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HKS-designed hospital represents a new era of health care in Panama
Positioned to be one of the most advanced hospitals in South and Central America, the project consists of the design of a new Hospital City located in Clayton Panama, an area directly north of Panama City. This facility will provide outpatient and inpatient care to the Panamanian people and residents within the region.
The zoning of the hospital site is organised into 4 basic districts: the residential zone or inpatient care zone; the high density retail zone or the hospital diagnostic and treatment zone; the industrial zone or hospital logistics and service zone and the commercial zone or the clinics and hospitality zone which are interconnected to take advantage of shared spaces and reduce travel distances for patients, visitors and staff.
The architectural concept for the new medical city draws from the contextual fabric of Panama. The Panama Canal connects two oceans promoting trade and international commerce. Connectivity through planning and design becomes the primary driver for the organisation of the new hospital. Natural topography and landscaping is embraced to work in harmony with the built environment.
The diverse architecture of Panama City is interpreted with a modern and progressive high performance facade design. Historical tropical vernacular in the region also translates to the use of materials and fundamental design drivers such as open courtyards and shading devices.
Sustainable strategies have been incorporated into the design, including: site & environmental analysis; rain water collection; treatment & reuse; daylight harvesting; active chilled beams; healing gardens; permeable pavement and vegetated walls. The design also includes passive cooling strategies by integrating water pools amongst the buildings in such a way that the prevailing winds over the water can lower the ambient temperatures. Therefore, creating a more comfortable and sustainable environment.
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