Almana: A Healing Environment for Medical Center

Creating a Therapeutic Space for Patients and Staff

Well-designed healthcare environments have been proven to reduce patients' anxiety and stress, accelerate recovery, shorten hospitalizations, reduce medication use, lessen pain, and promote a sense of well-being. Almana takes this research into account and incorporates it into every aspect of its design. From the layout of the space to the choice of materials, every decision is made with the intention of creating a healing environment.

The physical setting of a healthcare facility is the patient's first impression. Almana ensures that this impression is a positive one. The design creates a clear separation of zones of activities, with departments and functions located based on access point proximity, flow, and way-finding. All clinics and staff spaces provide access to outside views and landscaped terraces, allowing patients and staff to connect with nature.

One of the unique features of Almana is its emphasis on natural light and natural materials. The design incorporates a high-performance glazing system for elevations and skylights to maximize the use of daylight. Terracotta tiles are chosen for the exterior cladding, adding warmth and texture to the building.

With a size of 14,000 square meters, Almana features two basement floors and five floors above ground. It houses 75 clinics, a radiology department, a laboratory department, and a pharmacy. The design ensures that the space is flexible and adaptable, with clear functional zoning and modular arrangements.

Located in South Rakah, Eastern Region, KSA, the Almana project was realized between 2017 and 2019. Throughout the design process, the team faced the challenge of creating a healing environment that reduces patients' anxiety and stress while also enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity. By combining advanced practices for lighting, day lighting, HVAC, and water treatment systems, Almana achieves these goals while using significantly less energy.

Almana has been recognized for its excellence in design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2022 in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This award is given to designs that meet professional and industrial requirements, integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.

Almana is a testament to the power of design in healthcare. By creating a healing environment that prioritizes the well-being of patients and staff, it sets a new standard for medical centers. Muhammed El Sepaey's vision and attention to detail have resulted in a space that promotes healing, reduces stress, and enhances the overall experience for all who enter.