Construction of the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre hospital in Egypt has begun. What makes the hospital so special is its design aimed at speeding up the healing process as much as possible. To this end, patients can recover in a cooled and lush landscape.
The Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre in Cairo, designed by Foster + Partners, is rising at the foot of the pyramids (or at least close enough to see them clearly). It will provide free healthcare to underprivileged patients, who will be surrounded by gardens with native plants.
Lush greenery
The Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre is the newest outpost of the Aswan Heart Centre, which was founded by renowned Egyptian surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub. The free treatments are intended for the people of Egypt and beyond, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa. The design of the 300-bed hospital and its lush green surroundings provide a calming effect and promote the speed of healing.
The hospital will comprise four floors and will have a maximum height of 29 m. The upper section rests on pillars, creating a shaded area under the building. Natural light and ventilation are key focal points and the interior design will reference Egyptian history.
The ground floor will house much of the hospital, including diagnostic and treatment facilities, an accident and emergency department, a surgical ward and a large outpatient and rehabilitation departments. A green terrace on the second floor offers visitors and staff coolness.
The eight intensive care units are oriented to overlook landscaped gardens. To cool the immediate surroundings, a new lake will be constructed. The hospital will be certified as green, although sustainability details are not yet fully known.
