Mymensingh Shishu Hospital: a vision to ensure better healthcare for every child in Mymensingh

Abstract

The design of Mymensingh Shishu Hospital is presented in this thesis as a response to the growing need for specialized child healthcare infrastructure in the Mymensingh district. As Bangladesh undergoes rapid transformation in both architecture and healthcare awareness especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic this project addresses the absence of dedicated pediatric medical services in the region. It envisions a healing environment that prioritizes child well-being while embracing the evolving language of modern architecture. The design proposal aims to create a comprehensive children’s hospital that integrates medical functionality with therapeutic spatial experiences. The project includes outpatient and inpatient facilities, emergency care, diagnostic services, and family support areas each designed to be accessible, flexible, and child-friendly. The architectural program emphasizes a human-centered approach that supports emotional comfort, intuitive movement, and caregiver involvement, while maintaining clinical efficiency. To reflect the site's unique topographical and environmental features, the hospital's design incorporates nature-inspired forms, sustainable materials, and passive environmental strategies. Open courtyards, daylight-filled interiors, and garden views contribute to a soothing atmosphere that reduces patient stress and promotes recovery. The layout carefully considers site zoning and the preservation of natural tranquility, while integrating green buffers and interactive zones that cater to children’s cognitive and emotional needs. This thesis explores how architecture can be a proactive agent in shaping equitable healthcare access, particularly for children, in underrepresented regions. By merging medical functionality with contextual sensitivity and child-centric design principles, the project seeks to redefine the role of healthcare architecture in rural Bangladesh and inspire a healthier, more inclusive future.