The relocation of the Adler Museum of Medicine: an opportunity for transformation and integration.

This article discusses the proposed relocation of the Adler Museum of Medicine from the grounds of the South African Medical Research Institute in Braamfontein to the Faculty of Health Sciences in York Road, Parktown. It outlines the future role of the new Adler Museum and investigates principles governing museum design which are applied to the design proposals for the Museum. An analysis is made of the existing Faculty of Health Sciences building as a precursor to the formulation of a design concept which seeks to incorporate the Adler Museum into the existing Medical School building. Using a medical analogy, the condition of the present Medical School building (the quality of environment and amenity offered) is diagnosed in terms of architectural and spatial criteria. A curative design solution which includes application of architectural and urban design principles and relies on the relocation of the Adler Museum to the foyer of the existing Medical School is proposed.