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