The 30 Most Architecturally Impressive Hospitals in
the World
Originally published http://www.onlinemastersinpublichealth.com/impressive-hospitals/
October 11, 2013 By Lindsay Green
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Hospitals are not places generally associated with pleasure – after all, most of us are usually
only at one when we or a loved one are sick. Traditionally, they’re not nice to look at, either:
we think of over-lit and sterile environments, with visual stimulation limited to small, wallmounted televisions.
However, a new generation of medical facilities is changing the face of the hospital, literally.
These places take a more holistic approach to healthcare – one that takes the healing
environment into consideration. As a result, the hospitals on this list may be more
welcoming and diverse than those with which many are familiar. And while patient care
remains their primary objective, many have put almost equal care into their clients’
surroundings.
30. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Children – Orlando, Florida
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With its striking looks, the Winnie Palmer
Hospital for Women & Children, located
in Orlando, Florida, seems at first glance
to be something else entirely – in fact, it
was conceptualized to be more like a
hotel. The structure is made up of dark
glass-covered towers, which rise from a
triangle-shaped base. Worldwide
architects Jonathan Bailey Associates say that this arrangement makes access to resources
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easier, helps the movement of patients and staff to become more efficient, and simplifies
monitoring of activities. The hospital – which as its name suggests serves women and
children – was completed in 2006, and it is now a distinctive landmark on the Orlando
skyline.
29. Rush University Medical Center – Chicago, Illinois
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In 2012 the Rush
University Medical
Center in Chicago
opened its transformed
campus after a radical
redesign of the 175year-old institution’s
complex. The
educational hospital
now presents a sleek,
up-to-date exterior to match the cutting-edge methods of care within its walls. The Chicago
branch of global architects Perkins+Will worked closely with the hospital and its users during
the center’s design stage in order to create an optimal working environment. Its
environmentally friendly construction also means that Rush is the biggest newly built health
facility in the world to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold
certification.
28. Akershus University Hospital – Nordbyhagen, Norway
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With Akershus
University Hospital,
Scandinavian firm
Arkitektfirmaet C. F.
Møller created a
friendly, welcoming
environment for
patients and their
families. Each section
is given its own
unique treatment, differentiating it from the others and providing varied visual stimulation.
The hospital, located in Nordbyhagen, Norway, utilizes geothermal heating for most of its
warming requirements. Sustainability was also a factor in the facility’s construction, and
materials were locally sourced. The new hospital opened in 2008, although work will
continue on the emergency department until 2014. In 2009 it won the award for Best
International Design in the Building Better Healthcare Awards.
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27. Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children – Birmingham, Alabama
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The Benjamin Russell Hospital for
Children in Birmingham, Alabama is, in
area, the third-biggest children’s hospital
in America. Its shiny glass and white
concrete façade is the work of global
architectural firm HKS, Inc., which strove
to make the facility a less frightening
place for children than a traditional
hospital would be. The interiors of the
different levels are uniquely colored and
easy to navigate, while windows provide
both great views and natural lighting. The hospital, which opened in August 2012, is the first
in Alabama to have won the LEED Silver certificate.
26. Kemang Children’s Hospital – Jakarta, Indonesia
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Vibrant colors give a welcoming look to the exterior of the Kemang Children’s Hospital in
Jakarta, Indonesia. And light striking the tinted sections over the windows bathes the
interior of the rooms in
different hues, creating an
inviting atmosphere inside as
well. Designers Aboday of
Jakarta had to deal with
substantial space and
budgetary constraints with
this facility, which treats
both children and women.
The unusual design is meant
to catch the attention of
potential clients, and it
should certainly stand out in
its urban environment. The
construction was completed
in 2008.
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25. Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Center – London, UK
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According to London-based
architects Penoyre & Prasad, the
design of the Richard Desmond
Children’s Eye Center at
Moorfields Eye Hospital “dispels
preconceptions of hospitals to
create an holistic, child-focused
and welcoming environment.” The
interesting aluminum projections
not only add character, but also
act to minimize solar heating. And
at night the building is even more arresting, as colored lights bathe the façade. The hospital,
which was completed in 2007, caters to children from birth to 16 years, some of whom may
return to the facility over a period of years. An environment that is supportive of both
patients and families is therefore particularly important.
