Uganda Dental and Vision Clinic | Bwindi, Uganda | 2018

Architects: Paul Lukez Architecture
Client: Private
Photographers: Roni dos Santos, 3D Visualization & Rendering

This 10,000 sqft dental and vision clinic is designed to create a welcoming, effective space for serving the dental and vision needs of Bwindi's targeted population.

The client group is supported in part by US-based philanthropies while engaging additional medical support and services from international universities and hospitals. This clinic's design gently engages the landscape, using nature as a partner in nurturing and restoring health.

The spaces are organized around a beautiful courtyard/garden. Dental and vision wings are connected to a centrally located entry pavilion. These three program elements are sheltered and unified by a simple L-shaped roof canopy that extends beyond the outer perimeter of the medical spaces. This creates deep overhanging roofs, which shade walkways, exterior spaces, and gardens. All of these interior and exterior spaces embrace and define a lush courtyard that comprises smaller gardens and resting/seating areas. The courtyard's geometry is deliberately shaped as a square, which helps to define a uniquely memorable place in Bwindi.

The simple shed of the clinic's structure comprises a shallowly sloped roof supported by regularly spaced beams and rafters. This structure can be built of local wood, steel, or a combination of available materials. The roof structure is supported by bearing walls and beams as needed. The typical structural bays occur every estimated 12-14 feet, which coincides with efficient bay sizes for medical and dental service spaces. Where larger spaces are required, larger beams supported by intermediate columns can replace the bearing walls.

The roof canopy extends well beyond the outer perimeter of the medical spaces. This allows adequate protection from heavy rains while providing comfortably shaded exterior spaces where patients, families, doctors, and staff can rest or wait for treatment and recovery.

The architects envision using local construction techniques. Most structural walls can be built of concrete block or poured concrete and clad in stucco or other local exterior material finishes.

Columns can be built of wood, steel, concrete, or some combination thereof. The renderings show pairs of wood columns bound as one unit. These columns support a tree-like truss on the roof's exterior perimeter. This column-and-truss structure is inspired in part by local forests and jungle canopies. Where possible, two types of screen-like walls are integrated into the clinic's design. Brick walls are on the outer perimeter of the medical spaces. Renderings show one type of screen pattern allowing about 50% of the available light to penetrate the wall. However, local artisans can develop brick patterns of all types; each bay could be a uniquely designed pattern. The light that comes through the wall will generate intriguing shadow patterns at sunset.

Wood screens, often at higher elevations, are oriented in vertical or horizontal patterns, depending on which functions better in a particular location.

Both screen systems allow for natural ventilation; cool breezes can be filtered by the courtyard gardens and flow through the medical spaces. Ceiling fans can also move air through the spaces. Irrigation water is captured from the roof and stored and redistributed as needed. Ground well water provides potable water. In the future, adding solar power to the expansive roofs is under consideration.

In summary, this project reflects the integration of local materials and craftsmanship in building a recuperative environment that helps uplift health and the economy.