The renovation of Casa Donk: improving access to healthcare for vulnerable people

Assignment: interior design for the renovation of a multipurpose healthcare facility
Services: Concept design, Detailed design, Construction supervision

In Trieste, we recently completed the renovation of Casa Donk, a healthcare facility providing accessible social and healthcare services to vulnerable individuals. This multipurpose space will house a social and health guidance desk, a medical clinic, and a psychological support service. All of these aim to combat poverty and health illiteracy.

The aim of Casa Donk is to provide timely and effective healthcare to all those who, for various reasons, have difficulty accessing the National Health Service, such as foreign nationals. During visits, DonK HM operators prescribe treatments, recommend primary prevention practices, and raise awareness about hygiene and health through educational initiatives.

Our renovation of Casa Donk

Before beginning the design process, we ran a participatory workshop with key members of the association to ensure the project would be relevant to the end users. We then selected keywords to guide the project: welcoming, identity-based, synergistic, for everyone, flexible, recognisable, evolving, beautiful.

The existing space at Casa Donk required modifications to improve its efficiency and appeal within a limited budget. The space was disproportionate, being long and narrow with a sloping roof. There was also no direct view of the outside, and the flooring, lighting and exposed wiring made it unwelcoming.

We intervened by expanding the external façades, creating micro-areas in large spaces, and selecting adaptable furnishings. All furnishings are mobile and equipped with wheels. This allows the space to be quickly reconfigured as a conference room, exhibition area, training space, meeting room, or night-time waiting area.

We also gave Casa Donk, which was previously bare and neutral, a new visual identity using simple, low-cost tools. First of all, we used the colours red and turquoise, which characterise Donk, to create a sense of identity. In addition, the colour on the walls uses the pitched roof (a previous weakness) to suggest the concept of home. Inside these “houses” are the offices and clinics, designed with highly familiar solutions (carpets, soft seating, use of wood, plants). The red panels on the ceiling help to make the existing lighting system more welcoming. This is also complemented by new lamps that lend the space a distinctly domestic feel.

Working closely with the DonK team, we made this space both efficient and welcoming. Beauty, achieved through simple gestures and sought with discretion, will be a fundamental part of the care and hospitality process.

Casa Donk’s goal is to serve as a replicable model for other clinics, raising awareness of health choices and making healthcare accessible to all.