CASA DE SALUD MALITZIN – Winter 1998-99

Site

Casa de Salud Malitzin
Ampliación Tajalpa
Tejalpa, Morelos, Mexico

Description

The second of the studio’s international undertakings, this community health center was completed over two academic years. Designed and built by two separate groups of visiting students from the University of Washington, the project’s program included a health clinic with an auditorium, clinical and physical therapy spaces, a temascal (native steam bath), a pharmacy, an open courtyard, and a biodigester.

Working on a polluted site with a steep grade, multiple orientations, and active street conditions, the students learned how to deal with a variety of complex variables as they drove to integrate proper security, ventilation, daylighting and shading into the project. By proactively engaging their neighbors through health fairs and open clinic days, the new community center provides a secure and comfortable place for the community to receive medical care and treatment.