Eben-Ezer Medical Clinic

Final Presentation Boards

Front entrance to the clinic.The expansion to the Eben-Ezer Medical Clinic in Haiti posed several unique problems that resulted in thoughtful results. The programmatic elements already present within the clinic were expanded upon to give the town a larger and more efficient clinic to serve the people of Fort Liberte. The design was driven by eight main heuristics: clear circulation, simple construction, passive ventilation, natural lighting, water collection and filtration, landscape architecture, regional materials, and privacy and security. These goals were implemented into the program: a waiting and check-in area, exam rooms, a lab and pharmacy, observation room, and staff facilities.

Floor Plan

The heuristics were the main driving factor behind many of the design decisions made within the clinic. The clear circulation determined the simple u-shape. This allows patients to clearly find their designated exam space and other key points within the clinic. The consistent eight inch grid overlaying the entire space, allows simple and easy construction for the Haitians. Passive ventilation and natural lighting were a given because of the lack of guaranteed electricity in Haiti. Louvered windows allows for natural light to filter into all interior spaces, as well as to take advantage of the north, north-eastern winds coming off of the neighboring bay. Water collection and filtration is also an important element in the design. There is no current system to provide running water to the people of Haiti, nor is there any filtration system. A system within the clinic would allow the rain water to be collected during the rainy season to provide the clinic with running water when needed.

Front elevation of the clinic.Section of the Eben-Ezer Medical Clinic.The last few heuristics were accomplished by establishing a central courtyard for additional waiting space and an area for educational purposes. The main concrete structure with the lighter wood columns uses common materials already found in Haiti. Iron work used for security purposes also uses regional materials and creates job for the local community. The privacy is accomplished by providing exam rooms for a single patient and curtains around the beds in the observation room. The clinic will provide medical help to the people of Fort Liberte through a simple and thoughtful design.

Transitional circulation space between exam rooms and courtyard.

Fort Liberte Medical Clinic - Erin + Emmie

Our goal for the addition of the existing medical clinic is to provide a larger facility that blends in with the Haitian surroundings, as well as make the patients and staff feel as comfortable as possible. We intend to implement this by utilizing passive ventilation and natural lighting as much as possible, and to thoughtfully consider the materials used throughout the project. Another important element is clear flow of circulation between the patients, the patient and staff members, and the staff alone.

The design was modified to include all of these aspects, as well as considering the sustainability of the building in regards to materials and the durability. We also considered the phasing of the project to help with the ease of construction.

After talking with several professionals and the nursing students at the Foundry event, suggestions, critiques, and praise were given about the current direction of our project. The idea of the clear circulation and the division between patient and staff areas was a positive aspect. As well as a central courtyard is important for the passive ventilation in addition to the calming effect.

Our next steps will be to consider all of the feedback given from the different professionals and nursing students. We will consider the circulation and placement of each program element. In addition the layout of the design, the exterior façade will be a major consideration to assist in directions and clarity. Another important element that will be addressed is the courtyard and how that helps with certain aspects of the circulation, aesthetics, and ventilation.