ArchiTeam PaperNews

New hospital in close proximity to Kuwait International Airport

date added: 14.05.2012

The expansion of the existing Farwaniya Hospital is comprised of three new buildings: a new hospital with a large ER facility, surgical units, outpatient clinics, an oncology unit, and 465 patient beds; a physical therapy and dermatology clinic and a dental clinic and teaching facility. Constraints included close neighboring existing facilities and a height limitation due to the proximity of Kuwait International Airport. The patient experience and effectiveness of staff spaces are driving forces in the layout of the program and form was derived from those elements.

Farwaniya Hospital, Safat, Kuwait_1

There are three major components to Building One: the plinth, where diagnostics and treatment are located; the towers, which accommodate the in-patient rooms and the connector segment. The curvilinear forms of the patient bed wings bend to make the most of open views, and create the distinctive massing of the hospital. The free-flowing form of the connector, which houses waiting areas for patients' families and gathering areas for the staff, gently interweaves with the bed towers to augment the curved forms of the building. The connector was also designed to have maximum transparency along exterior walls to help with orientation within the building. Internal courtyards have been introduced in part to bring natural light into various spaces.

Farwaniya Hospital, Safat, Kuwait_3

Because of the hot climate of Kuwait, solar mitigation mechanisms have been incorporated into the façade system, as large expanses of exposed glass would allow for too much heat gain. The team devised a three-dimensional screen with openings that allow visibility to the specialised programs of the library, mosque and auditorium. The spacing of the apertures and the angles of the screen panels change gradually according to the program and orientation of each façade, to allow more or less light and view. This exterior architectural language is consistent among the three buildings. The design was approved by the client in 2012.

Source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com

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