foster + partners has revealed plans for state-of-the-heart hospital, which has already begun construction in egypt. the ‘magdi yacoub global heart centre cairo’ will provide free treatment for the people of egypt and beyond, in particular those in sub-saharan africa. set within a verdant landscape with a calming lake, the 300-bed hospital seeks to optimize the overall patient experience and decrease recovery times.

foster + partners begins construction on state-of-the-heart hospital in cairo
all images © foster + partners

 

 

the project is the newest outpost of the aswan heart centre founded by renowned egyptian surgeon sir magdi yacoub. with views of the pyramids of giza, the site for the new hospital borders the zewail city of science and technology, forming part of an integrated health and medical research zone. the site is accessed via a shaded pedestrian plaza that leads to a welcoming canopy that marks the building’s entrance.

foster + partners begins construction on state-of-the-heart hospital in cairo

 

 

the ground floor comprises diagnosis and treatment facilities, including an accident and emergency department, a large outpatient clinic, and rehabilitative departments. several courtyards bring natural light into the deep plan building, while also aiding orientation. supporting the innovations of the center, the surgical department and intensive care units are co-located. this minimizes the distance between ‘bed and bench’, maximizing collaboration between researchers and caregivers.

foster + partners begins construction on state-of-the-heart hospital in cairo

 

 

on the first floor, each of the eight intensive care units is designed to optimize recovery, with privacy and natural daylight. each patient room on this level is oriented so that patients benefit from external views. the prefabricated operating theaters bring the best available care, while the hospital also features support spaces for families to stay while the patients recuperate. classrooms and other educational spaces for medical students are also included.

foster + partners begins construction on state-of-the-heart hospital in cairo

 

 

a green terrace on the second floor serves as a break-out area for both staff and visitors. the open terrace is interspersed with built spaces containing a large staff canteen, children’s nursery, and other collaborative meeting points for staff to share ideas. a series of single and shared patient rooms on the upper floors — each with expansive views of the surrounding lake and landscape — are sheltered by sculptural shell-like roof structures.

foster + partners begins construction on state-of-the-heart hospital in cairo

 

 

‘new aswan heart centre offers state-of-the-art, free-of-charge medical services to the egyptian people, particularly the underprivileged,’ says norman foster, founder and executive chairman, foster + partners. ‘lush and verdant, this oasis of paths and parks promotes well-being. with its passive design strategy, it is an exemplar of sustainability, responding to the needs of patients and to its locale. we are delighted to be working with sir magdi yacoub and his foundation for such a noble cause.’

foster + partners begins construction on state-of-the-heart hospital in cairo

 

 

‘this is a special project that focuses on giving the best care to the patients and offering them the best natural setting to recover in,’ adds nigel dancey, head of studio, foster + partners. ‘it brings together the latest research on biophilia and the positive impact of nature in clinical settings with our pioneering work on collaborative working environments that allow healthcare professionals to give the best care.’

 

 

project info:

 

name: magdi yacoub global heart centre cairo
location: cairo, egypt
architect: foster + partners
status: under construction