Designed to promote well-being and aimed to provide medical services to the Egyptian people, Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre in Cairo by Norman Foster is starting to come to life! Construction on the Centre has begun with all eagerness and enthusiasm to be a living hope for the cardiovascular patients. Above all, the center is the newest outpost of the Aswan Heart Centre founded by the renowned Egyptian surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub. The Center would offer free state-of-the-art treatment for the people of Egypt and beyond, in particular those in sub-Saharan Africa. Scroll down for more information about the long-awaited Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre Cairo by Norman Foster.

Problem Statement

Cardiovascular diseases are the diseases that affect the structures or the functions of the heart. “Cardiovascular is currently the most common cause of disability and death worldwide and especially in low and middle income countries.” Sir Magdi Yacoub mentioned. According to researches, reducing stress can be one of the efficient treatments for the cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, studio Foster + Partners worked on that to create the center immersed in a lush landscape. That is to say, this Biophilic approach in design intends to make patients relax, repose and just heal.

Design Concept

The Heart Center is present within a lush, verdant landscape and a calming lake. To clarify, this Biophilic design seeks to optimize the overall patient experience and decrease recovery times. The Center’s design focuses on natural light, greenery and views out, creating an environment that supports wellbeing. Moreover, the site will embrace many rich and native flora. The landscape design will form a ring of green interwoven spaces of pedestrian paths to create a quiet contemplative center. In addition to that, the design uses soft and warm colors throughout the interior, influenced by the psychology of colors and the Egyptian history. “It is an exemplar of sustainability, responding to the needs of patients and to its locale.” Commented Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners.

Project Details

The design of the 300-bed hospital responds to the needs of patients, their families and the caregivers. With striking views of the Pyramids of Giza, the site for the new hospital borders the prestigious Zewail City of Science and Technology. Therefore, this would form an integrated health and medical research zone.

Ground Floor

The main access to the site is from the south through a pedestrian plaza. Then, an intimate shaded route will lead you to a welcoming canopy that marks the entrance. The ground floor comprises comprehensive diagnosis and treatment facilities, including an accident and emergency department. In addition to these facilities, there will be a large outpatient clinic and rehabilitative departments. Above all, several courtyards intend to bring natural light into the deep plan building, while also aiding orientation. As the center supports innovation, the surgical department and intensive care units are co-located. This minimizes the distance between ‘bed and bench’, maximizing collaboration between researchers and caregivers working to deliver advanced, innovative care.

First Floor

On the first floor, the eight intensive care units aspired to optimize recovery, with privacy and natural daylight. Each patient room on this level is oriented so that patients benefit from landscaped views and the newly formed lake.

Second Floor

Inspired by the local traditions of being outdoors during the cooler parts of the day, there will be a green terrace on the second floor. To illustrate, this terrace will provide a vital break-out space for the staff and visitors. Furthermore, this open terrace intersperses with complementary built spaces containing a large staff canteen, children’s nursery. All this in addition to other collaborative meeting spaces for staff to share ideas.

Upper Floors

On the upper floors, there will be a series of single and shared patient rooms– each with expansive views of the surrounding lake and landscape. It’s worth mentioning that a sculptural shell-like roof structures shelters these upper floors.

We are waiting for the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre Cairo by Norman Foster to operate as we believe it’s going to be a noble master piece. Check Foster and Partners to see the official announcement. Also, check our articles about outstanding architecture projects in Egypt:  Gouna Architecture Development Across the Years and Architecture of Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center.