ARCHITECTURE
Architectural innovation and design philosophy Argola Arquitectos has reimagined the traditional podium-and-tower hospital model, creating specialised areas for ambulatory care, surgery, and research within the podium, while positioning patient rooms and intensive care units within the tower structures. This innovative approach represents a sophisticated response to contemporary healthcare delivery requirements while optimising spatial efficiency and operational workflow. The architectural concept emerges
from the superimposition of two distinct organizational schemes. The podium configuration comprises parallel bands that progressively specialize in function, transitioning from public areas in the east to more private clinical spaces in the west. This horizontal organisation contrasts with the hospitalisation towers, which operate as wings intersecting the lower bands, providing dual access points for public visits and internal circulation for patients, staff, and supplies. The tower design originates from five
parallel modules, with two rotated to optimise visual connections while preventing direct sightlines between patient rooms. This rotation strategy clusters visitor cores while enhancing views and improving orientation through strategic courtyard openings. The resulting configuration creates a more humane environment that balances privacy with visual connectivity to the surrounding landscape.
Circulation and access strategy The circulation system reflects the building’s dual organisational logic, with each scheme developing distinct movement patterns. Within the podium, parallel north-south circulations progressively specialise, moving from external to internal functions from east to west. This horizontal circulation pattern facilitates efficient departmental organisation while maintaining clear wayfinding for diverse user groups. The tower circulation operates on an
east-west axis, accessed from public circulation routes at the extremes. Eastern access occurs through visitor cores, while western access connects to the CAA via
glazed walkways, serving patient rooms, staff areas, and supply distribution. This dual-access strategy maintains operational efficiency while segregating public and clinical functions. The building’s four primary facades
each accommodate specific access functions, enhancing user orientation within the hospital complex. The southeast façade unifies emergency access points, including new paediatric and obstetric emergency entrances and an alternative adult emergency access. The northeast façade houses the main hospital entrances, including the central general hospital entrance and the materno-infantil hospital access. The southwest façade, integrated with the CAA, maintains its role as the primary ambulatory access point. The renovated general residence section features a dedicated pavilion for educational area access.
Technical excellence and construction innovation The Phase III construction represents a remarkable achievement in contemporary hospital construction, completed within an
exceptionally compressed 28-month timeframe using industrialised construction methodologies. This accelerated timeline was accomplished through the coordination of a highly skilled team of architects and engineers, establishing new benchmarks for large- scale healthcare construction in Spain. The project encompasses 133,760 m2
of constructed area, realised with a total investment of €204,209,998.84 (excluding VAT), achieving a cost efficiency of less than €1,600 per square metre. An additional €96 million was invested in advanced medical equipment, ensuring the facility meets the highest standards of contemporary healthcare technology. This financial efficiency, combined with the rapid construction schedule, establishes a new standard for major healthcare infrastructure projects. The building incorporates eleven floors, including one basement level, with the first four floors dedicated to the technical block and the upper levels housing hospitalisation functions. The facility includes over 700 patient rooms,
Originally inaugurated in 1973, the hospital has undergone continuous evolution
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IFHE DIGEST 2026
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