Architecture expressing health

Abstract

It is possible to integrate architectural forms and elements that aid in the expression of health into an obsolete building having lost its identity and function; thus, rehabilitating the building into a conglomerate of architectural forms and elements that radiates health throughout the community. Rehabiiitate is defmed according to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary as, "to restore to usefiil life." I intend to bring back to life an obsolete building and adapt it with architecture that will express health to anyone who may utilize the facility or simply gaze upon it. In order to do this, I will integrate architectural forms and elements that will aid in the expression of health into the interior and exterior of the obsolete building. For example, the use of the color white will be used implying health, purity, and general well being as opposed to the coior black which implies unhealthiness and uncleanness. The cross wiU be an integral part of the most visible fa^ade. This form will not only express heaUh but will convey the idea of a medical facility. Abundant trees and water elements placed on and around the facility will symbolize life. The use of transparency will be incorporated into the design so the interior activities may be viewed from the exterior of the building. This will add to the building's expression of health by aliowing vehicular traffic and pedestrians alike to view the healthy physical activity going on inside. The "rehabilitation" is not only intended for the building itself, but for the surrounding urban area and the many mature aduhs that will utilize the facility as well. A rebirth or revitalization has been taking place over the years in the riverwaik area due to the various adaptive reuse projects. This rebirth has created new interest in the once abandoned area resuhing in an onslaught of tourists and local visitors. The proposed project, a rehabilitation and exercise center for the mature aduh, is located on the comer of St. Mary's and Commerce streets in the downtown business district of San Antonio, Texas. It will continue these rehabilitation trends of the region while further revitalizing the riverwalk area. Functionally, the facility will serve as a concentrated place of convalescence for its patients as well as a place for physical activity to the vast amount of mature aduks that already utilize the riverwalk area as a means of exercise. Therefore, the surrounding urban area, the building itself, and its users will all share a common bond in that they will receive new life or rehabilitation upon completion of this project.

Description

Keywords

Architecture, Rehabilitation centers -- Design and construction

Citation