ARCHITECTURE


design approach helps create calmer atmospheres while avoiding institutional aesthetics, maintaining spaces that promote tranquillity and privacy. The building’s luminous and


comfortable spaces result from careful attention to interior design, modern furnishing, and architectural innovation that positions the facility among the world’s finest hospitals. Versatile clinical spaces can be reconfigured and expanded during emergency situations or catastrophic events, demonstrating adaptive capacity for diverse healthcare scenarios.


Recognition and


41 operating theatres with corresponding recovery areas, and 109 intensive care beds for adults and children, plus 47 neonatal intensive care beds. Additionally, the hospital features state-of-the-art clinical and diagnostic imaging equipment, therapeutic gardens, and other amenities positioning it among the world’s leading healthcare facilities.


Sustainable design and environmental performance Environmental sustainability represents a fundamental design principle throughout the project, reflecting our commitment to ecological responsibility in healthcare architecture. The building achieves high energy efficiency standards while maintaining low carbon dioxide emissions, establishing it as a green building exemplar. These environmental performance characteristics align with the project’s financing through European Next Generation funds, positioning the hospital as a reference point for ecological transition and digitalisation within the healthcare sector. The facility incorporates nearly


5,000 m2 of green terraces and gardens,


providing therapeutic outdoor spaces that support patient recovery and staff well- being. These landscape elements serve dual functions, offering respite areas while contributing to the building’s environmental performance through improved air quality and thermal regulation. The building’s high energy efficiency


results from integrated building systems design, optimised façade performance, and advanced mechanical systems housed within the dedicated technical floor. This comprehensive approach to sustainable design ensures long-term operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact.


IFHE DIGEST 2026 69


Humanised healthcare environment Beyond technical excellence, the project prioritises the creation of compassionate and therapeutic environments that support patient and staff wellbeing. The architectural design integrates natural light optimisation, privacy considerations, and comfort enhancement throughout all areas. Recreation areas, accessible terraces, and relaxation zones contribute to a healing environment that extends beyond conventional clinical spaces. The hospitalisation areas incorporate


innovative design elements, including vinyl installations featuring natural imagery such as reeds, which introduce a sense of nature within clinical units. This biophilic


professional achievement The architectural excellence of the Hospital 12 de Octubre has garnered significant international recognition, including finalist status in the prestigious European Healthcare Design awards in the Major Healthcare Designs category. This recognition highlights professional excellence in healthcare environments across Europe and globally, organised by Architects for Health and SALUS Global Knowledge Exchange to promote innovative environments that enhance healthcare service quality and efficiency. The Hospital 12 de Octubre project


represents the culmination of Argola Arquitectos’ commitment to healthcare architecture that serves both functional requirements and social responsibility. Our approach balances client requirements with the needs of direct and indirect building users, reflecting our philosophy that architecture and urbanism should serve broader community interests.


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