The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has honored a hospital in Bangladesh with the prestigious RIBA International Prize 2021, commending the architects for infusing “care and humanity at the heart of its design.”
Crafted by Kashef Chowdhury of URBANA, The Friendship Hospital, an 80-bed community facility, stands resilient in a region vulnerable to rising sea levels and cyclones, constructed with a modest budget of $2 million. Commissioned by the NGO Friendship, the hospital serves the people of Satkhira, an area that bore the brunt of a cyclone in 2007.
Chief architect Chowdhury emphasized the use of local materials and craftsmen to ensure acceptance by the surrounding villagers. The hospital’s unique design features a bricklaid structure with a captivating canal that meanders through, separating inpatient and outpatient sections. This canal serves the dual purpose of rainwater harvesting, addressing the local water’s salinity, and contributing to microclimatic cooling, allowing the hospital to operate without air conditioning.
Beyond physical care, the hospital prioritizes mental well-being during the healing process, incorporating courtyards, gardens, pools, and trees to facilitate natural light and ventilation. Odile Decq, chair of the RIBA jury, praised the project for embodying an “architecture of humanity and protection” and addressing global challenges such as healthcare inequality and the impact of climate breakdown on vulnerable communities.
The RIBA award recognizes projects worldwide that showcase design excellence with a focus on social impact. Previous recipients include a remote wooden school in Brazil and a cliff-like concrete building in Peru.
