RENOVATION AND EXTENSION OF THE MOISÈS BROGGI PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE
The project involves the renovation and extension of the Moisés Broggi Primary Care Center in La Escala, an original building from 2001 designed by architects Pere Llimona and Xavier Ruiz Vallès, perhaps one of their last works.
The extension is designed as a replica of the existing building (a matter of affection rather than respect for its heritage status), using the same modular structure of 30x30 concrete columns, the same 3.30m-wide module (a consultation room), and the same material, burnt brick. We aligned the facades and equalized the heights. The differences are subtle and deliberate, such as the new placement of the same original brick, but in a soldier course pattern. In fact, details of the Llimona-Ruiz Vallés residential building on Calatrava Street in Barcelona were studied and incorporated, almost as if the architects themselves were extending their own building. We want the image to be not that of an old building with a clearly differentiated, modern extension, but quite the opposite: we want the extension to be integrated into a single complex where we seek similarities rather than differences. The extension is conceived as a continuation of the existing Health Care Center (CAP), creating a single, interconnected complex rather than two independent buildings. The replication of its structure, proportions, and materiality reinforces this continuity, while new spaces strengthen the relationships between patients, healthcare professionals, visitors, and emergency services personnel.
The extension is a clear, bold volume, but perforated with courtyards, pergolas, and double heights, which adds character without increasing the surface area and improving the building's environmental performance.
In terms of the program, we optimized the circulation and allowed for multiple circuits: On the ground floor, the reception area of both buildings is unified into a large lobby accessible from both sides at all times, and on the first floor, the connection of the existing consultation rooms with the new program is improved. The entire continuous care area is organized on the ground floor, with direct access from both the ambulance parking area and the staff area. The SEM (emergency unit) base is on the first floor. Some parts of the old building have been relocated and retrofitted without affecting its operation.
A large entrance porch acts as a transition between the street and the Health Centre, welcoming visitors and ambulances while creating a protected space for meeting and waiting. The completely levelled access ensures universal accessibility and provides a comfortable and easily recognizable arrival. Inside, courtyards, double-height spaces, and shared areas create places to pause, meet, and interact.
The project also pays a particular attention to the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and patients. Rest areas and accommodation are incorporated for staff working in continuous care and emergency services, while the western strip is preserved as a therapeutic garden. This space was developed together with the medical community, who selected the plant species and requested that the area remain open to create their own rose garden.
Co-creation also extends to the cultural identity of the centre. The medical community participated in selecting two historical photographs from La Escala’s archive, which have been enlarged into large murals within the two buildings. The images recall the town’s fishing heritage, bringing local memory into the everyday experience of the Health Centre and allowing the community to recognize its own history within the building.
