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Æ ArchitecturE
Salmon Lane
London - E14 7PQ
MLU
Project: Midwives Led Unit, Thameside Hospital | London (UK)
Status: Completed
Æ was asked to redesign an existing MLU at Tameside Hospital, Æ was involved in all project phases until handover.
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The project consists of the requalification of an existing Antenatal Ward at Tameside Hospital.
The proposed MLU is formed of 3 new birthing rooms, a flexible teaching space, a nurses' office and medical utilities.
The general concept was to provide a homey environment for the new mums, that could make the experience of giving birth one of the most memorable ones. HYGGE was indeed the central theme of the design, the Scandinavian concept of a "gentle or soothing" atmosphere - generally the antithesis of a medical environment, with its great amount of mechanical and medical devices – but yet, not impossible.
hygge.
[hoo-ga} noun
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A complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things.
The three birthing rooms - within their imperceptible squared envelopes – are perceived as organic spaces, mimicking the maternal womb. The curved white ceiling and matching curved floor borders have the purpose of merging the squared edges of the rooms, achieving the wanted effect of a distorted perception of the boxy space, hence an organic space.
All the mechanical services are carefully hidden within the black deep reveals of the ceiling bulkheads, with the “annoyingly overwhelming” mechanical grilles just tight within these – with “gentle and soothing” curves prevailing.
Site pictures below with colour changing dimmable lights.
WOMB + WATER + HYGGE