24. Einstein Medical Center Montgomery – East Norriton,
Pennsylvania
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The Einstein Medical Center Montgomery is a non-profit hospital located in East Norriton,
Pennsylvania. The New York branch of global architects Perkins+Will designed the state-ofthe art development, which was the region’s only new medical center to be constructed in
more than ten years. The hospital was built on an old golf course, and the architects
successfully retained 30 acres of green space, with the large windows of the structure
allowing for great views of the setting. These surroundings include footpaths for patients,
staff and the public to enjoy. Construction, which was completed in September 2012, used
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plenty of recycled and local materials, and the hospital achieved a LEED Silver certificate
rating in 2013.
23. Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital – West Bloomfield,
Michigan
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The Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital in Michigan has been described as the “Cirque du
Soleil of health care,” since, like the famous circus, it is a standard-setter in its field. The
hospital, which opened in March 2009, offers exceptional service and treatment in an
environment where greenery or scenery is never far from view. The Detroit branch of
architectural firm Albert Kahn Associates created the LEED Silver-certified building using
regionally sourced materials and energy-efficient glass on top of cooling and heating
systems. As well as two green roofs boasting 20,000 plants, the hospital also features atria
containing a further 2,500.
22. Rey Juan Carlos Hospital – Madrid, Spain
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The Rey Juan Carlos Hospital in Madrid, Spain is more sleek and space age than dull and
depressing. Designed by local architects Rafael de La-Hoz and completed in March 2012, the
institution is intended to be a true healing space filled with “harmony and light.” An
abundance of light, silence and efficiency was the desired result for the building, and we’d
argue that pleasing aesthetics, too, seem to be part of the finished article. The two ovals on
top were created to be peaceful spaces, without the noise or bustle of long, straight
corridors. Plus, the hospital features a green roof garden and views from each room.
21. Banner Gateway Medical Center – Gilbert, Arizona
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While designing the Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, global architecture
firm NBBJ had in mind a desert oasis, in order to inject some serenity into what can be a
troubling time. Local materials were incorporated into the facility’s unique masonry wall,
which features half a dozen custom patterns. The way the sun hits the center’s exterior also
gives it an appearance of striated rock – just like a desert canyon. The project was finished in
September 2007 and won the Modern Healthcare Design Award for Excellence.
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20. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital – Roanoke, Virginia
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The Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has been serving the community of Roanoke,
Virginia for over a century, and in late 2004 renovation began on it to consolidate it with the
affiliated Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. The Roanoke office of global architecture
firm AECOM, along with fellow architects HOK, designed the project, which included
creating a new structure over two of those already at the location. Even with tricky logistical
issues like the flooding of the Roanoke River and the need to keep part of the hospital
running continuously, the new facility was finished on time and under budget in September
2007. It is now the second-largest community hospital in Virginia.
19. Guimarães Private Hospital – Guimarães, Portugal
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Portuguese architects Pitágoras Arquitectos designed the
Guimarães Private Hospital in two distinct units, one larger
than the other. The building, located in the northern
Portuguese city of Guimarães, needed to be simple and
easily navigated. Public areas of the hospital are marked by
their use of natural lighting, whereas staff and mixed areas
utilize artificial light. The firm also aimed to make the
hospital immediately identifiable and unique, which was
achieved in part through the attractive façades.
Construction was completed in 2009.
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18. CHA Women and Children’s Hospital – Seongnam, South Korea
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In designing the CHA Women and Children’s Hospital in Seongnam, South Korea, KMD
Architects created a facility that fits in
perfectly with its well-to-do area. The
U.S.-based firm came up with a shiny,
modern structure that has one whole
level housing an extended stay spa. The
facility is softened on the inside by the
inclusion of plants, wood and water
features, while its roof is also an area of
plants as well as wooden decking. The
hospital, which was finished in 2006, is
made up of four stories above ground
and four floors below, making it bigger
than it first appears. In 2008 it picked up
the American Institute of Architects
National Healthcare Design Award.
17. Clemenceau Medical Center – Beirut, Lebanon
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Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon has several prestigious honors, including
being one of HealthExecNews.com’s “25 Most Beautiful Hospitals in the World” and winning
the Best Sustainable Hospital Design Award in 2009 as well as Best Healing Environment in
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2013 at the Hospital Build Exhibition. The hospital, which has an affiliation with Johns
Hopkins Medicine International, was designed by multinational architects Khatib & Alami,
was opened in 2006 and, beyond its striking façade, holds exceptionally modern medical
equipment.
