A 100-bed children’s cancer center is planned in Gahanga, a region south of the Rwandan capital Kigali. Designed by British architect David Adjaye, when completed, the facility will be the first of its kind on the African continent.
The renderings that have circulated depict a warm-colored metallic, rectangular structure enveloped with a sheet of triangles. As Adjaye tells Dezeen, these triangles are inspired by the geometry of Rwanda’s traditional Imigongo art form—graphic patterns designed using dried cow dung.
Sitting atop a 10-acre site, views to the landscaped outdoors was important in Adjaye’s designs. The architect said his goal was to “add dignity and hope to the lives of the children.”
The generosity of light flowing in, larger-than-life photographic murals, a warm color theme, and large windows that seamlessly bring the outdoors inside depicted in the renderings attest to Adjaye’s goal.
Construction is scheduled for later this year, and the facility is planned to open in 2017.
Pushing aside sterile and clinical design for healthcare facilities to make way for livable and charming spaces has been an emerging trend this decade, with the late Michael Graves as one of its biggest proponents. Other cancer treatment centers that take this approach are the Maggie’s Centres in the United Kingdom.
Related Stories
Laboratories | Apr 7, 2022
North Carolina's latest play for biotech real estate development
The Tar Heel State is among a growing number of markets rolling out the welcome mat for lab spaces.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 7, 2022
Visibility breeds traffic in healthcare design
Ryan Companies has completed several healthcare projects that gain exposure by being near retail stores or office buildings.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 25, 2022
Health group converts bank building to drive-thru clinic
Edward-Elmhurst Health and JTS Architects had to get creative when turning an American Chartered Bank into a drive-thru clinic for outpatient testing and vaccinations.
Projects | Mar 21, 2022
BIG-designed Danish Neuroscience Center will combine groundbreaking science and treatment
A first-of-its-kind facility, a new Danish Neuroscience Center in Aarhus, Denmark designed by BIG, will combine psychiatry and neuroscience under one roof.
Projects | Mar 18, 2022
Toronto suburb to build the largest hospital in Canada
A new hospital in Ontario will nearly triple the care capacity of its existing facility—becoming the largest hospital in Canada.
Projects | Mar 15, 2022
Old Sears store will become one of the largest orthopaedics outpatient facilities in the Northeast
A former Sears store in Rochester, N.Y., will be transformed into one of the largest orthopaedics outpatient facilities in the Northeast.
Projects | Mar 10, 2022
Optometrist office takes new approach to ‘doc-in-a-box’ design
In recent decades, franchises have taken over the optometry services and optical sales market. This trend has spawned a commodity-type approach to design of office and retail sales space.
Industry Research | Mar 2, 2022
31 percent of telehealth visits result in a physical office visit
With little choice but to adopt virtual care options due to pandemic restrictions and interactions, telehealth adoption soared as patients sought convenience and more efficient care options.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 15, 2022
New outpatient ophthalmology surgical center opens in Newington, N.H.
JSA Design designed the project.
Resiliency | Feb 15, 2022
Design strategies for resilient buildings
LEO A DALY's National Director of Engineering Kim Cowman takes a building-level look at resilient design.