Rajiv Gandhi Education City is a dynamic hub housing numerous Universities and Colleges that span diverse disciplines, including Engineering, Arts, Architecture, Fashion Technology, and more. The region not only caters to the academic needs of these institutions but also necessitates a hospital that serves both the educational sector and the adjacent 'Rai' industrial district, addressing the broader healthcare requirements of the community.
In the current healthcare landscape, where hospitals often consist of sterile structures solely focused on scientific functions within enclosed spaces, devoid of the fundamental element of living space and driven by corporate profit motives, Treehouse emerges as a sanctuary. Functioning as a therapeutic space, it goes beyond conventional medical facilities, offering tranquility and healing for the mind and soul. The integration of nature into the very fabric of its design serves as a collaborative force in the internal recovery process of patients.
This proposal introduces an experimental shift in the traditional typology of healthcare facilities, suggesting that it can be adapted to align with the spatial perception commonly associated with 'Retreat Centres.' In doing so, Treehouse at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital redefines the approach to patient care, prioritizing a holistic and rejuvenating environment over the conventional, profit-driven medical model.
Site Location | Plot No. 15/a, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, India |
Site Area | 10 Acres |
Land Allocation | HSVP India |
Client | Department of Medical Education & Research |
Funding Agency | Department of Medical Education & Research |
Time | 2018.01 – 2018.04 |
Status | Proposed |
Tools used | AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, VRay, Adobe Photoshop |
Supervisor | Ar. Vipin Gupta and Ar. Rathindra Bhattacharya |
Rajiv Gandhi Education City stands out as a rapidly expanding educational hub in Northern India, attracting universities seeking a Delhi location amidst land allocation challenges. The Department of Medical Education & Research proposed the hospital in 2017 with the aim of addressing healthcare needs in the surrounding villages.
The region currently relies on only two hospitals and one health center to serve seven villages and an entire industrial area. Residents traditionally sought healthcare in Sonipat and Murthal, major districts in proximity, highlighting the necessity for an accessible local healthcare facility.
The site itself is enveloped by sprawling farmlands and boasts access points with 60-meter and 45-meter right-of-ways. Additionally, its proximity to a drainage system, adorned with green cover, enhances its environmental context.
Wind patterns predominantly follow a NW-SE direction throughout most of the year, with a slight shift towards NE-SW during extreme winter conditions. This comprehensive site analysis provides a foundation for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities for the proposed hospital in this dynamic and evolving educational landscape.
The overarching concept revolves around the creation of a sustainable hospital with a profound emphasis on the psychological principles associated with retreat centers. The primary objective is to foster internal healing, offering solace to both the mind and soul. The envisioned hospital is conceived as a sanctuary, a transformative space where each patient aspires to instigate positive life changes.
Upon scrutinizing existing buildings through case studies, it became evident that they fell short in meeting the stringent demands for comprehensive healthcare. Thus, the challenge at hand was to innovate and evolve a contemporary hospital that seamlessly integrates a healing environment into its functional aspects, balancing the intricate interplay between therapeutic spaces and technical necessities. This concept development seeks to redefine the conventional healthcare paradigm, placing patient well-being and internal healing at the forefront of its design philosophy.