Façade Highlights The development of the building envelope into a neat clean line with an interplay of greys on the façades is broken with sun shading devices and louvres which bring about shading and cooling . The interplay of shadows gives the façade a sense of depth .
The various sections are cleanly defined on the elevations and provide clarity and points of interest so that there is a clear understanding of the building and its massing . The various height elements on the building further enhance the horizontal lines but also break up the mass of the building into relatable elements .
In between the various blocks are courtyards which act as the lungs of the building . They bring in sunlight and fresh air into the circulation areas . The courtyards are planted to soften the urban landscape and visually tie in the in between spaces as well as provide small breakout areas for staff and patients .
Internal Layout The hospital has two circulation corridors , one for the public and one for the staff and doctors . This means that there are less circulation cross overs between the staff and public , which reduces the stresses and trauma that people experience in a hospital .
The circulation paths are direct and clearly sign posted to further reduce patient or visitor stresses from getting lost in a labyrinth of passages .
The public areas and zones occur in the front third of the hospital , with the entrance , reception , coffee shop , pharmacy , and reception all close to each other around the atrium volume , including the doctors ’ consulting suites . The middle zones are where the wards , ICU / HC areas are located and again are easily accessed from the front by the visitors and doctors and from the back by the support staff , laundry and kitchen .
The back of house zone is literally at the back third of the layouts and has adjacencies with the support services and service yard .
The first floor is a surgical super floor , where the theatres , ICU / HC and surgical wards are all on one level , including the attending specialist surgeons who have their rooms at the front of the floor . The spaces are well laid out and the staff have well planned rest areas adjacent to the facility as a support service .
The Emergency Department ( ED ) is a Level 1 Trauma Unit that sees a high volume of patients from the surrounding industrial areas as well as patients from the surrounding suburbs . The layout ensures patient dignity and safety whilst allowing the staff access to all areas including the radiology department next door .
Conclusion Netcare Hospital Alberton is an example of a state-of-the-art hospital , designed by A3 Architects Johannesburg , specialist healthcare and project architects , that still prioritises the needs of the wider community in its location and structure . It allows for the maximisation of space as well as preparing it to become a sustainable success story with regards energy usage .
Netcare Alberton 75