UFS Occupational Therapy

The allied health professionals being the occupational therapists, physiotherapists and dieticians are members of a profession which reach out in the community and stimulate physical recovery as well as being able to adapt to new restraints. The building was envisioned to capture these qualities and communicate it to the public. The building is designed in such a manner as to educate the students with specific skills in the fields of occupational therapy, physio therapy, and nutrition. Every group’s needs are met for their specific training needs, be it for strengthening of muscles or wheelchair training. The facility also caters for those who are coming for therapy; be it disabled or able-bodied persons. All are welcome at the skills centre. The building communicates through an interactive wall on the southern facade. Elements on the northern facade lead the students into the building, creating an intermediate space. The same concept is repeated on the southern facade, with a ramp that lifts and guides to the entrance. The splits in the southern facade allow the public to participate visually in the activities on the inside, giving them insight into the allied health professions. The courtyard in an extension of the skills laboratories, allowing students to do practical sessions inside, or, weather permitting, outside again visible to passersby.