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Porous Concrete Facade and Biophilic Sky Gardens Enhance Urban Hospital Design

Author:
Svetlana Kizilova
Porous Concrete Facade and Biophilic Sky Gardens Enhance Urban Hospital Design

Project in-detail

With a twisting silhouette of porous concrete and lush biophilic sky gardens, the design transforms urban healthcare by providing a sustainable and healing environment for COVID-19 patients.
5 key facts about this project
01
The hospital incorporates biophilic sky gardens that provide therapeutic outdoor spaces for patients and staff.
02
A porous concrete façade enhances natural ventilation and reduces energy consumption throughout the facility.
03
High-performance glass is strategically used to maximize natural light while minimizing heat gain.
04
Research laboratories are integrated within the hospital, fostering innovation in pandemic response strategies.
05
Flexible interior spaces allow for rapid reconfiguration to adapt to changing healthcare needs.
The architectural design project under discussion is a vertical hospital conceived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, strategically located in São Paulo, Brazil. This project exemplifies a modern approach to healthcare architecture, aiming to address the pressing needs of urban populations while providing an efficient and healing environment for patients and medical staff.

This hospital stands as a reflection of contemporary architectural ideas, merging functionality with a thoughtful design that promotes both health and well-being. Its verticality is not only a pragmatic response to land scarcity in dense urban areas but also an innovative solution that allows for the incorporation of essential facilities in a compact footprint. This design is particularly relevant in São Paulo, a city characterized by its high population density and complex urban landscape, where traditional horizontal hospital designs may not be sustainable.

The primary function of this vertical hospital encompasses a range of healthcare services tailored to treat COVID-19 patients while ensuring an environment conducive to healing. The facility includes research laboratories, specialized medical wards, and communal spaces, all designed with user-centered principles. Each element of the building is purposefully planned to enhance the operational flow of medical staff, improve patient care, and facilitate medical research and innovation.

One of the key aspects of this project is its emphasis on natural light and ventilation. Large expanses of high-performance glass are integrated into the façade, creating bright and airy spaces that reduce the need for artificial lighting and promote energy efficiency. The incorporation of porous concrete for the outer skin further enhances the building's ability to naturally ventilate, contributing to a healthier indoor atmosphere. This thoughtful selection of materials reflects the project’s commitment to sustainability and its role in supporting the well-being of users.

A notable feature of the design is the inclusion of sky gardens, which serve multiple functions. These green spaces not only provide areas for patients and staff to relax and recuperate but also act as natural air filters and temperature regulators. The gardens enhance the hospital’s biophilic design aspects, connecting individuals with nature, which is increasingly recognized as vital to mental health and recovery.

The overall architectural form of the hospital is characterized by its dynamic, twisting silhouette that emerges from the site. This design approach fosters connection between various functions within the building while also appealing visually to the urban context. The creative layout encourages a seamless transitions between different hospital zones, allowing for flexibility in how spaces are utilized over time.

Moreover, the hospital’s strategic allocation of spaces directly addresses the principles of infection control and patient safety. The careful zoning of areas for patients, medical staff, and researchers minimizes cross-contamination risk while promoting collaboration among healthcare professionals. Flexibility is further demonstrated in the adaptable configuration of the interior spaces, allowing them to be reconfigured in response to shifting healthcare needs.

The integration of advanced technology within the building is another remarkable aspect. The design includes tech-enabled places that streamline operations and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. By harnessing modern technology, the hospital facilitates innovative medical practices, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

This architectural project goes beyond merely providing physical shelter. It embodies a comprehensive response to urban healthcare challenges while presenting a model for future hospitals that prioritize adaptability, sustainability, and the human experience. By focusing on these crucial elements, the design represents a proactive stride toward reforming healthcare architecture for urban contexts in a post-pandemic world.

For those interested in exploring this project further, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and innovative design approaches, a deeper investigation into the architectural presentation is highly encouraged. Understanding the nuances of this project can provide invaluable insights into the future of healthcare facilities in urban settings.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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