The project originated from the need to expand and modernize the Parc Taulí Hospital complex in Sabadell, which is made up of six interconnected buildings. Due to the hospital’s continuous operation, all interventions must be carried out in parts and phases to ensure the uninterrupted provision of healthcare services.
Developed by Pinearq and PMMT, the project reorganizes, expands, and updates several key services to meet current regulations: the critical care unit, the surgical block, and the emergency observation area.
Functional Programme
The ICU, which accommodates critical patients, is located on the first floor of the building. The intervention includes a complete refurbishment of the existing space and its extension, partially occupying four of the interconnected buildings. The result will be 39 individual enclosed rooms for critical patients and nine for semi-critical patients. Among the former, two rooms include an antechamber for patient isolation, and one is lead-lined to allow radiological examinations.
The surgical block, originally comprising eight operating theatres, will be updated and expanded. The refurbishment involves reconfiguring and improving circulation routes, enlarging the existing theatres, and relocating and expanding the changing rooms and the Post-Anaesthesia Recovery Unit (URPA). Once completed, the surgical block will include sixteen operating theatres and twenty-two URPA beds, four of which will be in enclosed rooms.
The emergency observation area will be extended through a volumetric addition on the ground floor of the main building. This extension projects northward in the form of three lozenge-shaped volumes protruding from the existing façade. At the same time, three intermediate spaces beneath the building are being opened up to create semi-covered outdoor courtyards. These interventions increase the façade area, resulting in brighter, better-ventilated rooms that contribute to a more humane and comfortable environment for patients.
Humanising the Space
Humanisation has been a core design goal for both Pinearq and PMMT. In moments of stress and anxiety, architecture plays a crucial role in conveying a sense of calm and reassurance to patients and their companions.
To enhance the human dimension of the hospital environment, the design emphasizes natural light and ventilation, supported by the inclusion of interior courtyards. Materials with warm finishes and integrated photographic images of nature have been used throughout the project to promote a sense of comfort and well-being for users.
Team:
Architects: PINEARQ + PMMT
BIS Structures, PGI Enginyeering & Consulting
Photographer: Simon Garcia | arqfoto
Materials Used:
Facade cladding: DURMI / ,N-Durance MOSO INTERNATIONAL BV
Flooring: Tarkett, Gerflor (vinyl) ARGENTA, Matimex (porcelanic)
Doors: MANUSA (technical doors), MATESU
Interior surface finishes: CRWON DECOR PVT LTD (HPL), Polyrey (HPL)
Biotechnical equipment: Matachana
