Penecahub: a 500 bedded multispecialty hospital in Satara, MH./

Abstract

Located in the economically modest region of Satara, Panacea Hub is envisioned as a 500-bedded multi-specialty hospital forming the core of a larger educational and healthcare campus spread across 56 acres. The master plan includes not only the hospital but also associated educational facilities, hostels, and staff accommodations, supporting a holistic ecosystem of healthcare and learning. The design of the hospital block focuses on delivering high-quality healthcare infrastructure while remaining contextually sensitive to economic constraints. Through modular planning and cost-effective construction strategies, the hospital aims to ensure flexibility, scalability, and efficient phasing of services. Recognizing the often sterile and disorienting nature of hospital environments, the project seeks to redefine patient and visitor experience by integrating connectivity with nature especially in public-facing areas such as waiting zones and corridors. A special emphasis is placed on the psychological well-being of users through the enhancement of interior spatial perception-transforming traditionally hospital interiors into lively, engaging, and healing environments. Public areas are planned to open towards landscaped courtyards or exterior views, creating moments of relief and pause within a clinical setting. While the scope of the campus is broad, the current design phase focuses on detailing the hospital block, aiming to balance functionality, affordability, and human-centric design in healthcare architecture.