The new International Medical Center scheduled to open in mid-2005 in Jeddah is a representation of the contemporary concept of "healing by design." The concept is based on a holistic approach to medicine that emphasizes providing high-quality health care services to the mind, body and soul and communicating that through the hospital's architectural design and surroundings. This 300-bed multi-specialty hospital combines form and function to give patients the best environment for medical care and recovery while comforting them with an overall feeling of wellness and serenity. Dr. Sami Angawi, the lead architect of IMC, said the design was meant to give patients the feeling of exceptional health care, physically, mentally and spiritually. For Dr. Angawi incorporating this into the design involved Dr. Walid Fitaihi, the IMC's CEO and chairman of its board of directors.
The IMC design process began in the US and took three years. Dr. Angawi cooperated with an American firm which had designed many hospitals. For IMC, however, he insisted on a unique design, "I would formulate a design and check it with the main function of a hospital and if my idea in any way contradicted that, I would try to adapt it to make the most inclusive design." He merged the requirements of the latest medical technology and engineering with his own concept of Islamic architecture. "Islamic architecture is about balance," he said. From the outside he tried to communicate a feeling of dignity because IMC is an institution and he tried to reflect that in the structural relationships, the proportions, and the elements such as the muqarnas, a distinct Islamic element. He also tried to relate the structure to its environment so the movement of sun and wind and air had to be taken into consideration. Once inside the patient should feel that this is a place he relates to and trusts. The courtyard, the greenery and the traditional elements that people are familiar with such as the arches, projecting windows (rowshan), calligraphy and the mosque make patients and visitors feel secure, a place with the latest medical technology and the best doctors.
Other aspects of the environment that have been medically proven to reduce blood pressure and heart rates include exposure to sunlight, views of the sky, soothing elements such as water fountains and relaxing color schemes. There is an open courtyard with benches to sit, trees, flowers, walkways and water fountains. The atrium in the front entrance hall of the hospital has a garden and will be flooded with natural light from glass, floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. Only non-allergenic plants and flowers are planted throughout the compound in order to eliminate irritation and allergic reactions. Every room has access to natural light, either from skylights or large windows. Outside space is also given attention for its effect on patients' moods. An outdoor maze-like path is designed for "meditative walking", which research has found to be beneficial for lowering blood pressure and reducing levels of pain and anxiety. Also, walking counter-clockwise has been shown to be relaxing; incidentally, this is the same way the Ka'aba is circumambulated.
Special attention has been given to locate hospital departments for convenience. For example, the ER, OR, ICU, CCU and laboratory, and radiology departments are on the same floor so patients move easily between them. The Women's Health "Center of Excellence" takes a whole floor. "We thought of the social interaction that takes place in a hospital. Women would want to come to the hospital not only because they are not feeling well but also because they want to stay well. Giving birth and visiting is a social event here and we took that into account," said Dr. Angawi.
As for Islamic facets of the hospital design, this is a personal passion of Dr. Angawi's. He explained, "It is an opportunity for us to revive Islamic architecture and by using traditional craftsmen, we are helping them economically. Fifty percent of people in the Muslim world still work with their hands." He balances manmade material with technology. It might have been easier, cheaper and faster to use pre-cast concrete as some contractors suggested but then the hospital "would have lost its special features and looked like the shopping center across the street." IMC's design is thus a reflection of its healthcare mission, its Islamic tradition and its business ethics.
Housing Compound
When operational, the hospital staff is expected to number between 1,000 and 1,500. Efforts have been made to make the housing project as special as the hospital. "It was designed in order to create the highest degree of safety and peace of mind," said Fadi Moumne, one of the principal designers. A five-minute walk from the hospital, the residential area contains 14 buildings: 12 residential ones and 2 large communal buildings with gymnasiums, multi-functional halls and entertainment facilities. Nurses, physicians and families were consulted and the housing compound was planned to accommodate their needs. Each residential building includes a ground-floor common area, snack/juice bars, and entertainment center. Sufficient space was allowed for privacy in each unit.
Head nurses and senior administrative staff can have their own studio apartments, and physicians who are accompanied by their families to Jeddah have a choice of 1-3 bedroom units. A children's playground, two rooftop tennis courts, a mini-market and ample storage spaces are among the compound's features. Staff will have access to a 24-hour IMC shuttle and car service to and from work. All will have magnetic security ID cards.
