healthcare space design by ZAHA HADID architects
A team led by Zaha Hadid Architects has been chosen to design the new Malpensa Hospital in Lombardy, Italy. This new facility will bring together the existing hospitals of Gallarate and Busto Arsizio, creating a unified medical campus that will serve the area between Milan and Varese. Commissioned by the Lombardy Regional Health Authority, the project is envisioned as a modern healthcare hub for nearly one million people.
The winning consortium, which includes Zaha Hadid Architects alongside RINA, Studio Plicchi, WSP, STI Engineering, and BC Building Consulting, combines expertise in architectural design, engineering, and healthcare planning. Their proposal addresses the evolving needs of the Olona Valley, prioritizing adaptability, operational efficiency, and sustainable public service for the future.
visualizations © X Universe
navigating the malpensa hospital
The Malpensa Hospital, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and partners, is planned as a compact five-story structure above ground with a single basement, covering approximately 90,000 square meters. The layout is organized according to the intensity of care, enabling critical services to function efficiently while ensuring intuitive navigation for both patients and staff. Flexible clinical spaces are designed to adapt as healthcare practices and technologies evolve over time.
Circulation is central to the project’s spatial organization. Separate paths for visitors and healthcare professionals help minimize overlap and enhance hygiene, while dedicated routes are provided for the movement of supplies and waste. An automated delivery system further streamlines daily operations, supporting a more efficient hospital environment.
Zaha Hadid Architects will design the new Malpensa Hospital in Lombardy
sunlit timber interiors
At the ground level, a central interior street connects the entrance plaza to landscaped outdoor areas, forming a welcoming threshold between the hospital and the surrounding communities. This public axis supports intuitive wayfinding and allows natural light to penetrate deep into the building, creating a bright and inviting environment that contrasts the typical institutional feel.
The interiors are designed for comfort, focusing on proportion, daylight, and acoustic quality. Privacy is considered through careful spatial planning, with quieter areas designated for rest and recovery. The use of wood finishes and textile elements fosters a serene atmosphere, ideal for both patients facing extended stays and staff working long hours.
the new hospital is organized as a compact five story structure
a landscape of forests
The site for Malpensa Hospital is set within a landscape of forests and farmland, linked to the Regional Ecological Network and the Parco Regionale della Valle del Ticino. The design preserves much of the existing woodland and introduces new wetlands and water management features to encourage biodiversity and promote sustainable stormwater practices.
The campus also incorporates Cascina dei Poveri, a rural complex that dates back to the medieval era. Integrating this historic structure into the hospital grounds creates a communal space for local activities, connecting the region’s heritage to its modern healthcare infrastructure.
a central internal street connects the entrance plaza with landscaped public areas
a sustainable design, ready for the future
The exterior of the building features modular aluminum rainscreen panels with integrated greenery and solar shading, chosen for their resilience and low embodied carbon. Prefabricated
