CATFORD HEALTH CENTRE
by Stefano Towli
To combat the lack of any dedicated health facilities within Catford, the project combines GP and gym facilities within one building. Starting with a series of exercises exploring the qualities of linework, these gave way to explorations in a series of contextless linear spaces, where the lines described surface textures and light. These were then redesigned into abstract paintings with a focus on composition, which were reinterpreted to generate more spaces. The spaces held their single point perspective, so the natural design solution was to also design the building as a series of corridors connected back to a reception spine. The general arrangement of programmes was to split the administration, gym, and GP functions across three corridors on the ground level with open air spaces accessible either side of the gym. These house courts and swimming lanes, with access to additional rooftop courts which span across the bands of programme. The “Spirit of the Scheme” image displays the stacked bands of activity, with visual access across the programmes. representing the hive of activity contained within the much-needed health and fitness centre for the people of Catford.
