THE SITE
The site is on a corner–lot situated within the Epe General Hospital, Epe, Lagos state. It is trapezoid in shape and measures at about 2,107sqm and bounded on three sides by roads and by another plot on one side. The existing trees and vegetation that conflicts the building footprints are to be carefully removed and replanted while others are left to provide shades and cool breeze. There are three entrances/exits into the site; one is a pedestrian/vehicular entrance while the other two situated at the right side of the site are ambulance emergency entrance/exit. The parking lots are zoned at the front of the site to reduce vehicular activities at the heart of the site.
For future expansion, the remainder of the plot at the back of the proposed building is properly mapped out with all necessary setbacks clearly indicated.
Infrastructural Services and Utilities
The site will be served by all the major utilities providers. However, as back-ups, treated water, oxygen room and solar panels etc. have been taken into consideration in our design proposal to ensure the site is self-sufficient.
Town Planning Controls/ Constraints
All relevant and basic planning constraints have been duly followed. Final approval is subject to assessment from the Planning Authorities.
DESIGN LITERATURE
To fulfil the client’s requirements of a well-integrated medical facility which would adequately serve the function of a Level IV trauma center – and after several design review sessions with key stakeholders, we proposed a highly efficient linear internal layout with interconnected spaces. The same idea is echoed on the building’s exterior form.
The centre is spread across two (2) levels and sub-divided into four (4) zones of Red, Yellow, Blue and Green with all the zones connected and accessed by a central core and lobbies. The red and yellow zones are at ground level and caters for the A&E and the Observation respectively while on the upper level, the green zone accommodates the Administration and the Support is in the blue zone.
Externally, we look to create a simple yet striking centre that showcases the collaborative and can-do spirit of both the Lagos State Government and Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation. On approach, the building spreads its “arms/wings” ready and willing to embrace and offer optimum care to patients and also provide a conducive environment for staff and guests alike.
Slats/screens, pressed tyrolean/burnt bricks, shaded entrance porch and recesses are adopted to express the building’s character. Trees and potted plants are incorporated into the scheme to gently animate the building and make people think again of how health facilities are perceived.
Upon completion, the centre will serve the people of Epe and its environs and ultimately help save lives as there is no purpose designed/built facility of such within and around that axis.
