Architecture
Architecturally stunning Senegalese hospital
The hospital is enclosed by lattice-like walls.
Image courtesy of: Dezeen
By happenstance, Nicholas Fox Weber visited the pediatric unit of Tambacounda Hospital in Senegal three years ago. Walking into the newborn unit, he was shocked to find the neonatal unit in virtual shambles. Specifically, three babies were squeezed into one broken incubator… just one example of the broken medical facility.
As the region’s only major facility, Tambacounda Hospital was in dire need of funds. Weber, Josef and Anni Albers Foundation’s director, quickly launched a design competition to build a new Maternity and Pediatric Unit for the hospital.
Light filtering through is an added bonus.
Image courtesy of: Arch Daily
This new extension to Tambacounda Hospital was designed by Manuel Herz, a Switzerland-based architect who has an international resume behind him. Herz studied in Aachen, Germany and London’s Architectural Association; following, he taught at a number of acclaimed universities. In addition, Merz was appointed assistant professor of architectural and urban design at the University of Basel. The architect took a particular interest in the influence of 1960’s and 1970’s modernism on Africa’s “newer,” independent countries. Merz also has conducted a number of projects involving in-depth studies on refugee camps.
As a result, he became quite familiar with five specific countries: Kenya, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Senegal. This led Nicholas Fox Weber, director of the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, to reach out to Merz in order to collaborate on ways to improve access to education, culture, and health in rural Senegal. The foundation, along with Le Korsa, an NGO that Weber set up in 2005, stood behind this statement; courtesy of an article by Ryan Waddoups for Surface Magazine, “With our many projects in eastern Senegal, we at Le Korsa felt that it was unconscionable, and unnecessary, for three premature babies to be put on a small surface less than a meter square, with a light bulb hanging over them, instead of in a proper incubator. Dilapidated structures, inadequate planning, and a grim atmosphere: surely it was possible to do better.”
Balconies were constructed along the circulation routes inside.
Image courtesy of: Wallpaper
The foundation unanimously selected Herz as architect for the extension project; a cause that was viewed as extremely urgent due to massive overcrowding at Tambacounda Hospital. Herz was selected due to his particular approach which shows “a mix of visual flair, practical understanding, and profound humanitarianism” (courtesy of Arch Daily).
Hopefully, the innovative design will improve patients’ comfort through cohesiveness. The curvilinear brick extension will connect to the existing hospital via a covered pathway that referenced the existing structure. The addition will house the maternity and pediatric clinics; both with niches between rooms and exterior spaces where families can take a break from the busy wards.
Located in one of the hottest places on earth, the design will allow for the building to operate without air conditioning.
Image courtesy of: The Guardian, photographed by: Oliver Wainwright
Upon winning the design competition, Herz conferred with doctors to find out what they felt they were missing at the hospital. In addition, staff, directors, and existing patients were also consulted to get their personal thoughts on how to best move forward. The initial design proposal was then reevaluated… “This design went through another vigorous community interrogation, with the regional governor ensuring that every possible stakeholder had their say.” The process showed Herz’s commitment to ensuring that everyone had a say and that this was indeed, an authentic collaboration.
The expertise of local craftsmen and engineers was used to build the two-story, curvilinear building. The snaking structure stands 23-feet wide and employs a beautiful lattice-like brickwork that allows for cross-ventilation and cooling. In addition to the architecture’s beauty, the design is specific to the region’s intense climate. As an added bonus, the play of light and shadows will “undoubtedly uplift patients on a sunny day.”
The serpentine-like design from above.
Following the addition’s completion, Herz was asked to design staff quarters to attract more doctors from the country’s urban areas.
Image courtesy of: The Guardian, photographed by: Iwan Baan
Since the design was so successful and innovative, it was expanded to build a school for neighboring children… outfitted with Tambacounda’s first playground. For Herz, designing this building was “the most rewarding experience in my architecture career so far.” He continues, “This process has led to designs that were surprising, much more interesting, better adapted to local conditions, and more beautiful than any single-authored project could’ve delivered.”
It is important to note that Herz was chosen for the project after he refused to submit a proposal prior to visiting the site. He was intuitive in knowing that understanding the region’s family dynamics was a vital part to presenting the right proposal. Following his visit, perhaps the most important aspect Herz came away with was that there must be ample space for family members. In Senegal, a hospital stay is a “family affair”… relatives wash clothes and make food as hospital staff is in short supply. The innovative design, in essence, embraces the entourages that come along with the patient. Thank you Herz, for visiting prior to proposing!
