Polish-designed hospital in Sopot wins international architectural award

The European Family Center in Sopot, Poland, is redefining hospital design by blending advanced medical treatment with aesthetically pleasing architecture. Two new buildings, Fala 4 and Fala 5, part of the center's expansion, have earned a jury award at the prestigious A+ Awards, an international architectural competition organized by Architizer magazine.

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A hospital that not only offers modern treatment methods but also looks beautiful – that's what the European Family Center in Sopot is meant to be.

The complex, situated on a five-hectare plot near the beach, was developed on a site previously occupied by neglected land. FAAB Architektura transformed the area, creating a facility that offers pre- and post-operative care, rehabilitation, an analytical laboratory, an outpatient clinic, and a hospital. The architects deliberately designed the center to avoid the typical sterile appearance of hospitals, aligning with a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Medical infrastructure is discreetly integrated to enhance patient comfort. The building's creative architecture, with forms mimicking sea waves, draws inspiration from Pierre Carreau's "AquaViva" photography series. A striking feature is the white aluminum facade panels, perforated with the ancient "Flower of Life" symbol, believed to possess healing powers. These panels not only add visual appeal but also provide sun protection, with adjustable shutters for temperature control.

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The goal of the architects was to design a complex that doesn't look like a 'typical' hospital, which fits into the aforementioned holistic approach to patient care.

Fala 4 houses 35 patient rooms, a restaurant, and rehabilitation areas. Fala 5 includes a hyperbaric and cryogenic chamber, movement therapy rooms, and advanced medical equipment. Each of the eight patient rooms on the top floor boasts a unique, colorful design, deviating from standard hospital room aesthetics. Furnished with custom pieces by FAAB Architektura and decorated with wooden partitions by artist Jacek Wydrzyński, these rooms aim to provide a more comfortable and less clinical environment. Balcony railings are designed to ensure patient privacy.

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The perforations in the panel take the form of the Flower of Life – an ancient symbol known in Egypt, India, and Mayan culture, which was attributed healing power.