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
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 15, 2019
It’s official: China opens first green hospital, designed by HMC Architects
Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University is the official pilot green hospital for development of China’s green guide for hospital design.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 12, 2019
New health pavilion completes on the Health Education Campus at Case Western Reserve University
Foster + Partners designed the facility.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 9, 2019
How healthcare organizations can leverage design and culture's symbiotic relationship
The relationship between workplace design and company culture isn’t all that different from a tango.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 3, 2019
Patients will actively seek out lower-cost and virtual healthcare in the future
Mortenson’s latest study finds that Millennials’ inclinations toward technological solutions are changing how care is and will be delivered.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 3, 2019
Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart addition includes 175,000 sf of new construction
HKS Architects designed the addition.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 29, 2019
Former grocery store becomes a cancer care center in New Jersey
Francis Cauffman Architects (FCA) designed the adaptive reuse project.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 27, 2019
Working to reduce HAIs: How design can support infection control and prevention
For many health systems, seeking ways to mitigate HAIs and protect their patients is a high priority.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 6, 2019
What is the role of the architect in healthcare data security?
Safeguarding sensitive data is top of mind for healthcare administrators across the country, and, due to the malicious intents of hackers, their security efforts are never-ending.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 20, 2019
A new hospital in Qatar reflects local culture in its design
Three ceramic-clad sails transport its exterior.
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 31, 2019
First phase of SickKids campus redevelopment plan unveiled
The Patient Support Centre will be the first project to comply with Toronto’s Tier 2 Building Standards.
