Building planning for healthcare is probably one of the most complex challenges to solve; however it is also one of the most urgent needs of our country. For Adagio Arquitectos, being responsible for the design of the Hospital Faro del Mayab is a surpassing opportunity to contribute to well-being and health through its proposal. The approach to the project is based on a harmonious relationship between users and the site, promoting a sustainable architecture that rests on the balance between society, economy and the environment. It is related to the city, generating a public space that integrates art, welcoming and allows its free use, incorporating gardens and wooden areas that shades the surrounding pedestrian traffic.
Its architecture proposes an image of a non traditional hospital that provides security and solidity, made up of a base -which contains the critical areas- and above it rises a narrow grooved block which houses the areas of hospitalization rooms and doctor’s offices with views to the city.
The architecture concept rests in a contemporary bed canopy (or a mosquito net) made of concrete and glass. This concept pretend to evoque the protection of a bed canopy over the people below. Basically this is a three piece building: the access frame, the base and the grooved block.
The emplacement of the building is carried out with the intention of keeping the spaces of longer permanence to the north, more favorable orientation; and towards the south, the horizontal and vertical circulations, sifting the sunning and thermal gain. This results in significant energy savings as well as efficiency in the operation of the hospital.
Starting from this decision, the rooms, doctor’s offices and linear interior courtyards in emergency areas, imaging and surgery are arranged to the north, with large windows that allows the entry of natural light, positively transforming these areas. In the south, the circulations and generous halls of multiple heights create, through mullions, a subtle play of lights and shadows, which reveals the progress of the hours throughout the day and the seasonal progress changes throughout the year.
A fundamental part of the proposal is to offer an architecture that promotes life and that through its environment becomes an adjunct for the recovery of patients, support for family members, as well as better working conditions for staff. It is considered a key piece to address both physical and emotional / spiritual needs of all users, taking into account the vulnerability, mood, uncertainty and tension caused by hospitals.
As a design principle, all possible areas are projected in contact with indoor and outdoor gardens, promoting generous carefully designed visuals and natural lighting; since this relationship with nature results in great benefits to patients, family members, doctors, nurses and operational staff.
The type of finishes, textures, materials and furniture are chosen in order to help the experience in every way. Indirect lighting is handled on the panels, to avoid discomfort and glare of the patients in the circulations. An inclusive building that takes into account universal accessibility.
