chromatic interiors become part of the healing process in magicarch's 'nexus8' clinic in spain

‘nexus8’ by magicarch office is a traumatology and physiotherapy clinic in spain designed with chromatic interiors that vary depending on the patients’ needs. the multidimensional project envisions a new way of understanding health spaces, focusing on the ‘form of care’ of those involved. several atmospheres are created for climatic comfort, while the entire concept relies on rehabilitation techniques based on the hormonal responses of human beings. the different rooms of the clinic are characterized by the intensity, direction and saturation of the light that users perceive, depending on the space they are located in.all images courtesy of magicarch 

far from conventional stereotypes, magicarch‘s ‘nexus8’ introduces a healthcare concept that addresses the diverse needs of patients and the staff. the project is characterized by colorful interiors with a variety of textures and integrated furniture that play a central part in the healing process. the clinic’s main access is located in the center of the premises, allowing the waiting room and reception to operate as the core of the building. the main space is a diaphanous, well-ventilated room that benefits from the greater height and luminosity of the building, and where patients are always dressed.

in the east part of the clinic, magicarch has placed the rehabilitation gym, which is dominated by pink shades that help increase the levels of melatonin in patients, therefore decreasing their ailments. yellow filters provide sitting areas in front of the large windows, where the patient can rest or wait to be attended. the west zone encloses the medical consultation room, which comprises mainly blue shades that increase levels of cortisol, therefore improving concentration and helping during medical treatments and surgeries.

a polycarbonate wall separates individual spaces located at the end of the premises, where ceilings are lower in order to heat and ventilate rooms efficiently as patients will remove their clothes at this stage. climatic attention becomes a needed requirement in these spaces, while the ceilings there are backlighted with regulated light. the result is a clinic designed from a ‘chromatic and light metabolism’ perspective, where spaces are articulated through equipped devices, colors, light, acoustics, and temperature. 

‘this kubrick-ish spatial organisation combines an atmospheric and sustainable visual style due to air convection,’ notes magicarch. ‘that is a key factor contributing to a better climatic condition, and that leads to energetic and economic saving without the need of additional resources, thinking about a more sustainable future.’

project info:

name: nexus8

architect: magicarch

location: spain

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom