International
medical cENTER
Type
Healthcare
Location
Jeddah, KSA
Year
2002
Status
Completed
Scope
Architecture, Interior, Landscape
"Healing by Design"
Derived from the word "Mustashfa" in Arabic, and "hospital" in English, the International Medical Center (IMC) promotes a healing environment and applies the contemporary concept of "healing by design".
The concept is based on a holistic approach to medicine that emphasizes providing high-quality health care services to the mind, body and soul and communicating that through the hospital's architectural design and surroundings.
"Exceptional healthcare; physically, mentally and spiritually"
The architectural design of the IMC is also intended to enhance the healing process. The 10,000 sqm building contains 300 hospital beds with 100 outpatient clinics with all the complementary facilities; including outdoor spaces.
Patients are exposed to plenty of natural light and serenity is upheld by features that are brought together by calligraphy, mosaic and natural color schemes. All of these features merged with contemporary building techniques help create this first-class facility which exceeds international standards and promotes a sense of well-being.
The design was meant to give patients the feeling of exceptional health care; physically, mentally and spiritually.
The requirements of the latest medical technology and engineering were merged with the the principal architect's (Dr. Sami Angawi) own language of Islamic architecture. From the outside, a feeling of dignity is communicated to emulate the IMC as an institution. This is reflected in the structural relationships, the proportions, and the elements such as the muqarnas, a distinct Islamic element. The intention was to enhance the feeling of relativity, connection and trust by the patient once inside the hospital.
"Interconnectivity between Structure and Environment"
The structure was directly related to its environment, with consideration for the movement of sun, wind and air had to be taken into consideration.
Other aspects of the environment that have been medically proven to reduce blood pressure and heart rates include exposure to sunlight, views of the sky, soothing elements such as water fountains and relaxing color schemes. There is an open courtyard with benches to sit, trees, flowers, walkways and water fountains.
The atrium in the front entrance hall of the hospital has a garden and will be flooded with natural light from glass, floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. Only non-allergenic plants and flowers are planted throughout the compound in order to eliminate irritation and allergic reactions. Every room has access to natural light, either from skylights or large windows.
"Meditative Walking"
Outside space is also given attention for its effect on patients' moods. An outdoor maze-like path is designed for "meditative walking", which research has found to be beneficial for lowering blood pressure and reducing levels of pain and anxiety. Also, walking counter-clockwise has been shown to be relaxing; incidentally, this is the same way the Ka'aba is circumambulated.
This experience continues through the interior as well. The long, meticulously-designed corridors were created in a way that would enhance the user experience and allow for patients and visitors to feel at ease.
"Adorned in traditional elements"
The courtyard, the greenery and familiar traditional elements such as the arches, projecting windows (roshan), calligraphy and the mosque make patients and visitors feel secure: a place with the latest medical technology and the best doctors.
The architect carefully crafted interior elements to unify the space.
AWARDS
Best Healing Environment Award
IMC was chosen for this award in recognition of its unique “Healing by Design” concept which incorporates elements that promotes healing such as natural light in all rooms, gardens around the hospital to provide a healing environment with respect of privacy and integrity of all patients, and makes IMC a pioneer in applying medical and architectural international standards.
Hospital Build Middle East Award
In 2011, IMC was voted the Best Hospital Design in Dubai. The IMC is the only hospital in the Kingdom to win this award which recognizes sustainable projects and distinguished architectural designs in the Middle East.
Makkah Award for Distinguished Architecture
IMC was chosen for this award in 2011 for its marvelous enrichment of the architectural scene of the city of Jeddah. The award was introduced to encourage local businesses towards more creativeness, high performance and architectural excellence.