Yakov Marshak HEALTH CENTER | NOOR architects

We chose Egvekinot village as the site for the first Chukotka rehabilitation center. This is a special place at the intersection of the 180th meridian and the Arctic Circle, where the old day ends and the new day begins on Earth. The center will be located on the slope of a hill in front of the city between two landscape levels so that its windows overlook panoramic views of Egvekinot village and the Cross Bay of the Bering Sea.

The starting point of the project is the symbolic fireplace of the Chukchi yaranga around which the locals gather, share joys, challenges and support each other in the harsh conditions of the North. Building a space around the center we add the first southern "cabin", which holds the dining room and the kitchen. In the second (eastern) "cabin" there is the gymnasium and group sessions hall. The adjacent northern "cabin" holds the reception desk, administrative and utility rooms. The patient rooms are in the western "cabin", while the specialists and guests are accommodated on the second floor of the northern "cabin". The complete construction forms a cross shape, which on the one hand provides a clear functional division of space and on the other hand it unites all the zones around the fireplace. Besides, the cross shape ensures the optimum distribution of areas in accordance with their functionality. The sunshine reaches the central fireplace through the glazed roundabout galleries. The vertical ladder shafts tunnel the cross connecting different levels and providing access to the building from ground level and from the roof. Light wells penetrate the roof of the building providing additional natural lighting in the corridors and the lobby. A pedestrian ramp goes from the village to the lower entrance of the building. All the necessary communications will be laid on under the ramp.