Interview about Kahramanmaras Doga Hospital, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2023
The Kahramanmaras Doga Hospital is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility located in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Designed by Quark Studio Architects, the hospital aims to provide patients and staff with a comfortable and healing environment that integrates natural elements and luxurious amenities. The hospital's design approach to health-centric architecture and integration of natural elements, luxurious materials, and amenities are a testament to Quark Studio Architects' commitment to creating a holistic restorative environment that caters to the needs of both patients and staff.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsArtificial greenery incorporated throughout Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital is an effective means of achieving a biophilic design that supports the well-being of patients. Research has shown that contact with natural environments, or elements reminiscent of them, is effective in reducing stress and anxiety, and can even aid in the recovery of patients. For the staff, the greenery creates a relaxing work environment, which enhances concentration and overall job satisfaction. Through the integration of these natural elements, the design aims to foster a calming atmosphere that contributes to the health and well-being of everyone within the hospital.
In designing the Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital, our goal was to create a cohesive environment that is both effective and supportive of the healing process. The floor plans and medical settings have been designed with careful attention to detail. With clearly defined wayfinding, we have ensured that all departments are well-coordinated, while also fostering a sense of calm and relaxation. The selection of materials, natural lighting, and the inclusion of biophilic elements create a seamless connection between different areas, including high-tech rooms, while providing a sense of comfort and a personal touch. This holistic approach aims to improve not only the efficiency of the hospital but also the well-being of everyone who enters.
The choice of a warm color palette and materials that mimic nature at Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital is based on research on the impact of color and natural elements in healthcare environments. Studies indicate that the use of warm colors and materials resembling the natural environment can help calm and relax patients. By designing spaces that are less harsh and cold than traditional hospital settings, we aim to create a positive atmosphere conducive to patients’ recovery. The application of biophilic design principles further enhances this relaxing experience, fostering a recuperative environment throughout the hospital.The warm, nature-inspired colors and textures were carefully chosen based on research into how environment design influences well-being. Studies show that colors like soft browns and greens, along with natural textures, can reduce stress and anxiety, which is especially important in healthcare settings. These elements help create a more comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making the hospital feel less clinical. The design also incorporates biophilic principles, which have been shown to improve mood, accelerate recovery, and enhance overall patient satisfaction by connecting individuals with nature.
To create a sense of well-being, the artificial lighting system at Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital was designed with a human-centric approach to mimic natural daylight. During the day, the light is bright and cool to help maintain energy and alertness, and it shifts to warmer tones in the evening to promote relaxation. This design ensures that the lighting for both patients and staff is consistent and comfortable, without causing eye strain, while enhancing overall well-being. It also supports the hospital's overall goal of creating a calming, restorative environment.
We focused on creating spaces that address both the practical needs of healthcare and the emotional well-being of patients. Comfort and reduced stress are achieved through high-end materials and thoughtful design elements, complemented by a layout optimized for medical staff efficiency. However, comfort does not come at the expense of the hospital's medical goals. We integrated private rooms and calming common areas without compromising the core medical functions of the hospital. This approach ensures that both patients and staff can feel at ease in a supportive, healing environment.
The use of concrete and steel in Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital was driven by the need for durability, safety, and the embrace of modern design. Concrete provides the structural integrity necessary for the large-scale facilities of a hospital, while steel allows for open, airy space designs. Additionally, these materials contribute to the modernist aesthetic of the hospital, aligning with its identity as a flagship, technologically advanced, durable, and healing healthcare facility. They support the hospital's functionality and contribute to the creation of a nurturing, sustainable environment.
To allow each medical department at Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital to function independently yet with a unified aesthetic, we focused on designing flexible spaces tailored to each department's specific needs. The efficient design supports the specialized functions in emergency and clinical areas, while standardized materials, colors, and biophilic elements create cohesion throughout the hospital. This approach ensures that each department serves its practical purpose while being an integral part of the overall healing environment, fulfilling both its functional role and contribution to the hospital's well-being.
The multicultural background of our team enriched the design of Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital by bringing diverse perspectives. Our goal was to create inclusive spaces that cater to cultural needs and emotional responses. This approach influenced our choices of materials, lighting, and spatial layout, making the hospital socially inclusive. By incorporating the best elements from various cultures, we created a space where patients and staff feel seen, supported, and comfortable—key components of a healing environment.
Kahramanmaraş Doğa Hospital is an example of ideal medical facility planning, with the seamless integration of functionality and emotional well-being. Key aspects of intuitive wayfinding include the integration of luxury and healthcare needs, as well as biophilic elements that contribute to the healing environment. The use of high-quality materials ensures hygiene and comfort, while thoughtful lighting and spatial arrangements create a soothing atmosphere. Both individually and through their interaction, these elements reflect a forward-thinking approach to healthcare architecture, benefiting both patients and staff alike.
The project's design exemplifies a shift toward human-centered healthcare environments that prioritize both patient healing and staff satisfaction. By integrating natural elements, intuitive layouts, and luxurious yet functional spaces, it sets a new standard for hospital design. Future hospitals will increasingly incorporate biophilic principles, enhanced natural light, and comfort-focused amenities to reduce stress, aid in recovery, and improve the work environment for staff, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both patients and staff.
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