SLP Center Arc by HIBINOSEKKEI + FUKUSHIKEN: Creating an Inclusive and Nurturing Environment for All

SLP Center Arc, designed by HIBINOSEKKEI and FUKUSHIKEN, is a 1239 m² facility in Higashimurayama, Japan, completed in 2021. It serves as a multi-functional space integrating child development support, nursery services, pediatric medical care, and community consultation under one roof. The center is designed to foster inclusivity, allowing children with severe mental and physical disabilities, their families, and the local community to feel connected and comfortable.

Ground Floor: Blending Rehabilitation and Play

The ground floor houses child development support and nursery services, carefully arranged around a central courtyard. This thoughtful layout encourages natural interaction between children receiving rehabilitation and those in the nursery, fostering a sense of belonging. Play areas, halls, and slides are strategically positioned along a circular corridor to allow free movement and spontaneous encounters. The existing Konara oak tree within the courtyard remains untouched, adding a natural element that connects users with the changing seasons and the site’s history.

Second Floor: A Haven for Pediatric Care and Parental Support

The second floor is dedicated to pediatric medical services and parental respite. Positioned on the north side, where environmental conditions are more stable, the clinic offers a calming space for medical care. Surrounding the central courtyard are playrooms, resting areas, and respite rooms for parents, ensuring that caregivers have access to quiet and supportive environments.

Community Integration Through Thoughtful Design

The exterior of SLP Center Arc is intentionally open to the street and the park, making the building feel inviting and integrated with the local community. To ensure that the large structure blends seamlessly into the residential district, the design separates the building into distinct parts, reducing its visual scale and enhancing familiarity.

Sustainable and Symbolic Roofing

Inspired by the acorn caps of the Konara oak tree, the building’s roof and canopies use diamond-shaped shingles made of durable copper sheets. This roofing material, commonly used in historic churches and cathedrals, ensures longevity and reflects the project’s intent to contribute to the community for generations.

Warm and Sensory Interior Design

The interior incorporates natural materials, such as wooden flooring and painted walls, providing a warm and tactile environment that appeals to the senses. Radiant heating systems ensure a comfortable atmosphere, promoting well-being for both children and their families.

A Lasting Contribution to the Community

SLP Center Arc stands as a testament to inclusive architecture that merges functionality, sustainability, and community engagement. Its innovative design enriches the lives of children and families, offering a nurturing space where rehabilitation, play, and medical care coexist seamlessly.

All Photographs are works of Studio Bauhaus