Center of rural health: AIIMS/

Abstract

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal is envisioned as a centre of excellence in medical education, healthcare, and research, with a focus on compassion and service to underserved communities. In alignment with this vision, the Centre for Rural Health AIIMS (CRHA) is proposed to be developed in Chicklod village, Raisen district, with a site area of 64,750 sq.m, situated in front of a small rural settlement and surrounded by agricultural lands. The aim of the project is to provide an integrated facility that supports healthcare delivery, training, and research tailored to the rural context. The CRHA will function as a satellite centre for AIIMS Bhopal, offering comprehensive health services including outpatient care, domiciliary health outreach, and disaster support. It will also serve as a field-based teaching platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students, interns, and nursing staff, while supporting public health research and capacity-building programs in collaboration with local health authorities. The design approach is rooted in the concept of a "healing spine", a central linear connector that links the hospital block, administrative block, and training centre. This spine acts not only as a circulation corridor but also as an ecological and experiential element—infused with nature, light, and air. It is designed to encourage healing through physical and psychological comfort, offering continuous visual and physical connection with landscaped open spaces. The spatial layout promotes easy navigation, intuitive zoning, and accessibility for both patients and staff. Responding to the rural and agrarian context, the architectural vocabulary adopts passive design strategies for ventilation and daylighting, prioritizing user comfort and operational efficiency. The integration of green courtyards, shaded walkways, and therapeutic landscapes supports holistic well-being, while also acting as informal gathering or teaching spaces. Each built mass is human-scaled and grounded in simplicity to resonate with the rural users it serves. The project aims to go beyond the role of a healthcare institution—it is envisioned as a community anchor, a place of trust, learning, and collaboration. Through spatial empathy, contextual sensitivity, and a strong connection to nature, the design aspires to transform healthcare delivery in rural India.