the outside. The windows, all facing north, provide continuous but never direct light into the space, while the vegetation outside allows those exercising to enjoy a pleasant landscape and not be observed by anyone from the outside.
In terms of materials, the project always works in the most ‘raw’ form possible.
Untreated phenolic wood panels are used for all the partition walls of the treatment modules and medical studios. Where opacity is not required, polycarbonate honeycomb panels are used. For the floor, linoleum was used, which, besides being a completely natural material obtained by mixing various types of soil, guarantees softness of touch and the hygienic characteristics essential for this type of structure.
Applying the same reasoning of materiality, it was decided that the electrical and thermal installations should be visible. This led to the study and precise realisation of the route, exit points, access points and inspection points for cables and piping to allow a correct assembly between the installations and the built spaces, resulting in an added value to the architectural space.
CREDITS
Photo: Cristina García Montesinos
