THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & RESEARCH, SHENZHEN UNIVERSITY, CO., LTD.: Winner of World Design Awards 2024. The project site is situated on Xiyong Sub-district in the Shapingba District, opposite the Minkangyuan residential compound across Xicheng Avenue to the east. It is nearby, approximately 200 meters, to the Runxishan residential compound developed by CR Land to the south. The plot, characterized by its irregular shape, sits on a generally flat terrain and offers picturesque views of a park and Sanyuan Ditch to the south, as well as a stunning vista of Xianglu Mountain to the west. Surrounded by abundant premium landscape resources, the site presents a truly captivating setting.

II. Project overview

The project encompasses a land area of 14,966 square meters, with a plot ratio of 1.26 and a total gross floor area of 27,907 square meters. Spanning 13,026 square meters, the Phase I construction includes 6,031 square meters for medical services, 2,985 square meters for elderly care services, 2,023 square meters for sports  amenities, and 1,987 square meters for cultural facilities. Phase II construction covers an area of 5,841 square meters. The underground space covers 9,040 square meters, consisting of equipment rooms and underground garage capable of accommodating up to 226 vehicles. The building height is restricted to below 24 meters.

III. Design concept

1. Square layout, layered green platforms

In this design scheme, various complex functions including medical care, elderly care, cultural and sports facilities, and auxiliary rooms are arranged in a vertically stacked approach. The sections dedicated to elderly care, culture and sports facilities are elegantly positioned on raised terraced platforms, creating a south-facing layout that offers a panoramic view of the breathtaking landscape for the elderly care facility. Beneath the expansive terraces, ample space is allocated for sports and cultural venues. The outpatient and emergency departments and the medical technology and inpatient departments are formed into an enclosed inner courtyard floating above the high platforms, minimizing its sense of volume. Strategically situated on the east side of the site, the ancillary building of Phase II helps shield against noise from the east. Together with Phase I, it creates a tranquil and enclosed elevated courtyard space.

• Two phases of construction, and separation of dynamic and quiet zones

To achieve the goals of unified planning, joint construction, and phased operation and management as outlined in the design brief, Phase I and Phase II constructions are both based on an elevated platform. Additionally, consideration is given to the future independent operation of the ancillary building in Phase II construction. Therefore, this building is placed on the east side of the site with separate entrance and exit, allowing for potential division and combination based on a unified platform. Furthermore, with consideration into the impact of the surrounding environment, the elderly care center, which requires a quiet and sensitive environment, is placed in the southwest, the quietest area. The health service center, which features a relatively high flow of people, is placed in the northwest corner, while the public auxiliary rooms and cultural and sports venues are located on the northeast side of the site. This layout forms a natural barrier to keep the relatively quiet environment of the health service center and elderly care center, creating a tranquil zone in the southwest and a dynamic zone in the northeast.

• Terraced building with river and mountain views

The design scheme prioritizes the incorporation of landscape and strategic resource allocation to serve user needs. With a southward orientation offering views of the lush park and Sanyuan Ditch, as well as the picturesque Xianglu Mountain to the west, the terraced building features a canteen and activity rooms on the first floor, and nursing rooms on the second and third floors. Positioned to capture optimal views, the medical block is situated to embrace the scenic vistas on the east, west, and south sides. The inpatient area is designed with unobstructed views, while administrative offices and auxiliary rooms are situated in the north-facing section. The ancillary buildings in Phase II construction are positioned in the less favorable east direction. Cultural and sports facilities are strategically placed within the elevated platform, incorporating open-air atrium and inner courtyard to enhance natural daylighting and ventilation.

4. A combination of halls and corridors, three separated circulations

In this design scheme, the inpatient department of the community health service center and the living section of the elderly care center combine public activity feature an integration of halls and living corridors with outdoor viewing terraces. Similarly, the outpatient, emergency and inpatient departments in the community health service center also integrate halls and corridors. The entrance hall and waiting hall serve as the main spatial hubs to establish the circulation around the central atrium and escalators. The master plan emphasizes on the separation of pedestrian and vehicles, directing vehicles to the basement upon arrival at the northwest corner to ensure the safety of pedestrians. On each floor, the circulation for patients and the elderly are placed in the foyer and prominent positions, while the circulation for doctors and nursing staff is situated in secondary positions, thus ensuring a clear separation. Additionally, uncontaminated and contaminated circulations are separated as well. All exits for waste are uniformly located in the courtyard connected to the community health service center and the elderly care center.

• Local bamboo elements

The design scheme of the Health Service and Elderly Care Center in Xiyong Community draws inspiration from local natural elements like bamboo, bamboo curtains, and wooden grilles typical of Sichuan. These elements are intricately woven into the facade form and details. The warm wood-colored “box” counteracts the cold and sterile feeling often associated with healthcare buildings, addressing both psychological and physical comfort. Furthermore, the bamboo curtain grilles and other intricate details reflect the community’s cultural pride and heritage, instilling a sense of local identity in the architectural expression of the project.

Project Details:-
Firm
THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & RESEARCH, SHENZHEN UNIVERSITY, CO., LTD.

Architect
Zhong Zhong

Project Name
Schematic Design for the Health Service and Elderly Care Center of Xiyong Community, Chongqing

Project Category
Healthcare

Team
Zhong Zhong, Zhong Botao, Zhang Pingping, Zhong Haihuan, You Yang, Hu Jinglan, Wu Bing, Meng Meili, Liu Zhongping, Wang Hongyue, Cao Jiying, Tang Jin, Liu Mu

Project Location
Chongqing, China

Country
China

Photography ©Credit
Silkroad Visual Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1984, the Institute is one of national class-A design institutes approved by Ministry of Construction. It has 3 branches: Shanghai Branch, Xi’an Branch and SDY Architectural Technology Research Co., Ltd. (SDYATR). It delivers various design services ranging from architectural engineering, urban planning, residential planning, drawing review to interior design, landscape design, etc. Its projects have been put into use in a dozen large- and middle-scale cities. SUIADR is a well-know design institute in China.

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