16. Carol and Frank Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare –
Tampa, Florida
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The Carol and Frank Morsani Center
for Advanced Healthcare is part of
the University of South Florida’s
healthcare learning program. The
Tampa branch of Alfonso Architects
designed the facility, which includes
MRI, CT, X-ray and women’s
diagnostics units, plus a surgery
area and more. The building itself is
sleek looking, with simple lines and
a plain color scheme creating a
calm, clean effect. The center was
completed in July 2008.
15. Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula – Monterey,
California
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The Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in California is no newcomer to design
elements that can aid treatment. The hospital – opened in 1962 and designed by wellknown architect Edward Durell Stone – already incorporated features like plentiful natural
light and links to the natural world. Global architectural firm HOK’s Los Angeles branch
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added an
the hospital,
completed in
between 2006
designers were
blending in with
original
also of the
the municipal
is located.
expansion to
which was
three stages
and 2010. The
mindful of
the hospital’s
architecture and
regulations of
area in which it
14.
Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital – Melbourne, Australia
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Although a hospital may never truly be described as a fun place, Melbourne’s Royal
Children’s Hospital tries as hard as it can. Local firms Billard Leece and Bates Smart – along
with the Dallas, Texas branch of multinational architecture firm HKS – provided the design
for the hospital, which has a distinctive façade inspired by the leaves of a tree. The leaf-like
features also act as sunshades and range in color from green to red. Inside the hospital
there is a giant aquarium, a large colorful sculpture, and scenic views of the nearby Royal
Park. Completed in 2011, the new hospital replaces the old Royal Children’s Hospital,
scheduled for demolition in 2014.
13. Southwest Washington Medical Center – Washington
Set up in the mid-19th century, the Southwest Washington Medical Center recently added a
new tower that increases its capacity nearly twofold. Responsibility for designing the tower
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went to Seattle-based global architectural firm NBBJ, and the stunning eight-story structure
was finished in December 2006. The center includes a lobby that doubles as a community
meeting place, offering the public access not only to a Health Resource Center, but also to
other facilities such as a café and flower store.
12. Shesmedi Hospital – Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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While creating the design for
Shesmedi Hospital in South
Korea’s Gyeonggi-do province,
the challenge for Seoul-based
architects D·Lim was to
transform two separate
buildings into one unified health
facility. On one side of the
parking lot there was a
maternity hospital, while on the
other there was a warehouse.
The old hospital was turned into
a ward, while the warehouse became an outpatient building, which also holds operating and
recovery rooms. Joining the two buildings is a 131-foot glass-windowed walkway that spans
the space above the parking lot.
11. Florida Waterman Hospital – Tavares, Florida
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The Florida Waterman
Hospital almost looks
more like a tropical
resort than a health
facility. The design,
which was overseen by
worldwide
architectural studio
Jonathan Bailey,
reflects the hospital’s
location amid lakes
and wetlands. Unlike
the case with many hospitals, there’s little in the way of shiny glass, since a bald eagle,
herons, snowy egrets and other threatened avian species live in the area, and glass could
mean the eagle, in particular, colliding with the building. The tent-like roof, which reaches
over the front of the hospital, offers protection from the elements as well as being an
interesting design feature. Completed in 2003, the hospital has successfully merged both
design principles and environmental concerns to create a unique facility.
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10. Union Hospital Health System Replacement Hospital – Terre
Haute, Indiana
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Glass is an important
element of the Union
Hospital Health System
Replacement Hospital in
Terre Haute, Indiana. A
gleaming wall of the material
ties together the building’s
façade and four-level atrium,
flooding the hospital with
natural light. Architects TEG
– which have an office in
Jeffersonville, Indiana – also created open spaces and interesting architectural features
within the building and paid special attention to the safety of both patients and personnel.
The hospital was finished in January 2010.
9. Uppsala University Hospital Psychiatric Building – Uppsala,
Sweden
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Nestled in the Uppsala University Hospital campus, the psychiatric building is a striking
facility. Nordic architectural firm Tengbom designed the building, which won a 2007 design
competition. Importance was placed on steering clear of a typical institutional atmosphere
within the hospital and instead creating one that was bright and cheerful. Opened in 2012,
the building uses large windows that both offer good views and encourage impromptu
interactions between individuals. The facility also features a large sky-lit courtyard in the
center that serves the same purpose.
