In the last decade, the largest medical institution in the city of Vilnius, VšĮ Centro Poliklinika, has been actively modernizing and renovating its units, departments and centers. It was the turn of the Old Town Primary Health Care Center. The design company UAB "Aplan" is already finishing the modernization project of this unit, and the reconstruction works will start soon - only at a different address, because it has been decided to move the unit to new premises.
VšĮ Center polyclinic management Vilnius city municipality made a decision in Pylimo st. The 56 operating center polyclinic units of the Old Town primary personal health care center will be moved to Kauno st. 3 - the one currently here Vilnius city municipalities Premises of the social benefits department. in 2023 signed a contract for design services in July, the project of the new premises of the Old Town primary health care center is being prepared by one of the most experienced public purpose and cultural heritage design companies - UAB "Aplan", the supervision of the construction work is entrusted to UAB "Vilniaus vystymo kompaniya".
"Our goal is to provide patients with the highest quality healthcare services possible and to ensure that they are available easily and quickly. The building, which now houses the Center Polyclinic's Old Town Primary Health Care Center, is of old construction and is not properly adapted to the needs of patients and employees. Steep stairs and narrow corridors often become a challenge for parents with small children, persons with disabilities or elderly patients. Due to the heritage conservation requirements for the building, it is a real challenge to ensure a comfortable and safe working environment for all employees as well", explains Laima Skrickienė, VšĮ Center Poliklinikos, explaining the reasons for the relocation of the Old Town branch. director.
According to L. Skrickienė, the building to which it has been decided to relocate the Old Town primary health care center will be equipped with modern rooms adapted to the needs of patients and employees, and innovative systems will be installed to regulate the flow of patients.
Designers' challenges
According to Gytė Čeikuvienė, the coordinator of this project, the team of "Aplan" architects had a unique opportunity to apply their long-term professional practice and knowledge while preparing solutions for the reconstruction of the building. After changing the purpose of the building from administrative to medical, the premises were redesigned in accordance with the requirements of a modern family medical center.
"According to the hygiene standards of health care facilities, we adapted the spaces for the movement of disabled people, and we paid a lot of attention to the organization of intuitive movement in the building. We aimed to create a building that is not only functional, comfortable for both patients and staff, but also aesthetically attractive," says G. Čeikuvienė.
According to the project coordinator, Kauno st. The remodeling project of the building at 3 was quite a challenge. First, a thorough analysis of the building's old structures and materials had to be carried out. Having determined that the building consists of precast reinforced concrete structures, the columns are rigidly connected to shallow cup foundations, new solutions had to be designed taking into account a number of technical aspects and requirements.
Technological solutions - from good thermal insulation to modern engineering systems
In order to reduce energy costs, thermal insulation will be improved during the reconstruction. A comfortable microclimate in the building will be ensured at all times of the year by a mechanical ventilation system with a recovery and conditioning system. An additional elevator and lift will also be installed to help people with disabilities comfortably reach all floors of the building.
The heating system will also be modernized - it is planned to install new steel heating equipment with thermostatic valves and an automated balancing system to ensure optimal heat distribution.
Indoor and outdoor spaces are customized according to needs
After the reconstruction, the new building of the Old Town branch will be fully suitable for modern medical activities: there will be offices for doctors, nurses and other members of the family physician team, rooms for women's clinics, physical medicine and rehabilitation services, a laboratory, an X-ray room, and there will be additional spaces for administration and staff rest. Halls and corridors will be adapted for intensive movement, patients will be equipped with modern waiting areas with comfortable seats. The reception desk designed in the main hall with a seat for the administrator will ensure a smooth function of receiving patients and providing information.
Dedicated to attention and the environment of the building. It is located within a cultural heritage site, so all existing vegetation will be preserved, including two single deciduous trees, and new plants will be planted. The parking lot will be equipped with additional spaces for cars of patients with disabilities, as well as bike racks.
Currently, Kauno st. The Social Benefits Department, located in building 3, will continue its activities until the end of the design work. Directors of the Polyclinic of the VšĮ Center According to L. Skrickienė, it is expected that in 2027 the reconstruction works will be completed and the Old Town Primary Personal Health Care Center will be able to start operating in new, modern premises adapted to the needs of patients and employees.
