Beit-­‐Halochem  Rehabilita0on  Center  

By  Kimmel  Eshkolot  Architects  

Concept  

          This   though>ul  design   strategy   specifically   creates   a   sense  of  peaceful  safe-­‐haven   for   its   pa0ents.     War   veterans   seeking   mental   and   physical  rehabilita0on   can   come   to   this   place,   composed   of   five   massive   rock-­‐like  structures  separated  by  courtyards  and  covered  by  canopies,  to  recover  from  their  injuries.    

Plan  Organiza0on  

 The  plan   is   the   simple  composi0on  of   the   rocks  that  make  up  the  campus.    Each  is  a  building  with  its  own  specific  func0on  aimed  at  a  different  type  of  rehabilita0on.    The  different  spaces  include:    

Plan  Organiza0on  

Plan  Organiza0on  

Sec0on  Organiza0on  

  To   contrast   the   flatness   of   the   surrounding   desert   landscape,   the   height   of   the  building  volumes  creates   interest   in   sec0on.    Some  por0ons  such  as   the  sport  hall  and  swimming  pool  are  tall  and  open,  while  others   like  the  administra0on,  classes,  and  so  on  break  up  the  inner  volume  of  the  spaces.    The  angular  form  of  the  rock-­‐like  masses  mimic  the  surrounding  rocky  desert.  

Sec0on  Organiza0on  

Sec0on  Organiza0on  

Circula0on  

  The   “rocks”,   or   building   masses  accommodate   in0mate  and  quiet  func0ons,   while   the   nega0ve  space   between   them   creates  gathering   areas   and   defines   the  circula0on   in   the   building.     The  a l ignment   of   these   rocks ,  combined  with  the  thin  horizontal  roof  which  hovers  between  them,  creates  an   invi0ng  and  protected  courtyard�.  

Facades  

Beau0fully   formed   cast   in   place  concrete   create   the   “rocks”,  punctured   with   window   openings,  while  the  circula0on  is  enclosed  by  transparent   glass   corridors   and  covered   with   wooden   canopies.    This   material   choice   strengthens  the   tectonic   connec0on   of   solid,  private   forms   and   transparent,  open  circula0on  space.  

Facades  

Public/Private  Rela0onships  

Secure   spaces   cocooned   within   each  of   the   rocks   provide   privacy   for  pa0ents   in  classrooms  and  treatment  areas.     The   meandering   circula0on  creates  both  privacy   for  conversa0on  and   peace   of   spirit   with   a   strong  connec0on   to   the   visible   outdoor  landscape.  

Building/Landscape  Rela0onships  

 A  transi0on  between  the  cityscape  and  arid  desert.  

Building/Landscape  Rela0onships  

Way  Finding  Strategies  

 The  materials  of  stone  versus  transparent  glazing  is  the  primary  strategy  for  way  finding.    Glass  =  circula0on,  stone  =  func0onal  space    

Way  Finding  Strategies  

Evidence  Based  Features  

Transparency  allows  sunlight  and  views  of  nature  which  has  been  proven  to  expedite  recovery.    Peaceful  way  finding  strategies  also  decrease  stress  that  could  slow  this  process.  

Evidence  Based  Features