Curved concrete walls create "open and freeing environment" at veterinary hospital

Sculptural walls of curved concrete hug a series of planted terraces for cats and dogs at this veterinary hospital in Albania, designed by Swiss studio Davide Macullo Architects.

Located in the Albanian capital of Tirana, the 2,243-square-metre building contains both a vet clinic and a pet hotel across its three storeys.

According to Davide Macullo Architects, the clinic's curving concrete walls and outdoor terraces will contribute to the psychological welfare of pets being treated, by helping to "eliminate fears of enclosure".

"The hospital's soft, flowing exterior contrasts with the structured logic of the plan, creating a sense of wonder and harmony," said the studio.

"Just as in human healthcare, spatial psychology plays a critical role - the fluid forms eliminate any atavistic fears of enclosure, creating an open and freeing environment."

As well as giving the building what the studio calls a "fluid, sculptural" appearance, the exposed concrete walls were carried through to the interiors, where they shape a glazed entrance and reception area.

At the back of the building, the clinic's treatment rooms and offices occupy a more rectilinear, L-shaped area on the ground floor.

Above, these perimeter rooms feature slightly convex walls, created where the curving concrete forms disrupt the more orthogonal plan.

"What begins as simple, static geometry – rooted in spatial psychology and anthropological principles – unfolds into a dynamic network of curves that turn this space into a true place, full of movement and life," said the studio

"The contrast between soft, organic forms and the raw strength of brutalist concrete adds both practicality and aesthetic depth," it continued.

On the upper levels, public areas such as the corridors and a second floor canteen have access onto the clinic's elevated terraces, which are shaded by the sculptural walls and feature concrete planters.

Davide Macullo Architects intended for these terraces to act as therapeutic spaces for both the clinic's pet patients and their owners, creating semi-secluded areas away from the main clinic.

"The terraces and gardens are not merely decorative; they serve as therapeutic spaces for the 'patients', offering them light, air, and connection to nature," explained the studio.

"The organisation of spaces for cats and dogs follows the same principles as those for humans: comfort, separation where necessary, and a thoughtful approach to coexistence."

Other veterinary hospitals recently featured on Dezeen include Ontario's King Animal Hospital, the interiors of which were designed by Kelly Wearstler to evoke a sense of "calm and welcome".

The photography is by Leonit Ibrahimi.

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