A reason to smile: Clinic in Airdrie

Clinic in Airdrie is a 218 sqm project located in Airdrie, Alberta — a relatively new city surrounded by fields of nature. The area is a product of a rigorous block system that was adopted to the city planning in the 20th century.

Designed by Mohammed Eimar, the previously vacant tenant place sits at the ground level of a chamfered corner of a commercial complex block. The chamfering blocks that have been emerging in the cities are perceived as an embellishment and a modernization of urban space.

The design did not start as a rational response by producing homogeneous spaces that are based on pure functionalism, instead, the architect imagined the space inside as a continuous field from the outside, connected to the city and its generic spaces.

The continuity is expressed in a series of common spaces which connects the whole project.  The fluid space extends largely close to the windows filled with natural light, while the enclosed rooms, that are much smaller in area, are positioned in an intermittent manner in the main area.

“This rift between openness and enclosure aims to establish a non-everyday experience environment yet sharing one place: a place offering users to move around without interruption so that their various activities can be encouraged,” says the architect.

Seeing that Airdrie is well known for the massive amount of snow that falls along the year, the field responds to weather conditions with a roof that folds against the snow. The faceted ceiling drops from the top to the ground creating a three dimensional space in the main open orthodontics area. This unifying gesture creates a big common space – all seats are open to each other. 

The field has no clear directionality. It is made by a hybrid structure of wood and metal studs. The system allows for dynamic walls expressed in poly faceted surfaces in order to ensure visibility and efficiency. The wooden surfaces along with customized furniture gently mark off spaces, while incorporating important functions to operate the clinic. 

“I was able to produce a new typology that is looking after Airdrie grounds, supporting its social activities in various ways, rather than simply interior boxy rooms,” says the architect.