AFHny’s design concept integrated architectural strategies with CFH’s mission to make health care available and accessible to at-risk populations. Before the renovation CFH had been operating in sub-par conditions – their entire team worked out of a closet that was 13 feet long by 7 feet wide. This served as their exam room and the medical and counselling team provided by The Institute for Family Health did not have easy access to a sink, running water or private space to advise clients on intimate matters such as HIV counselling. The renovation included a new exam room, triage space, two counselling rooms, two offices, reception, copy centre and storage. The total square footage of CFH’s medical space is now 500 square feet. Translucent sliding pocket doors maximise the limited space, built-in desks are topped with Corian for durability, and new lighting brightens the renovation. A refinished floor and steel plates now cover what was once an open plumbing trough. AFHny collaborated with CFH, BCI and the Church toward the goal of providing a clean, safe construction site with a minimal amount of interference in BCI’s outreach services. Since the space is occupied 24 hours a day, non-VOC paint and formaldehyde-free insulation were used, as neither product off-gas toxic volatile organic compounds. Many people and organisations within the building community made the renovation possible through donations of time, services, and materials. Without their generosity this project would not have been possible within the budget provided. This list includes, but is not limited to: 3-Form (ecoresin doors), Hafele (door and cabinet hardware), Bettencourt Green (AFM Safecoat paint and Bonded Logic Denim Insulation), Evans+Paul (Corian, fabrication), Elkay (sink and faucet), Gateway (plumbing services), The Door Stop (door frames) and Aura Lighting (lighting). Debbian Fletcher-Blake, CFH’s Director of Clinical Programs, stated that the agency ‘is so grateful for the generous donation of time, services and materials by so many on behalf of so many. The result is a clinic that is not only cost effective and aesthetically pleasing, but one that, most importantly, enhances the dignity and care accorded to our clients’.
AFHny worked to create a design process that fostered new relationships between the nonprofit clients and the local building community. Each team member brought a specific expertise to the process, making the overall project possible. It is this collaboration which best embodies the spirit of sustainability AFH pursues in providing architectural solutions to communities in need. The resulting renovation supports the belief that when resources are scarce, small architecture matters. v
above top: AFHny team members demonstrate the new 3-Form sliding doors above: AFHny team trapped in a new CFH office: designers Shelby Doyle and Deborah Buelow and architectural theorist Pollyanna Rhee
54
On Site review 23 Small Things
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator