Healthcare SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Wellness and Architecture – Health Center de Bembibre by Gabriel Gallegos Borges

The health center is composed of two distinct sections: a primary two-story building with a pitched roof and a secondary wing that accommodates the emergency services area and essential facilities. The design approach uses the consultation room as a modular base, resulting in a rectangular footprint that organizes the interior space.

The varied orientations of the structure and the angled roof help create different visual and functional experiences on each side of the building. The northern facade, which is more prominent due to its height and urban character, features a canopy that extends from the building to shelter the emergency entrance. This entrance is accessible from an internal road that connects the side streets and provides access to designated parking areas for staff and visitors. On the southern side, facing the park, the architecture becomes softer and more integrated into the landscape. Light structures, such as trellises covered in climbing plants for sun shading, and a pergola at the main entrance, blur the boundary between the building and the surrounding greenery, fostering a sense of openness and calm.

"Blending into its surroundings, the center offers a space of healing and connection. It respects the town’s identity while providing essential services with elegance."

The exterior materials pay homage to traditional local construction techniques, with a brick base and an upper section finished with stucco. The pitched roof is made of asphalt sheeting with slate granules and zinc sheeting, materials commonly used in the El Bierzo region. This choice not only connects the building to its cultural context but also ensures durability and low maintenance. The continuity of the brick base into the interior creates a seamless transition that unifies the exterior and interior environments.

Inside, two courtyards form the heart of the building's layout, serving as organizing elements that shape the spatial experience of the Health Center. These courtyards, which are symmetrical at the roof level, feature dynamic spatial changes on the lower levels to meet the functional requirements of the various departments. The courtyards bring in natural light, enhancing the atmosphere and visual connections within the building. Their transparency adds a sense of openness, creating a more welcoming environment that aims to promote the well-being of patients and staff alike.

"Embracing traditional materials and modern sustainability, the Health Center de Bembibre sets a new standard for community-focused healthcare design."

These courtyards are covered by skylights and function as thermal regulators for the building. Adjustable sunshades and automated ventilation openings help manage solar gain and air circulation, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. This sustainable approach aligns with the architectural philosophy of the project, which aims to balance functionality, comfort, and environmental consciousness.

Although construction faced delays due to intermittent interruptions brought on by external circumstances, these setbacks did not compromise the final quality of the project. The health center ultimately achieved its vision of creating a space that integrates wellness and architecture, contributing positively to the urban fabric of Bembibre. It stands not only as a healthcare facility but also as a community landmark that respects the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

The landscape design surrounding the Health Center further enhances the connection between the built environment and nature, creating a therapeutic atmosphere for visitors. The thoughtful incorporation of green spaces, including native plantings and landscaped pathways, encourages outdoor interaction and offers areas of respite for both patients and staff. These natural elements, combined with the light-filled courtyards, aim to foster a healing environment where the boundary between indoors and outdoors is softened.

This integration of nature not only supports the well-being of those who use the facility but also reinforces the building's role as a calming and revitalizing space within the urban fabric of Bembibre. The Health Center de Bembibre is a testament to the thoughtful design and planning that prioritize human comfort and environmental harmony, offering a model of healthcare architecture that could inspire future projects.