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Architects: Carlos Sánchez, Luis Navarro, Ángel Martínez
- Year: 2011
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Photographs:Luis Navarro + Ángel Martínez
Text description provided by the architects. In 2010 the Council of Novelda raises the need to reform and adapt existing building of Jorge Juan School for creating a Day-care Centre for Alzheimer's patients and the execution of the building works for approval as a registrated Day-care Centre institution.
The building consists on 2 renovated floors, proposing the adaptation and adjustment of the interior spaces to comply with the minimum requirements and removal of architectural obstacles. It also proposes the construction of an annex building, in the free zone of the plot with ground floor development complementary to the existing building that contains the main uses of the centre (stimulation classrooms, multipurpose room, dining room and gym).
The system is clear in concept, it is a "fishbone" building that displays programs on both sides in order to facilitate the orientation and movement of the future users.
But this condition does not affect the use of the building. Beyond the functional development of the building program we want to improve the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients, not only with the addition of light and color contrasts in the centre but also with the interaction between interior-exterior spaces of the building with its plot. These "micro-patios", small garden space reserves encapsulated between the projections of the building will serve to "remind" the patient well-being they deserve.
We realize that architecture can not cure diseases. But we can help, by our actions, contribute to improve the conditions in which Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers day to day.
