ASF-be designs UNICHIR, a surgical unit in beni, eastern congo

architecture sans frontieres belgium (ASF-be) has designed a surgical unit and pharmacy in the town of beni, eastern DR congo. titled UNICHIR, the project is a novel model to improve health care in developing countries. the organization puts forward a sustainable and inclusive model, by pairing social action and entrepreneurship.

private room

UNICHIR combines a surgical unit with a pharmacy, distribution and training centers. the new medical complex will reach out to more than 1 million people in congo’s northern kivu province, currently without any access to medical or surgical care.

front view — a sculptural roof gives the building a unique expression

the 2.400 sqm building will house a high-level surgical center with 3 operating rooms, rooms for 25 patients, classrooms, a pharmacy and a distribution center for pharmaceutical products. the scheme is organized around a central patio garden, offering intimacy and quietude to recovering patients. the building is designed with high-quality local materials, such as bamboo, wood and locally sourced stone.

central patio providing privacy and intimacy to patients

in collaboration with beni-based architect leonard maliona, the team has launched a crowdfunding campaign to collect additional funding for the start-up phase of the project, expecting the construction to start the first half of 2019.

references to traditional african design characterize the lobby

classroom for training and learning

axonometry

plan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom