The importance of site specific sustainable hospital design: general hospital in Pljevlja, Montenegro

Abstract

The emphasis on ecological design in healthcare settings is growing daily, reflecting the worldwide move towards sustainable planning. These design principles were emphasized in the contest proposal for General Hospital in Pljevlja, Montenegro. Across various design iterations and conceptual frameworks, the final competition entry distinctly emphasizes the integration of natural landscapes with the hospital's architectural design, prioritizing the main hospital users - the patients. The goal was to create a relationship between nature and the architectural structure in healthcare settings, while elevating patients’ comfort. We emphasize the enhancing of environmental awareness through passive design techniques and energy-efficient measures, particularly given the information about unique energy usage patterns in hospitals. This approach takes into account the distinct climate and location-specific needs, which are set to be the main factors in the early stages of design process.