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History Sets
The
Goal Ar.
Sushmita Ranjit
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The magnolia tree represents
Atkinson Morley's Neurosciences
Hospital of London, the alma
mater of Dr. Devkota |
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LOCATED at Bansbari in Kathmandu, very near to
the Ganga Lall Heart Hospital, the institute spreads
its allure in about six square kilometres of flat
land within a small ravine created by the main road
on the west and the Gulfutar residential area on the
east. “We were fortunate in the sense that every
seeming disaster could be turned to an advantage,”
says the suave doctor, “For example, the Consultants
were uncertain of the performance of the concrete
block tiles for the access road. We simply
segregated this access into areas for vehicular and
pedestrian traffic – a decision which has been
working perfectly for us.” As the metalled road
winds down to a clean green environment of the
institute, we understand what he means. Likewise,
although the institute is almost hidden as one
travels along the main road, the level difference
has created a buffer zone by default, minimizing the
honks and sounds of the endless traffic to and fro
from the Ring Road junction and Budhanilkantha.
This
institute was born from an inspiration instigated by
the alma mater of Dr. Devkota. As an emblem to it,
stands a Magnolia tree at the front of the
institute, representing the Atkinson Morley’s
Neurosciences Hospital London, which was set up by
Sir Wylie Mickissoak. A portion of the soil from the
premises of the Institute of Neurological Sciences,
Glasglow was also brought and laid in the foundation
of the building as a witness to the dedication and
diligence for achieving international standards.
Keeping pace with this resolve, the institute with
its meticulous space planning, effective design
details and construction, is performing extremely
well through efficient management since two years
after its completion.
The
building with its fascinating gesture radiates a
contemporary essence, flaunting the availability of
technology and construction techniques, all enhanced
by a conscious approach to architecture and design.
Designed by architect Rajesh Shrestha and his team
of Vastukala Paramarsha Nepal (P) Ltd., the building
has been positioned almost centrally in the site. In
effect, the landscaping, including hard and soft
elements such as the turfed garden, a small lotus
pond, sit outs and visitors parking facilities have
perfectly complimented the essence of the
institute’s requirements. The service areas with
access to the semi-basement is appropriately located
at the back of the building.
The main
entry to the building is from the Northwest, with
wide floor to ceiling glass doors opening into a
sombre reception and a spacious waiting area
connecting other provided facilities of the
institute. A lustrous vitrified floor finish holds
up a pleasing reception counter and its waiting
area, festooned with art works displayed on the
walls, sleek steel chairs, soothing mishmash of
green, pink and blue from the colour pallet, make
this usually mundane part of the hospital pleasant
and inviting. “We have tried to conceal all services
as far as possible to impart a clean and hygienic
environment,” points out Dr. Devkota revealing a
cleverly concealed electrical D.B. board into the
laminated wall panels, “My wife Dr Madhu Dixit
Devkota, with the help of interior designer Rachana
Shrestha, has played an instrumental role in the
interiors of this institute.” All these, as part-towhole
concatenates a discrete style for an interior
design, thereby posing a novel trend to the
hospital’s character.
Norms
and standards play a vital role to economize
construction and operation in hospital buildings
like these. It is strictly governed by foreign
equipments, which ultimately steers the space and
function as per its nature to operate. This
institute, owing to its special nature of services,
has been disciplined under all necessary
regulations, and has featured the building as
handicapped user friendly with a wide comfortable
ramp connecting the ground floor to the first floor,
especially for the wheel chair, stretchers and even
the hospital bed to move easily and safely. Since
the ramp does not connect all the floors because of
space constraints, it is however compensated by the
provision of two wide elevators, sufficient for the
hospital and emergency service team to commute
easily from one floor to another. “This is not a
usual health institution,” comments Dr. Devkota, “At
times, patients need to be moved hooked up with life
support system to other areas of the hospital. Hence
circulation areas need to be adequately addressed.
“We even had to break down the lift opening as well
as revise the cabin room’s entry door to cater to
this requirement," exclaims Dr. Devkota. The two
metre wide corridors ensure easy mobility of beds
and stretchers even at corners, which is a part of
building regulation to be followed. And
interestingly, upon the insistence of Dr. Devkota,
these corridors and lobby are devoid of frequent
security doors, which could create certain nuisance
sometimes, but however provides free flow spatial
planning and transparency in general.
Another
distinct character of the institute is its Intensive
Care Unit (ICU), where the floor to ceiling windows
are probably an unprecedented feature in any of the
hospitals in Nepal. As the evening sun filters
through the venetian blinds, the green dominant
colour of its interiors creates a pleasant mood
toits users. “All the walls, ceiling and floor are
finished with epoxy coating, which due to its joint
less finish, helps to prevent the growth of bacteria
and is also washable, antifungal and scratch proof,”
points out Dr. Devkota.
The
adjoining waiting lounge for friends and family
members of patients inside the ICU encompasses a
double height atrium interconnecting different
spaces and most outstandingly brings in natural
daylight, which consequently becomes a space to be
experienced without having to go outside to relax
and cajole tensed time. Creating such an atmosphere
is very crucial while designing a healthcare
environment as such. And most importantly, this
institute does have a serious consideration towards
proper utilization of natural light, sound,
ventilation, artificial illumination, a good
building appearance and internal and external
traffic patterns, which consequently provides a good
healing potential to its patients and users.
Similarly, the three huge Operation Theatres have
the most preferable condition with central AC system
filtering air up to 0.3 microns. Its floor and walls
too are epoxy coated to achieve the highest level of
hygiene. In addition, it has provision of a service
corridor with a transparent glass door for the ever
vigilant doctor to inspect and guide the operating
work inside.
The
architect in designing this building seems to have
understood the responsibility to draw out plans for
maintaining the highest standards of patient care
and overall efficiency. This certainly has revealed
a unique design composition breaking certain socials
taboos of an orthodox hospital, certainly not
pretending to be one, but presenting itself as an
institute where patients and their family learn to
get cured.
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