Sultan Ismail Hospital was commissioned to complement the existing Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru. As an electronically managed specialist center, the design was carefully coordinated with the hospital’s Total Hospital Information System (THIS) to ensure seamless functionality. The facility includes specialized units such as radiotherapy, oncology, hematology, mammography, and burn care. The design elevates healthcare to a technological level that is state-of-the-art, without compromising the essential human need for natural daylight and the well-being that comes from a sense of ‘dwelling.’

The hospital, with its 704 beds, is organized around a large central courtyard – a garden of significant scale. The entry atrium, plaza, and associated lobbies, along with assembly and waiting areas, all connect at ground level to this forested garden. Circulation paths are kept clean and clear along the edges of the garden, with vertical movement via lifts and stairs designed to enhance security while minimizing public access to the upper levels.

With a structural grid of 7.5 meters, the design prioritizes modular construction and systemized components, from external cladding and details to internal finishes and fittings. This approach strikes a balance between repetition and customization. The hospital is designed to be technologically advanced yet mindful of vernacular architectural principles. It is both friendly and warm while remaining practical and efficient, environmentally responsive, and providing the ambient comfort required for a healthcare facility.