The new Health Center of Moreira de Cónegos, in Guimarães, stands out for its iconic form inspired by the “star of life,” the universal symbol for medical services. Developed on a single floor, the building integrates harmoniously with its surroundings, including a surrounding public park. The internal organization is radial, with functional spaces and dedicated entrances for patients, staff, and services. The use of materials such as blue concrete and black aluminum reinforces its architectural identity, making it a point of reference both at ground level and from an aerial view.
The new Moreira de Cónegos Health Center, in Guimarães from a volumetric point of view, is based on the shape of a “star of life”, an international symbol for medical services and equipment, clearly identifiable with the public health function.
The area surrounding the Health Center, excluding parking and road circulation areas, is made up of a public park for the enjoyment of the residents and users, consisting of tree and shrub vegetation, dry meadow and pedestrian paths, crossing and internal connection and external.
From a functional point of view, the Health Center has three permanent entrances: the main entrance, to the North, for user access; the entrance to the East with two different types of access: one for service and waste and the other for the entry of medical personnel and assistants (employees), including the entrance of stretchers, if necessary.
The interior organization of the building is radial. The central arrival nucleus allows access to the reception/secretariat area, for controlling and checking, as well as directing them to the waiting rooms.
From a functional point of view, the building is divided into wings, which respect the formal structure of the “star”, subdividing and organizing the program into smaller spaces.
The external coverings/finishes are: walls in colored reinforced concrete with a deactivated and bush-hammered finish, blue; black anodized aluminum facade system for external openings; inverted roof finished in blue, colored draining concrete. The external coverings/finishes are: walls in colored reinforced concrete with a deactivated and bush-hammered finish, blue; black anodized aluminum facade system for external openings; inverted roof finished in blue, colored draining concrete.
See more images in the gallery below
Multiple drawings are provided below for reference
Project Information
Project name: The New Health Center of Moreira de Cónegos
Architecture Office: StudioCAN
Main Architect: Arq. Ricardo Bastos Areias and Arq. Miguel Borges da Costa
Location: Rua do Bacelo, Moreira de Cónegos, Guimarães, Portugal
Total area: 875,00 m2
Builder: NVE engenharias, S.A
Inspection: PROSPECTIVA, S.A
Engineering, Acoustic Design, Fluids Engineering: PROJEGUI-Projectos de Construção Civil de Guimarães Lda
Landscape: JAG - Arquitetura Paisagista
Light Design: SAMPAIO Engenharia Electrotecnica
Thermal Engineering: CLE, Lda
Interior Design, Visual identity, illustrations: StudioCAN
Architectural Photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio
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