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8. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Center – Franklin, Wisconsin
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Located in the rural part of Franklin, Wisconsin, the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Center
was designed with local aesthetics in mind. International architectural company HDR based
the design somewhat on the “Prairie School” aesthetic, which has a long tradition in the
state. The hospital tries to create a homely rather than an institutional atmosphere, with
cozy lighting, stained glass and gentle wooden details. Opened in 2008, the facility used the
Green Guide for Healthcare to come up with many of its environmentally sensitive solutions.
7. Harlem Hospital – New York, New York
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Some of the hospitals on this list look like works of art – and this one more than most. The
$325 million, 195,000 square-foot Harlem Hospital Pavilion, which was designed by global
architects HOK, includes giant glass panels on its façade to form striking transparent murals.
The huge, eye-catching frontage consists of reproduced historical murals by African
American artists. Moreover, at night the artwork becomes even more engaging as it lights
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up softly from inside. The pavilion links the Martin Luther King, Jr. Pavilion and the Ronald H.
Brown Ambulatory Care Pavilion, and it was completed in September 2012.
6. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre – Ontario, Canada
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According to Toronto-based Canadian architects Farrow Partnership, which designed this
facility, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s “dramatic use of wood, and
multiple-height interior spaces flooded with natural light, creates dynamic innovative,
functional places for healing.” Opened in 2004, the hospital – which serves Thunder Bay and
large parts of Northwestern Ontario – is known for its cancer care. Radiation treatment
rooms in the facility are fitted with skylights in order to brighten up difficult and depressing
environments. And the hospital also features abundant natural light in other sections,
including a three-story atrium.
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5. New Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow, Scotland
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Edinburgh-based Reiach and Hall Architects created Glasgow’s New Stobhill Hospital, which
is the first true ambulatory care and diagnostic facility in Scotland. Completed in 2006, the
facility is not only a place for the sick, but also a meeting place for locals, who gather at its
café. An exchanger circulates hot air from the plant room and provides heating, while
natural light is maximized. The project is rated “Excellent” by the Northern Environment
Action Team. It has also won many awards, including the Prime Minister’s Better Public
Building Award 2010 and a Royal Institute of British Architects Award for architectural
excellence in the same year.
4. Kaiser Foundation Hospital – Fontana, California
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The first Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Fontana, California opened its doors in 1943, and
roughly every ten years since then it has undergone major renovation work to keep up with
increasing demand. The latest upgrade, a new facility built on the compound, was
completed in May 2013 and overseen by international architects HMC. Not only does the
facility offer a sleek and polished environment and cutting-edge medical care, but it also
meets California’s stringent earthquake safety standards. Furthermore, efforts were made
to make the hospital environmentally sound: for example, attention was paid to energy
efficiency and water reclamation, and recyclable materials were used in the construction.
3. Children’s Hospital in Orange County – California
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There’s no missing the brightly colored, eight-level Bill Holmes tower at the Children’s
Hospital in Orange County (CHOC). Texas-based architects FKP was behind the design of the
striking facility, and the studio aimed to create a building that expressed a “vibrant spirit,
progressive vision and a world-class sense of place.” The sense of fun continues inside the
facility, as each level has its own nature-based theme, beginning with “fossils” in the
basement and ending with “space” on the top floor. The new hospital tower, which was
opened in March 2013, was constructed using sustainable principles, and recyclable
materials were used wherever possible.
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2. South Tower Expansion for Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
– Mission Hills, California
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Global design studio HMC
Architects was tasked with
creating the $180 million South
Tower Expansion facility located
at Providence Holy Cross
Medical Center in Mission Hills,
California. The result is this
elegant facility featuring a coollooking white and blue color
scheme. Reflecting the
hospital’s commitment to sustainability, the new center has a Silver LEED certificate. The
grand opening was held in July 2011, and the tower now provides medical care for women
and newborns.
1. Outpatient Tower at the University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center – Dallas, Texas
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The new 13-story Outpatient Tower
at Dallas’ University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center is the
first completed and functioning
installment of a new campus
planned to replace the current St.
Paul University Hospital, which
dates back to the 1950s. Texasbased FKP Architects is the design
company behind the $800 million
facility. The tower has a light and
airy feel courtesy of the large
windows that encase the structure,
and inside it houses ambulatory and diagnostic services as well as overnight patient rooms.
The entire campus is expected to be completed in late 2014.
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