Lansdowne
Physiotherapy Clinic

As my initial architecture project, I reflected back on Alvar Aalto’s work in the inception of the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland—an outcome of the “principles of functionalism”. Specifically designed furniture and carefully chosen shades of delicate colours were intended to help “soothe the patients” suffering from tuberculosis. In reflection to Aalto’s work, Lansdowne Physiotherapy Clinic is an overall redesign of a current interior, along with fixtures that function with the space and details that are beneficial to the therapists and their patients. Through user-centered design approaches primarily interviews, we understood the psychological and functional needs of our clients. The bold use of yellow creates a systematic coherency and evokes a feeling of warmth to help relieve mental strains. Whereas the mute shades of grey create a visual and conscious balance by absorbing an even amount of natural light. Furthermore, the lack of proper storage in the previous space brought about visual and physical clutter. Ultimately, by designing durable fixtures with integrated storage systems and seamless joineries, we are able to maximize utility while achieving our emotional and functional criteria.

This project is designed in collaboration with Shawn Chand.



Status

Completed


Vaija, M. (2018). Alvar Aalto and the colors of the Paimio Sanatorium. Retrieved from https://www.finnishdesignshop.com/ design-stories/architecture/alvar-aalto-and-the-colors-of-the-paimio-sanatorium.


Mark