david adjaye shades rwanda's new pediatric cancer center with triangular screens

david adjaye shades rwanda’s new pediatric cancer center with triangular screens
all images courtesy of david adjaye associates / eugène gasana jr. foundation

british architect david adjaye has been commissioned to lead the construction of rwanda’s new private regional pediatric cancer center in kigali, africa. the project is sponsored by the eugène gasana jr. foundation, where the new hospital will host 94-beds with facilities that will concentrate on giving quality cancer treatment and care to the children. with a brief of creating a clinical space that embodies local african culture, adjaye’s design references the art of ‘imigongo’, a technique which uses cow dung to produce a monochromatic pattern that is seen on walls, pottery and canvas– this method has been architecturally translated in the scheme as a consistent geometric language and triangular patterns visible throughout.

the structure uses a system of triangular screens knitted together

the scheme uses architecture and nature as tools to enhance the recovery and the healing of the patients. using sustainable resources, a characteristic feature of the building is the series of metallic, triangular screens which shade the interiors from solar gain and uses light and shadow to give the internal spaces a dynamic atmosphere.

architect david adjaye comments: ‘the creation of a state of the art children’s hospital in rwanda has provided an incredible opportunity for architecture to contribute to a social change agenda in this way and to create a building that is a first for the continent – at the heart of the continent. it is an honor and an exciting prospect to be working on this project, where the design parameters have acknowledged the important role of environment on patient care and the process of healing is understood to be intrinsically linked to qualities such as light, views and materiality.’

planted outdoor courtyards

the screens become more porous depending time of day, while protecting the interiors from solar gain

the hospital will provide children with the highest quality of cancer care

the scheme is composed of a rectangular plan