Addressing care for Singapore’s growing aging population, a team of designers from both Gensler and HDR jointly proposed a universally accessible building defined by open-air platforms, vertical landscaping, and experience-rich amenities. The concept for Community Hospital @ Yishun begins with a seven-floor patient tower with rooms that are modular in that they can accommodate a range of occupancies—from private to eight-bed formats. Alcoves within circulation spaces afford views into the hanging gardens, creating a quiet tree-house atmosphere. The design team explored ways to enable natural climate control and ventilation, deciding on a roof structure that draws hot air out of the building, wide verandas with deep overhands for shading, and a two-story public plaza “front porch” with a water feature.

Since the concept attempts to engage a variety of occupants, it features a singular path of stairs, elevators, ramps, and program-filled walkways that cater to different paces of individual patients. The sights and sounds of a bird aviary in the front porch zone instill positive thoughts of activity and life. An outdoor lecture facility and therapeutic gardening areas for active patient participation create a sense of community. Finally, state-of-the-art medicine offers peace of mind, assuring occupants that they have access to a seamless
continuum of healthcare.


conceptual winner
Designer Gensler and HDR
Client Alexandra Health System
Where Singapore