Maternity Center Letná

Maternity center – new typological and legislative species at the edge of Prague historical center.

Maternity center long-term functioning is well known from Western countries. In our country the voices have been calling for a long time after its introduction, especially from women looking for a safe alternative to the birth in hospitals. The reason is the longstanding critique of the behavior of hospitals. Their institutional nature and the need to "get rid of" large numbers of parents does not allow the individual approach that is so much needed in this life event. The maternity is not a disease and there is no need to force women to give a birth in a stressful environment. The statistics show that the number of women who need to be in the hospital under the supervision of doctors is only 5-10%. The current situation forces women to go to the hospital or risk giving birth alone at home. Maternity centers are strictly intended for non-risk women with a natural physiological process of childbirth.\nThe maternity center is a compromise between the hospital and the home: its appearance and atmosphere reminds the home environment and at the same time provides professional care from midwife. In case of birth complications, the maternity center has a contractual relationship with a close hospital. The house also provides prenatal and postpartum counseling and various other courses to expand awareness of the issue among the public.\nThe house is designed on the border of the city and the park naturally descends along the slope. Proximity to the building of the polyclinic creates tension, both buildings together define the garden and give it a more intimate scale. The slope is presented in the house with a straight staircase following its shape. The interior corridor is illuminated by a skylight, which points out the construction. To the waterfront street, the house has a classic street facade. To the park house acquires the character of the pavilion. The ambulances are parked at the lower street next to the polyclinic.