ODDO architects reinterprets healthcare design with The Traditional Clinic by creating a sensorial experience of perceiving traditional medicine in Hanoi.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city of rich cultural heritage known for its centuries-old architecture. Along with the increasing rate of urbanization, Hanoi is now also home to 8 million residents. About 60% are located in the city’s center, which put a tremendous strain on the city. This inevitably leads to a lot of modern high-rises interwoven into the already dense urban fabric of Hanoi. This creates a cityscape with a concoction of diverse cultures leading to new cultural values gradually outpacing the old traditional ones.

Traditional Medicine, Natural Herbs, Wellbeing

Development is imperative for any economy to flourish, but it equally important for us to go back to the roots and adhere to its key traditional values. The rampant rise of western medicine has subdued the significance of traditional Vietnamese medicine. Traditional medicine is a discipline in Vietnamese medicine, by which, ailments are traditionally treated. The unique aspect of this practice is the use of natural materials and ingredients in its medicine. Each dose is a mixture of different herbs, made with formulae passed down through many generations and cultures, with strict verification of safety and effectiveness in treatment. The Traditional Clinic project aims to preserve and augment the positive values of traditional medicine giving out a quick reminder for the people to take care for their physical and mental wellbeing.

Strategic Location, 1100m², Reception & Clinic

The Traditional Clinic SPD is located right at the heart of the city. It is a part of a new mixed utility residential high-rise complex in Hanoi, strategically placed adjacent to one of the busiest traffic routes of a residential area. The total area of the project is 1100m². The core program is divided into two primary functions – a reception area on the ground floor located in the building’s main hall and a specialized clinical space on the 7th floor of the building. The reception on the ground floor serves as an information and knowledge hub for the visitors, propagating the ideals of traditional medicine to the masses and the clinical space is more elaborate with several designated functions

Striking Harmony of Tradition and Contemporary

The design is oriented around the utilization of natural materials - ceramic tiles, natural rock and wood that sets a warm and inviting feeling. It takes the user into a realm soaked in tradition, contemporary and modern environment. The focal point of the reception is the curved wall made of wood and rock. The spatial rhythm of the clinical space on the 7th floor is formed by 31 rock columns, spanning the hallway. The harmony of vertical architectural elements gives the space a sense of height, airiness and rhythm.

The project utilizes traditional materials procured from natural sources such as natural stone, fast growing pine wood and terracotta tiles. These materials are contextual – locally sourced as well as crafted by local craftsmen using traditional artisanal methods. One of the primary goals of the project was to emphasis the traditional practice of artisans. The propagation of traditional medicine itself sustains the culture and heritage of the society we are an integral part of.

While reinterpreting healthcare architecture from purpose-built spaces to an experience for the users, architecture steps onto the realm of healing. Amid the many discussion on how architecture can help the medical field, the attempt from ODDO architects to bridge design, traditional medicine and the concepts of health extends a unique perspective to understanding architecture’s role in the typology.