7. The Human Building Health Center
Whether this is a total coincidence, an amazing design achievement, or a horrible design fail—that is really disputed. Still, the Newmarket Health Centre's human-like architecture is very remarkable. Comical yet incredible at the same time, this construction features long, flinging limbs and legs and a small head. Who would not want to visit a health centre created in the form of a person? Particularly for children, this quirky approach to architecture could help healthcare seem more friendly and less frightening for patients. The lighthearted architecture invites enquiry and involvement, therefore transforming the health centre into a community monument. Imagine you phoned the health centre to arrange a visit and, when asked which ward you should visit, they only say, "room 110 in the left limb." This odd navigation technique gives what can sometimes be a trying experience some comic value. Though the idea is artistic, it also begs issues of accessibility and utility. For someone not familiar with the layout, would the design complicate wayfinding? In the end, this structure captures the amazing junction of design and utility in architecture.
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