by ArchitectureWeek

At the CHA Women & Children's Hospital near Seoul, a softness of natural light, organic elements, and curving form tempers a sleek building of glass, aluminum, and stainless steel. KMD Architects designed the facility, with associate architect yo2 Architects, to provide uncluttered respite from the surrounding neighborhood's visual noise.

The hospital in South Korea received one of the AIA National Healthcare Design Awards for 2008. In this inaugural awards cycle, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Academy of Architecture for Health recognized four healthcare facilities, from Tucson to Shenzhen, for exemplary design in addressing concerns of program, aesthetics, and context. Extensive daylighting is common to all the buildings, primarily for patient and staff benefit.

Hospital Chic

The aesthetic of CHA Women's Hospital imitates trends in high-couture shops and spas. In fact, an extended-stay spa fills an entire floor of the building.

One challenge in designing the building, which is surrounded closely by buildings on three sides, was to maximize daylighting while protecting patient privacy.   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE The CHA Women & Children's Hospital, located in a suburb of Seoul, South Korea, was one of four recipients of the 2008 AIA Healthcare Design Awards. Photo: Jong O Kim Extra Large Image KMD Architects designed the CHA Women & Children's Hospital, which includes a healing spa. Photo: Jong O Kim Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.