Zaha Hadid Architects Clinch Contract for New Italian Medical Center Design

The renowned architectural firm, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), has successfully secured the contract to develop the design for the forthcoming Grande Ospedale della Malpensa, a new modular medical campus slated for construction in Lombardy, Italy. This victory in the international competition underscores ZHA's continued influence in shaping critical infrastructure projects across Europe.

This ambitious project encompasses a total built area approaching 90,000 square meters. The resulting facility will function as a highly concentrated campus, meticulously organized with clear functional segregation. The six-story hospital structure is engineered to accommodate varying levels of care intensity, ranging from high-acuity emergency services and surgical theaters to essential laboratories and dedicated rehabilitation zones.

A key design principle integrated into the hospital's spatial organization is flexibility. The internal layout is intentionally adaptable, allowing for the seamless repurposing of spaces in the future. This forward-thinking approach ensures the infrastructure can readily evolve to meet emerging medical requirements and technological advancements without necessitating wholesale reconstruction.

Sustainability and advanced technology are central tenets of the hospital’s aesthetic and operational strategy. The exterior facades will feature modular aluminum paneling. These panels are ingeniously equipped with integrated solar shading elements and substantial decorative planters designed to host living greenery. This combination not only addresses energy efficiency but also introduces biophilic design elements.

Internally, the material palette emphasizes natural elements, such as wood and textiles. The intention behind selecting these materials is twofold: to foster a more comfortable and restorative environment for both patients and staff, and to contribute to optimizing the internal climate control systems. Furthermore, this material choice significantly enhances the overall visual appeal of the complex.

Beyond the building’s immediate visual impact, considerable emphasis has been placed on cultivating a high-quality surrounding environment. The plans include provisions for numerous internal courtyards, dedicated gardens, and accessible terraces, offering vital outdoor respite areas for those receiving care. To streamline operations, the design incorporates segregated circulation routes for patients and staff, complemented by specialized elevator shafts dedicated solely to the transport of equipment and supplies.

With its innovative architectural vision and commitment to operational efficiency, the new Grande Ospedale della Malpensa is positioned to serve as a benchmark facility for future healthcare institutions throughout the European continent.