Friendship Hospital, Satkhira

by Kashef Chowdhury/URBANA
Client Friendship NGO
Awards RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2021
This project won RIBA International Prize 2021
© Asif Salman/Courtesy of URBANA
The Friendship Hospital Satkhira, designed by Kasef Chowdhury/URBANA, is built to serve a
rural population in the Bangladesh delta. The community hospital of eighty beds was initiated by
a donation of land by a local philanthropist.
In a changing context due to rising sea levels, the once surrounding landscape of grain fields
has been replaced by shrimp fisheries. Adaptive to its built environment. The architect makes
this surrounding water play a key role in the building with the design of a rainwater-collecting
canal landscaping creatively in between the multiple blocks masterplan to separate inpatient
and outpatient departments. Site context became part of the architectural solution.

© Asif Salman/Courtesy of URBANA

The technology of the hospital is not emphasized but is hidden in the simplicity and the
evidence of the design of its plan. The innovation is can be seen in the plan. The design of
the project effectively transmits a sense of protection to the hospital users with shadow corridors
around all the blocks and a series of courtyards providing natural ventilation everywhere and
regulating the temperature efficiently. The use of natural ventilation is utilized well.
The construction in bricks built in situ celebrates this ordinary material without having to resort to
complex technology leading to increased budgets. Local materials by local craftmanship helps
the integration of the building to the native culture and society. Vernacular materials instead
of advanced technology. Advanced technology is inappropriate in the site context.
© Asif Salman/Courtesy of URBANA
The jury found it refreshing to see a hospital with such a human and natural touch. The
Friendship Hospital has a particular relevancy at this period of time as it addresses the issue of
unequal access to healthcare throughout the world. Relevant. It addresses the issue of
unequal access to healthcare throughout the world.
It is a demonstration of how beautiful architecture can be achieved through good design when
working with a relatively modest budget and with difficult contextual constraints. Applicable
especially for a government-funded projects. This hospital is a celebration of a building
dedicated to humans.

© Asif Salman/Courtesy of URBANA

Date of completion April 2018
Location Shyamnagar, Bangladesh
Cost £1,516,000
Internal area 4,777 m²
Cost per m² £317 / m²

Contractor Golam Mostofa Limited

Structural Engineers Descon Engineers
Electrical Engineer Independent
Plumbing Design M/S High Speed Engineers
Sewage Treatment Sigma Engineers Ltd.
© Kashef Chowdhury/URBANA

