IPA was commissioned as the principal architectural consultant for the new medical wing of MOBAL “Stefan Cherkezov” - the largest regional hospital in the Veliko Tarnovo Province – undertaking the project with the utmost professional diligence and precision.
Our architectural team initiated the design process only after conducting an in-depth study of hospital technology standards, evidence-based layouts for contemporary healthcare environments, and the specific clinical and psychosocial needs of future patients.
The overarching objective - which guided every design decision - was to support medical professionals in their life-preserving mission by providing them with a highly functional and adaptable work environment, while simultaneously ensuring patients a therapeutic, comfortable, and human-centered setting for treatment and recovery.
The newly designed wing accommodates expanded inpatient and clinical functions aligned with the latest advancements in medical science, while maintaining architectural and operational continuity with the existing hospital infrastructure. The ground level houses essential service and support areas, including staff changing rooms, utility zones, and technical spaces. Six upper floors accommodate inpatient units, and the top floor is dedicated to a high-performance surgical suite.
The extension follows a rectilinear, orthogonal footprint, designed as a perpendicular continuation of the existing structure, with direct internal connections that facilitate seamless circulation between the two volumes. The massing of the new wing incorporates a stepped southern façade, where each ascending level recedes to form terraces, improving solar access and providing exterior amenity space.
All medical units - including treatment rooms, patient wards, and clinical offices - are planned for maximum operational efficiency, with carefully delineated zones and spatial provisions for specialized building systems such as medical gas infrastructure, HVAC networks, and data cabling.
The interior employs a calming and functionally neutral material palette, with white wall surfaces and grey flooring and door finishes. Accents in blue and red are strategically integrated to mitigate environmental stress and contribute to a psychologically supportive atmosphere for both patients and staff.
The external envelope continues the tranquil and trust-inducing aesthetic of the existing facility, clad predominantly in white. Select window bays are articulated with subtle orange and blue framing details, introducing visual rhythm and conveying symbolic cues of hope and optimism, essential to the healing process.
The main entrance is equipped with generously dimensioned staircases and a barrier-free access ramp to accommodate wheelchair users and patients with limited mobility. Emergency vehicular access is provided at the rear of the facility to ensure unimpeded operational logistics.
