1. ArchDaily
  2. Medical facility

Medical facility: The Latest Architecture and News

Healing Through Design: The Story Behind Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium

Subscriber Access | 

In the early 20th century, tuberculosis presented a significant public health challenge across Europe, prompting the construction of specialized facilities for patient recovery. The Paimio Sanatorium in Finland stands as a groundbreaking example of architecture's potential to promote healing. Designed by Alvar Aalto between 1929 and 1933, the sanatorium combined innovative design principles with a deep understanding of human needs, setting new benchmarks for healthcare architecture.

Alvar Aalto, a leading figure in modernist architecture, envisioned the Paimio Sanatorium as more than a functional response to a medical crisis. He crafted a space where architecture became an instrument of care, integrating natural light, ventilation, and harmonious forms to support physical and emotional well-being. This project marked a turning point in Aalto's career, showcasing his ability to blend modernist ideals with a profound sensitivity to context and human experience.

Healing Through Design: The Story Behind Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium - Image 1 of 4Healing Through Design: The Story Behind Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium - Image 2 of 4Healing Through Design: The Story Behind Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium - Image 3 of 4Healing Through Design: The Story Behind Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium - Image 4 of 4Healing Through Design: The Story Behind Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium - More Images+ 23

Green Therapy: How Does Nature Contribute to Healing Hospitalized Patients?

Connection with nature has become increasingly important in architectural theory and practice in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which emphasized the role of natural environments in healing. During this time, many scientific studies highlighted the positive effects of green spaces on human well-being, whether in workplaces, homes, or urban areas. With these proven benefits, it is clear that incorporating natural elements into hospital designs is crucial, creating spaces that provide vital support for patients facing physical or mental challenges.

Green Therapy: How Does Nature Contribute to Healing Hospitalized Patients? - Image 4 of 4Green Therapy: How Does Nature Contribute to Healing Hospitalized Patients? - Image 1 of 4Green Therapy: How Does Nature Contribute to Healing Hospitalized Patients? - Image 2 of 4Green Therapy: How Does Nature Contribute to Healing Hospitalized Patients? - Image 3 of 4Green Therapy: How Does Nature Contribute to Healing Hospitalized Patients? - More Images+ 4

Ballinger and Ennead Unveil Design of Inova Oakville Hospital Extension at Potomac Yard

Ballinger and Ennead Architects have teamed up for the development of Inova Oakville, a new medical facility that will be an extension of Inova Alexandria Hospital. As part of Alexandria’s Oakville Triangle neighborhood redevelopment, the project is a multi-campus initiative of Inova Health System that aims to anchor the facility with the nearby residential developments and Mt. Jefferson park.

Ballinger and Ennead Unveil Design of Inova Oakville Hospital Extension at Potomac Yard - Image 1 of 4Ballinger and Ennead Unveil Design of Inova Oakville Hospital Extension at Potomac Yard - Image 2 of 4Ballinger and Ennead Unveil Design of Inova Oakville Hospital Extension at Potomac Yard - Image 3 of 4Ballinger and Ennead Unveil Design of Inova Oakville Hospital Extension at Potomac Yard - Image 4 of 4Ballinger and Ennead Unveil Design of Inova Oakville Hospital Extension at Potomac Yard - More Images+ 1

Alternative Healthcare Facilities: Architects Mobilize their Creativity in Fight against COVID-19

As the healthcare infrastructure is becoming overwhelmed and hospitals around the world are reaching their capacities, new alternative possibilities are emerging. In response to bed shortage and facility saturation, architects around the world are taking action, in the on-going fight against the coronavirus. Focusing their knowhow to find fast and efficient design solutions that can be implemented anywhere, they are proposing flexible, fast assembled, mobile, and simple structures. With a very tight timetable, some projects are already implemented and in service, while others remain on a conceptual level, waiting to be adopted.

Alternative Healthcare Facilities: Architects Mobilize their Creativity in Fight against COVID-19 - Image 1 of 4Alternative Healthcare Facilities: Architects Mobilize their Creativity in Fight against COVID-19 - Image 2 of 4Alternative Healthcare Facilities: Architects Mobilize their Creativity in Fight against COVID-19 - Image 3 of 4Alternative Healthcare Facilities: Architects Mobilize their Creativity in Fight against COVID-19 - Image 4 of 4Alternative Healthcare Facilities: Architects Mobilize their Creativity in Fight against COVID-19 - More Images+ 56

Hassell Leads Design for Healthcare Precinct and First Medi-Hotel in Western Australia

Hassell has approached health and wellness differently in the newest healthcare facility in Western Australia. With innovation at the core of the architectural concept, the Murdoch Knowledge Health Precinct puts people first, creating a state-of-the-art intervention, a hub for activities and interconnected public spaces.

P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Transforms Warehouse into Dynamic Medical Facility

An adaptive reuse project by P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S is currently under construction in North Hollywood, California. The project transforms an existing warehouse into a dynamic medical campus with Urgent Care, Elderly Daycare, Surgical Centre, Physical Therapy, Imaging Centre, Medical offices, café and a small shop.

P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Transforms Warehouse into Dynamic Medical Facility - Medical FacilitiesP-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Transforms Warehouse into Dynamic Medical Facility - Medical FacilitiesP-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Transforms Warehouse into Dynamic Medical Facility - Medical FacilitiesP-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Transforms Warehouse into Dynamic Medical Facility - Medical FacilitiesP-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Transforms Warehouse into Dynamic Medical Facility - More Images+ 9