Soham Heart Clinic is located in the premise of Nerul railway station, a rectangular space on the first floor overlooking the railway station on east side and main road on the west. The existing structure consisted of columns and deep beams which divided the space into strikingly different sized seven rectangles. Mr. Mallakmir, the founder of this clinic and well known cardiologist wanted the space to tackle the anxiety and fear of the patient and their relatives.
The experimentation was essential to shift from the conventional image of clinic and to narrate the experience of “pause” and relief from anxiety. Considering the existing structural grid, functions were introduced from the derived program to fit appropriately, allowing natural light and ventilation. Transition was formed by reducing the volume for the passage, this emphasized the connection of seven volumes, while the spaces with lesser movement were placed under low height lofts. This grid is manipulated as per the program thus losing the memory of prior space while dwelling into a new identity.
The natural light from east and west flood the space with light throughout the day, introducing solid partition was not an option here, and so fluted glass became the dividing material which allowed light through the cabin into the passageway. Fluted glass offered a sense of transparency and privacy at the same time, while in space making, the spaces seemed merging into one another making it appear bigger than it was.
To appeal as tranquil, a space devoid of powerful emotional triggers was required; ocean blue and concrete grey with tints of grey and white became the fundamental colour palate. The furniture required here was raised from floor and similarly, an inverted rectangular box was suspended from the ceiling. The edge of this inverted box was stationed with lights that elevated the roof and cast subtle light on the vertical surface. It formed a uniform volume creating a conflation of horizontal and vertical planes. This configuration of deep ceiling, subdued furniture and colour that flow from one surface to another crafted the monolithic space. Further detailing of texture by embodying depth to the lines derived visual textures while making the space appear uniform and soothing.