- Architecture
- Masterplanning
- Urban Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Interior Design
- Town Planning
- Project Management
- Environmental Services
Middlewood Medical Centre
Date: 2005
A Medical Clinic
Client: United Healthcare Developments Ltd
Where once medical clinics were perceived to be cold and uninviting places that were difficult to navigate, the Middlewood Road Polyclinic in Sheffield challenges this by being a place where people can comfortably visit in a safe, warm and welcoming environment.
Designed around three wings, the polyclinic is clustered around a central hub, which acts as the key to the overall design. The hub is designed to draw patients and visitors into the building and its generous double height space allows people to orientate themselves, announce themselves at reception and move into the desired waiting areas. Included in the hub’s design is direct access to the pharmacy and the surrounding consulting and meeting rooms on the first and second floors, all of which have been flexibly designed to be as multifunctional as possible to cater to the different treatments and facilities provided by the clinic.
Landscaping plays a significant part in turning the polyclinic into a warm and welcoming space. PRP designed it to be set back slightly from the road so that all the mature trees which edge the site could be retained. Not only did this enhance the attractiveness of the site, but it also helped to create a leafy veil and provide important privacy for patients and staff. Full height and glazed windows in the waiting areas also provide great views of the external landscaped area, which help to create an interesting and relaxing distraction for patients.
The end result is a design that is highly efficient, attractive and well planned, that puts visitors at ease without compromising the functionality and access to services that the doctors and staff need.