Diagnostic Center – Povazska Bystrica Hospital

Slovakia

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Emergency Pavilion–Bojnice Hospital

Diagnostic Center – Povazska Bystrica Hospital

Slovakia

Firm

ARCHICO, s.r.o.

Type

Government + Health › Hospital Medical Facility

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2022

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

BUDGET

$5M - 10M

The primary objective of the new pavilion was to establish a state-of-the-art diagnostic hub. The design reflects a dual purpose: providing high-quality, patient-centric healthcare while ensuring the long-term economic and operational sustainability of the hospital.
Urbanism
The pavilion is strategically positioned at the "heart" of the hospital complex, directly linked to the existing emergency department. This central location underscores the facility's supra-regional importance, acting as a vital core for the entire campus. The building’s regular, monolithic geometry creates a strong architectural presence, naturally commanding the surrounding space. While the main entrance is oriented toward the hospital’s internal courtyard to provide a sense of calm, the rear of the volume is seamlessly integrated with the existing infrastructure via a connecting corridor.
Architecture
The architectural form is a direct manifestation of its internal functions. The entrance hall and waiting area are visually connected to the exterior through a full-height glazed façade. An expansive canopy spans the entire width of the entrance, creating a protected outdoor waiting zone for patients.
The pavilion features an intensive green roof, accessible directly from the emergency ward. Beyond its aesthetic and restorative benefits, this "living" roof acts as a bioclimatic element, reducing the heat island effect and minimizing hard surfaces within the hospital courtyard. The unique composition of the skylights also serves as a subtle, three-dimensional "logo" for the facility.
Internally, the layout is optimized for high-tech diagnostic workflows (MRI, CT, X-ray, SONO). The MRI and CT suites are strategically placed at the building's perimeter, allowing for the heavy equipment to be replaced at the end of its life cycle without structural interventions or demolition. X-ray and SONO units are positioned between them to ensure optimal technical clearances. All diagnostic rooms are linked to a central staff and reporting hub, while patient access is managed through integrated changing cabins—some of which include dedicated restrooms for MRI and CT patients.
Interior
Design The interior utilizes a minimalist, monochromatic palette of white walls and seamless epoxy flooring, accented by carefully selected furniture. To ensure intuitive wayfinding, each diagnostic department is distinguished by a specific color-coding system located above the door frames.
To soften the clinical sterility, the entrance vestibule and interior ceilings are clad in warm larch wood slats. This material choice flows from the exterior into the interior, humanizing the space and creating a more welcoming environment for both patients and staff.