Our architecture in the tropics is a tribute to shade.
‘Laganos topa bou di Palu’
Opened in 2019, the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) marked a major leap forward for healthcare on Curaçao and in the wider Caribbean region. Replacing a fragmented hospital complex dating back 164 years, the new CMC brings healthcare to a contemporary, international level. At the same time, the ambition was clear: this largest building on Curaçao feels familiar, welcoming and deeply rooted in local culture, climate and society. CMC is an informal, colourful and humane building, and has been wholeheartedly embraced by the people of Curaçao.
Architecture rooted in culture and climate
The design responds directly to Curaçao’s tropical climate and strong outdoor culture. Life here takes place outside — provided there is shade. The local saying ‘Laganos topa bou di Palu’ (‘Let’s meet under the tree in the shade’) captures an essential social habit that became a guiding principle for the building. Equally important is the community-oriented nature of society, where hospital visits are social moments and meeting one another is part of everyday life.
A place to meet
The hospital therefore offers generous spaces for encounter. Drawing on long-standing experience with tropical architecture in the Caribbean, a covered central atrium was introduced as the heart of the building. Oriented to catch the wind, the atrium functions as a light, cool and informal meeting place. Organically shaped bridges move through the space, reinforcing orientation and enhancing spatial experience, while shade and natural ventilation ensure comfort throughout the day.
Healing gardens and sensory comfort
Healing gardens are integrated both within the atrium and on the roofs of the car park, fundamentally transforming the hospital atmosphere. Instead of the typical hospital smell, the air evokes nature. Patient rooms are oriented towards the sea and are provided with balconies, allowing patients to step outside and momentarily leave the hospital environment. The design consciously stimulates all the senses, supporting healing and wellbeing.
Landscape and sustainability
Due to differences in elevation, the hospital is positioned on top of a two-storey car park, enabling optimal use of natural wind corridors. The surrounding area is designed as a large, contemplative garden with natural stone pathways that accommodate level differences while offering shade and cooling. Rainwater is collected and reused in the landscape, and condensation water from cooling installations is used to irrigate plants — making the landscape both resilient and productive.
Urban context and identity
Despite its scale, the building carefully positions itself alongside the adjacent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Otrobanda. By responding to the fine-grained urban grid and rhythm of the historic district, the hospital was approved by UNESCO. Light, cheerful colours reflect Curaçao’s vibrant colour culture and are carried through into the interior, where colour supports orientation, communication and the healing environment.
Climate-responsive design
The sun-shading façade is composed of a rhythmic system of louvres that block direct sunlight while creating a dynamic play of light and shadow. The entire complex is highly insulated to keep heat out, and the atrium roof is finished with light, reflective cladding to reduce heat gain. These passive strategies significantly enhance comfort while reducing energy demand.
Built for the future
CMC has been awarded LEED Gold certification, reflecting its sustainable, resilient and wellbeing-oriented design approach. The building is designed to be expandable and adaptable over time and is prepared for future connection to deep-sea water-cooling systems.
Di nos e ta!
PROJECT DATA
Client:
Ballast Nedam International
Program:
Hospital 40.000 m2, 300 beds
Parking approx. 21.000 m2
Status:
Completion 2020
In collaboration with:
EGM architecten
Team:
Leontine Boots, Marina Bueno Diaz de Alda,
Philippe Collette, Michael van Cutsem,
Lennart Dorrestijn, Mehtap Dönmez,
Cecilia Gallardo Rioseco, Iris Haak,
Frank Hierck, Jan Hijlkema, Ewout de Jager,
Martin de Jong, Michel Jongbloed,
Lyongo Juliana, Sander Kleijn,
Jacko Laan, Mark Lodder,
Victor Mediavilla Nevado, Harmen Meijer,
René Metzelaar, Jorn van Popta,
Frank Schellingerhout, Jetze Schreij,
Ed van Teeffelen, Barthold Thijssen,
Thijs Ultee, Joanna Wnuk,
Jelmer van Zelm, Chris Zwiers,
Photography:
Roos Aldershoff
