• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Sidra Medical & Research Center's Sparkling Design Incorporates Nature to Promote Healing

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 March 2007, 15:01 CDT

Qatar Foundation's Sidra Medical and Research Center today revealed architectural plans to combine cutting-edge technology with an incandescent design that both reflects and celebrates the sky. This outstanding landmark development will be the first academic medical and research center in the region based on the North American model and will provide the highest standards of healthcare.

The Sidra design is the creation of Cesar Pelli of Pelli Clarke Pelli, www.pcparch.com, and the project's executive architectural firm Ellerbe Becket, www.ellerbebecket.com. Both firms have created healthcare facilities around the world.

A modern structure of steel, glass and white ceramic tile, Sidra has been specially designed to be a benchmark for healing environments throughout the world. The dramatic design and landscaping includes three spectacular atriums that serve as indoor healing gardens -- a unique feature that all patients will be able to view from their rooms and that will allow them to benefit from fresh air during the cooler months. The building also incorporates water features in the lobby and drop-off areas and a comprehensive art collection.

The towering atriums divide the sweeping facility into sections and accentuate the dedicated entrances of the three "hospitals within a hospital" -- one for children, one for women and one for adults (male and female).

Connected by an enclosed walkway, a state-of-the-art biomedical research center will be situated in the clinic building to the west of the main building. Plans call for construction of the initial clinic building in the first phase, with a second clinic building -- a mirror image -- to be built later. The historic house that currently exists on the property will be preserved and incorporated into the Sidra campus between the two high-tech clinic buildings, symbolizing the importance of both tradition and progress.

According to Engineer Saad Al-Muhannadi, Qatar Foundation's Vice President for Capital Projects, "Sidra Medical and Research Center is world class not only in terms of the technology inside but also in terms of its striking design. It is exceptional in its beauty as well as the superior quality of care it will offer to the people of Qatar."

An all-digital facility, Sidra will be wireless, filmless and virtually paperless -- a concept called "paper-lite" -- incorporating the latest technologies and equipment in all clinical, administrative and research functions. At the same time, the medical center will be consumer-focused, providing the ultimate in patient care and comfort. Offering similar amenities to a luxury hotel, all patient rooms will be private and generously sized, and will incorporate three zones to accommodate the patient, his/her family and an area for nurses and medical staff.

Sidra Medical and Research Center will encompass three essential missions -- world-class clinical care, medical education and biomedical research. Part of a collaborative effort entitled "one program in multiple institutions," the medical center will work closely with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) and Hamad Medical Corporation to promote excellence in all. As the most recent and most complex initiative to be launched by Qatar Foundation, Sidra will not only enhance the quality of healthcare in Qatar but help build the nation's scientific expertise and resources. Qatar Foundation has committed US$7.9 billion to endow the medical and research center, the largest endowment of a medical center anywhere in the world.

Sidra will be part of a new medical zone on the Education City campus which will also include residential accommodations for about 300 nurses, a car park and a pedestrian walkway to Weill Cornell Medical College. Construction of the medical center is scheduled to begin in early 2008, with the opening anticipated in late 2010 with approximately 380 beds and infrastructure to enable expansion to 550 beds in a subsequent phase.

At full operation, Sidra will employ over 2,000 full-time staff, including a team of highly talented and accomplished physicians and scientists to help establish the medical and research facility as a genuine center of excellence. Sidra medical staff will also be faculty at WCMC-Q.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category