© Kashef Chowdhury/URBANA
The Friendship Hospital Satkhira, designed by Kasef Chowdhury/URBANA, is built to serve a
rural population in the Bangladesh delta. The community hospital of eighty beds was initiated by
a donation of land by a local philanthropist.
In a changing context due to rising sea levels, the once surrounding landscape of grain fields
has been replaced by shrimp fisheries. The architect makes this surrounding water play a key
role in the building with the design of a rainwater-collecting canal landscaping creatively in
between the multiple blocks masterplan to separate inpatient and outpatient departments.
The technology of the hospital is not emphasised but is hidden in the simplicity and the
evidence of the design of its plan. The design of the project effectively transmits a sense of
protection to the hospital users with shadow corridors around all the blocks and a series of
courtyards providing natural ventilation everywhere and regulating the temperature efficiently.
The construction in bricks built in situ celebrates this ordinary material without having to resort to
complex technology leading to increased budgets. Local materials by local craftmanship helps
the integration of the building to the native culture and society.
The jury found it refreshing to see a hospital with such a human and natural touch. The
Friendship Hospital has a particular relevancy at this period of time as it addresses the issue of
unequal access to healthcare throughout the world.
It is a demonstration of how beautiful architecture can be achieved through good design when
working with a relatively modest budget and with difficult contextual constraints. This hospital is
a celebration of a building dedicated to humans.
Introduction:
The Friendship Hospital Satkhira, designed by Kasef Chowdhury of URBANA, stands as a
testament to the power of architecture in addressing the healthcare needs of a rural population
in the Bangladesh delta region. This community hospital, comprising eighty beds, owes its
existence to the generous donation of land by a local philanthropist. However, what truly
distinguishes this architectural marvel is its ability to seamlessly blend into a changing context,
characterized by rising sea levels and shifting landscapes from grain fields to shrimp fisheries.
In this essay, we will explore the architectural approach of Friendship Hospital, focusing on key
subtopics such as its innovative use of water, integration of technology, celebration of local
materials and craftsmanship, and its broader significance in the global healthcare landscape.
Embracing the Surrounding Water:
As the environment surrounding the hospital transformed from fertile grain fields to shrimp
fisheries due to rising sea levels, the architect ingeniously incorporated the changing landscape
into the hospital's design. The hallmark of this approach is the rainwater-collecting canal that
meanders through the multiple blocks of the masterplan, effectively separating the inpatient and
outpatient departments. This creative use of water not only adds aesthetic value but also serves
a functional purpose by collecting and managing rainwater, a valuable resource in the delta
region. It underscores the hospital's adaptability to the evolving environment and its
commitment to sustainable practices.
Technology in Simplicity:
While advanced medical technology is essential in a hospital, Friendship Hospital's design does
not emphasize it as a prominent feature. Instead, technology is seamlessly integrated into the
hospital's simplicity and functionality. The evidence of this approach is evident in the thoughtful
layout of the hospital plan. The design prioritizes the well-being of patients and staff, with
shadow corridors enveloping all the blocks and a series of courtyards ensuring natural
ventilation and efficient temperature regulation. This design not only enhances the comfort of
hospital users but also minimizes the hospital's environmental footprint.
Celebrating Local Materials and Craftsmanship:
One of the most striking aspects of Friendship Hospital is its use of locally sourced materials
and craftsmanship. The hospital's construction relies on bricks built in situ, celebrating this
ordinary material without resorting to complex technologies that often inflate budgets. By
employing local materials and craftsmanship, the building seamlessly integrates with the native
culture and society, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community. This
approach exemplifies the architect's commitment to sustainable building practices and social
integration.
A Human-Centric and Relevant Design:
The Friendship Hospital's design has received accolades for its human-centric and natural
touch. It provides a sense of protection to its users, making it a welcoming and comfortable
environment for patients and staff alike. Beyond its architectural merits, the hospital holds
particular relevance in addressing the issue of unequal access to healthcare on a global scale. It
serves as a model for achieving beautiful architecture with a relatively modest budget and in the
face of challenging contextual constraints.
Conclusion:
The Friendship Hospital Satkhira, designed by Kasef Chowdhury/URBANA, is a testament to
the power of architecture to serve humanity, adapt to changing environments, and promote
sustainable practices. Its innovative use of water, seamless integration of technology,
celebration of local materials and craftsmanship, and commitment to providing equal access to
healthcare make it a shining example of what can be achieved through good design, even in the
most challenging circumstances. This hospital stands as a celebration of a building dedicated to
humans and a source of inspiration for architects and communities worldwide.
The Friendship Hospital Satkhira, designed by Kasef Chowdhury of URBANA, exemplifies the
potential of architecture in addressing the healthcare requirements of a rural community in
Bangladesh's delta region. This community hospital, comprising eighty beds, owes its existence
to the generous donation of land by a local philanthropist.
Embracing the Surrounding Water
As the terrain around the hospital changed from fertile grain fields to shrimp fisheries due to
rising sea levels, the architect cleverly incorporated the shifting landscape into the hospital's
architecture. The rainwater-collecting canal meanders through the multiple blocks of the master
plan, effectively separating the inpatient and outpatient departments. This innovative use of
water not only adds aesthetic value but also serves a functional purpose by collecting and
regulating rainwater, an important resource in the delta region.
Technology in Simplicity
While advanced medical technology is necessary in a hospital, Friendship Hospital's design
does not emphasize it as a focal point. Instead, technology is seamlessly blended into the
simplicity and functionality of the facility. The meticulous structure of the hospital plan
demonstrates this approach. The design highlights patient and staff comfort, with shadow
corridors surrounding all blocks and a series of courtyards providing natural ventilation and
efficient temperature adjustment.
Celebrating Local Materials and Craftsmanship
Friendship Hospital's utilization of locally sourced materials and craftsmanship is one of its most
remarkable features. The hospital's construction depends on in-situ bricks, highlighting this
common material without relying on complicated technologies that sometimes overrun budgets.
The structure harmoniously merges with the native culture and society by using local materials
and craftsmanship, promoting a sense of ownership and pride in the community.
A Human-Centric Design
The Friendship Hospital's architecture provides its users a sense of security, making it a
comfortable and welcoming place for both patients and staff. The hospital holds particular
relevance in addressing the issue of unequal access to healthcare on a global scale. It serves
as a model for achieving beautiful architecture with a relatively modest budget and in the face of
challenging contextual constraints.