African Design Magazine May 2017 | Page 64

African project New National Cancer Institute – Egypt These in-patient towers are bracketed by the circulation spines, and lush courtyards are inserted between them. Meanwhile, the out-patient facility comprises a sequence of four volumes interspersed with courtyards, whose common northern elevation faces the site’s primary access road in a welcoming composition of glass and light. Both in-patient and out-patient facilities connect to a multilevel diagnostic and treatment platform that includes a vast array of surgical, interventional, imaging, and radiation- therapy resources, such as linear and proton accelerators. Moreover, the entire hospital is situated above a massive support plinth. Taking advantage of the site’s sloping topography and a set of deeply penetrating courtyards, this underground world reaches six levels below grade. Stretching across the institutes’ entire site, it accommodates auxiliary clinical and research space, general building support, the central plant and distributed mechanical systems, and parking. Although fully integrated, the internal planning of the facility has been designed for a three- step phasing strategy to ensure an early start to this well-awaited community resource. The physical image of the campus reflects its rigorous planning, and expresses a conversation between vernacular and modern architecture. The functional building modules are clad in stone to convey strength and permanence, and courtyards throughout the campus build upon the local tradition of connecting occupants to shaded outdoor space. Meanwhile, the circulation spines’ faceted glass skins represent lightness and modernity, and both glass and stone surfaces feature abstract patterning inspired by historic Egyptian iconography. The scheme engenders familiarity and comfort, yet assures patients and visitors of the New National Cancer Institute’s state-of-the-art status. AD 64 africandesignmagazine.com