Primary Health Care Unit

3rd place – National Architecture Competition

The architectural proposal for the Primary Health Care Unit in Riacho Fundo is the result of deep reflection, embodying simplicity as a conceptual principle at the core of every design decision that shaped the building’s architecture.

The architectural concept was developed based on a few fundamental principles: austere plastic composition, economic efficiency, constructive clarity, and, most importantly, the humanization of hospital environments.

The design follows a linear pavilion structure, stretching across the site. Two circulation axes serve as the organizing elements of the composition, articulating the extensive program requirements while structuring the interior flow of the building.

The first circulation axis, located in the upper part of the site, is reserved exclusively for medical professionals, such as doctors, dentists, nurses, and other staff. This restricted circulation channel is intended for service purposes only. The second axis, located in the lower part of the lot, is designated for public circulation, facilitating easy navigation and spatial comprehension throughout the unit.

Between these circulation axes, modules for patient care were implemented along the length of the building. These modules house consultation rooms, public service activities, and technical and administrative support functions. The uniqueness of the proposal lies in its origin.

The aim was to design a healthcare facility characterized by fluid, permeable, and well-lit spaces with constant ventilation. Internal gardens were created between the care modules to foster a pleasant atmosphere, contributing to the rich interplay between filled and open spaces that define the building’s volumetric structure. These elements emphasize a democratic, open character that aligns with the concepts of humanizing hospital environments.