Maternity ward at Punta Europa Hospital, Algeciras, Cádiz. Andalusia, Spain. (2021)

Angela Elisabeth Müller

The hospital is located in Algeciras, at the straight of Gibraltar (“El estrecho”), next to the coast with wonderful views of the bay. At our first visit at Punta Europa Hospital, we were especially impressed by the very poor working environment. The area made it difficult to communicate, lacking space, daylight, ventilation and acustic confort. Midwives had no visual control of the area, no place to restore energy during their long work shifts and storage space was spread all over the area. 40 years later, a profound reform was truly necessary.
Basic parts of the design brief included re-location of all birth rooms providing them with daylight and views, offering a generous and well organized working area for the staff and design each birth room to be different in shape, dimensions and colours. Also a full surgery area was integrated for quick and safe handling, in case a c-section or other surgical procedure is needed and women could have continuity of care by the midwives without leaving the area. Singular wooden furniture in the L&D rooms and throughout the area compose as different elements the room, combined with coloured tiles reminiscent of the sea. Medical equipment is easily accessible for professionals, but out of sight for the woman, ensuring a calm environment.
The success of the project has been to generate an environment in which all users can find the physical and emotional support they need. The spatial needs of companions, families and professionals have also been taken into account.
The architectural ingredients used on the project are natural light, visual connection with the outside (the bay, Gibraltar, etc.), acoustic intimacy, room zoning, biophilic design, harmonious colour shemes, specific equipment, integration and concealment of surgical material, incorporation of material for pain relief and physiological childbirth.

Project Gallery

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Angela Elisabeth Müller AT

https://parramuller.com/
Marktplatz 2 | 5163 Mattsee/ Salzburg