As the inaugural phase of a larger development strategy, The American Samoa Specialized Hospital (ASSH) marks the cornerstone of a comprehensive master plan that promises innovative, accessible healthcare services and amenities for this Pacific Island community. More than just a hospital, it embodies a vision of healing, community connection, cultural preservation, and sustainability.
Inspired by the atafa bird, a revered symbol in Polynesian culture, the hospital's iconic roof sets the tone for the arrival experience. Just as the atafa guided Polynesian voyagers to new horizons, the hospital beckons patients and visitors to embark on journeys of healing and discovery.
Healing, in our design philosophy, transcends medical treatment; it encompasses the physical environment and community interaction. Biophilic principles infuse every aspect of the hospital, with green spaces visible from patient rooms and corridors, fostering a sense of connection to nature. Interacting with the community is integral to the healing process. A forest-inspired performance stage, lush green walkways, shaded plazas, and lawns offer spaces for communal gatherings and connections. Engaging local artists to infuse the interior with unique Samoan elements underscores our commitment to honoring the community's cultural heritage.
Sustainability and resilience are central tenets of our design ethos. By dedicating over half of the site area to blue-green infrastructure, we return the land to its natural state. Mitigating threats posed by excessive rainfall via raised buildings, retention ponds, and permeable grass pavers ensures the hospital's resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The expansive atafa roof canopy, coupled with abundant trees, minimizes solar heat gain while promoting energy efficiency and environmental harmony.
In crafting the American Samoa Specialized Hospital, we not only build a facility for healing, but also a sanctuary for culture, community, and nature that embraces the richness of Samoan culture for generations to come.
The landscape surrounding the American Samoa Specialized Hospital (ASSH) is not merely a picturesque backdrop; it is an integral component of healing. Nestled within the lush greenery of the Pacific Island country, ASSH's landscape narrative unfolds as a testament to thoughtful design, ecological stewardship, and the vibrant diversity of American Samoa.
A commitment to sustainability permeates every aspect of the design. Embracing a holistic approach, the landscape seamlessly blends with the built environment, amplifying the hospital's passive design strategies and blue-green infrastructure while fostering pedestrian connectivity. Retention ponds and rain gardens dot the grounds. Microclimate strategies, such as large shading tree canopies, efficient building orientation, and evaporative cooling, optimize visitor comfort and energy efficiency.
The design intentionally elevates the first floor to prevent flooding and utilizes an open ground level to allow pedestrian flow and increase natural ventilation while blocking storm-driven high winds. A 43-foot cantilevering roof helps to capture peak flood events in rock gardens that serve as temporal retention ponds while shaping the site’s relaxing outdoor spaces. By dedicating over half of the site area to green coverage and utilizing permeable pavement, the project minimizes its environmental impact and creates a soothing oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of hospital life.
Community engagement lies at the heart of the design, providing ample opportunities for social interaction, relaxation, and reflection. Shaded plazas, outdoor seating areas, and meandering pathways invite individuals to linger and commune with one another and, with their loved ones under hospital care, foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness. A performance stage nestled within a forest setting offers a venue for cultural events and celebrations, further strengthening ties to the local community.
Through thoughtful design and ecological sensitivity, ASSH exemplifies the transformative power of landscape architecture in creating environments that nurture both people and the planet.
