KANTOOR participated in a competition for the new headquarters of Hope Dental Clinic in Kigali, Rwanda. A non-profit dental clinic and education centre from which several satellite clinics will be operated throughout all of Rwanda, where dental services are not yet a commodity and the lack of this still causes many unfortunate illnesses and deaths.
Based on Rwanda´s history, with its multiple wars between different ethnic groups, “The Path” represents the unification the country recently gained. It embraces the natural, cultural and social elements that identify the Country.
The topography dictates the building´s arrangement, consisting on a sequence of platforms moved to both sides of the plot to avoid any visual interference. The location in the terrain aims to minimize the excavation works creating at the same time interior gardens ideal for fresh air circulation.
In a similar strategy, “The Path” follows the slope connecting the longest side of the plot in a continuous and diverse public space offering different plazas and terraces for Hope dental clinic´s social life.
The wooden screen´s pattern is a simplified version of the Imigongo technique; it is a translucent element that allows the connection between the interior and external spaces for the visitors and users. Additionally, the collected water runs through “The path” as a filtering system creating a variety of gardens along it.
In contrast to “The path”, the materials for the buildings are natural stone and concrete. Each façade has large glass opening offering continuous views to the city. Besides, each building is equipped with solar panels and the high ceilings will allow the air circulation to minimize artificial cooling equipment.
In a similar way to Rwanda´s history “The Path” aims to bind the buildings, regardless of program and differences, as a whole for the progress of Rwanda´s people.
Year:
2020
Team:
Andrés López, Isabel Driessen
Location:
Kigali, Rwanda
Client:
Archstorming
Program:
Dental Clinic
Size:
9998 m²
Status:
Competition entry · Finalist