dwp was tasked with converting a shopping mall into the high-end Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand.

dwp designed the unique conversion to contain specialty clinics on first and second floor total 9,458 sqm. and space for future expansion. Light and clean interiors welcome patients to the healthcare facilities with a luxurious double volume lobby. Sculptured lighting shines through perspex leaves above the reception.

While the planning and design teams took advantage of the existing floor plans, many challenges existed in converting a former retail mall into a high-tech healthcare facility. The floors, structural grids and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems presented limitations and coordination challenges for certain locations. In some cases the MEP systems had to be completely replaced and fully upgraded to meet international healthcare standards. Ceiling height was also a challenge on some floors. The engineers had to be closely consulted to move big air ducts and pipes so the spaces could be bigger and better utilised.

Traffic and circulation inside the hospital for people had to be readdressed. The existing lifts were not enough for hospital use so more had to be added for the flow of people and goods. The designs had to be redrawn, agreed upon by the owners, and submitted to the Ministry of Public Health.

All local and international safety standards such as fire and accessibility guidelines then had to be reassessed and met. One existing stairwell had to be modified and another had to be added.

The refreshed building exterior was designed to create a timeless elegance for the Thonburi Hospital Group in the company’s corporate blue. An old Thai House located next to the hospital (and used as a coffee shop) had to aesthetically co-exisit with the new facade. The end result was fresh and complementary.

The entranceway to the hospital proved to be another challenge as it did not face the road. dwp’s drew the public’s attention to the hospital by redesigning and rebuilding an advertising pylon to create a new hospital sign.

The original building systems were adapted to incorporate both current and future trends in healthcare technology. Existing features such as large atriums, escalators, lifts, onsite parking and accessibility were used to create a whole new high-tech medical concept.

Architect: dwp Photography: courtesy of dwp

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