Hospital Facility 'CETINJE' / HONORABLE MENTION
Architectural Competition
[ Competition for the Conceptual Architectural Design of the Hospital Facility within “Danilo I” General Hospital Complex in Cetinje ]
Location: Cetinje
Year: 2024
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CONCEPTUAL DESIGN EXPLANATION
The goal in the design process is to establish a comprehensive and contemporary approach that ensures the ongoing functionality of the hospital campus. This involves enhancing spatial quality by carefully assessing the area’s potential. The intention is to develop a healthcare facility with qualified architecture that aligns with modern standards, prioritizes environmental awareness, and stands as a representative model for the future.
FORM DEVELOPMENT
The fundamental element that shaped the concept of the hospital facilityv was its location within the “Danilo I” general hospital complex. The dense tree canopy surrounding the structure, the building line, the garden behind the structure, and the intense program immensely contributed to giving the structure its unique form. To avoid tree roots near the building line, the linear structure is divided into two, and the southern mass is retracted. The line emerging from between the trees within the boundary is transformed into a cantilevered cube stands out among the trees. This cube, with its iconic structure, both defined the entrance and created a canopy for the hospital entrance at ground level. Directly opposite the entrance, a strong connection with the garden is made with a double-height hall. Utility rooms, WC, and vertical circulation are arranged next to this hall. The wings, on either side of the hall, are stacked with rooms.
FACADE
The building envelope has derived its form from its context. Due to a multi-room program and the dense tree canopy in the immediate surroundings, the envelope is designed as a neat, fine grid to maximize natural light inside. The space between the linear masses is left transparent to allow light into the corridor. On the south facade facing the rear garden, a graphic composition is created in the envelope, featuring opaque, transparent, and grid surfaces that fulfill the program’s needs.
LANDSCAPE
The landscape is conceived as an essential extension of the building, creating a calm recreational zone within a limited area surrounded by existing trees. The clean architectural lines continue into the outdoor space, where a free-form precast pathway adapts in density according to program needs, while planted green mounds add depth and softness to the terrain. Circulation within the complex is reorganized for safety and clarity: the hospital parking lot is reconfigured with increased capacity, added shading trees, and a dedicated drop-off area for service vehicles and ambulances. Sixteen existing trees are preserved and seamlessly integrated into the design, complemented by additional climate-appropriate species where necessary.
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