Ali Mohammed T. Al-Ghanim Clinic | AGi architects

The project for the Ali Mohammed T. Al-Ghanim Clinic, designed by AGi architects, stands as a pioneer in the healthcare sector in the MENA region, where challenging issues such as privacy and security are addressed using a new model, where courtyards attached to the façade are the driving element behind this unique typology. The program occupies the entirety of the site, and from afar the building is viewed as a monolithic element solidifying its ground and creating a high walled fortress protecting from vandalism and maximizing privacy. The courtyards are carved into the building, allowing for natural light into all the clinics. The concept of the façade generating light, views and ventilation is reversed; and the courtyards are brought inwards from the perimeter creating further privacy enhanced by a metal mesh with a geometrical pattern. This mesh is designed specifically to allow the penetration of a precise amount of light, constructing a veiled threshold in between the exterior and the internal courtyards. Due to the density and variety of the program presented in this clinic, the spaces are sectioned off into multiple self-sufficient departments, which can operate independently from one another. The program includes S-ray, fisiotherapy, nutrition, dentistry, preventive medicine, chronic desase, diabetics, laboratory, E.N.T., pharmacy, general medicine and maternity departments. Each of these departments is provided with independent waiting rooms always situated strategically to be provided with natural light and ventilation through the courtyards. Therefore, easy orientation and navigation through the clinic is key, where each of the departments is color coded with sufficient signage throughout, to facilitate a universal way-finding technique.