A team of BC Building Consulting, RINA, STI Engineering, WSP and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has won a design competition for the Malpensa Hospital in northern Italy, located between Milan and Varese.
The 90,000-sq-m structure, with five storeys above ground and one basement level, will connect the old Gallarate and Busto Arsizio hospitals to make one facility.
A modular design will allow for future expansion and functional reconfiguration in emergencies.
It will have dedicated circulation pathways for visitors, patients, staff and goods to minimise the risk of contamination.
Separate elevators for medical materials, goods and waste are located to avoid interference, as is an automated delivery system.
At ground level, a “Main Street” acts as the central public axis, connected to the entrance plaza and surrounding landscaping.
The campus encompasses Cascina dei Poveri, an ancient rural complex dating to the 12th century.
First and second level clinics will be located close to maternal-infant healthcare, rehabilitation, laboratories and logistics.
A multifunctional operating block will contain emergency services, surgery, critical-care areas, plus radiology, interventional and diagnostic rooms.
The hospital was commissioned by the Lombardy Regional Health Authority and is linked to public transport, cycling paths and pedestrian walkways.
Indoor spaces have been designed to optimise natural light and reduce noise pollution and contain natural finishes such as wood and textiles.
The façades comprise modular aluminium rainscreen panels and integrated planters to reduce solar shading.
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