Zaha Hadid Architects and Partners to Design Malpensa Hospital in Italy

Circulation within the hospital is structured around clearly separated pathways for patients, visitors, staff and logistics, reducing cross-interference and minimising contamination risk. Dedicated routes and lifts for medical materials, goods and waste operate independently from public circulation. An automated delivery system supports internal logistics, contributing to efficiency and operational continuity throughout the campus.

At ground level, a central internal axis referred to as the “Main Street” links the entrance plaza with landscaped outdoor spaces, reinforcing accessibility and providing a clear point of orientation. Interior layouts are designed to maximise access to natural light and acoustic comfort, supporting patient wellbeing and staff working conditions. Privacy and comfort are addressed through the inclusion of respite areas for patients, families and healthcare professionals.

Human-centred design principles underpin the project, with gardens, courtyards and landscaped rooftop terraces integrated throughout the campus. These outdoor spaces provide areas for rehabilitation, rest and informal interaction. Interior materials are selected to support a calm and therapeutic environment, while universal design measures—including tactile maps, multilingual signage and barrier-free circulation—ensure accessibility for all users. The hospital also accommodates spaces for education, social activities and community engagement, strengthening its relationship with the surrounding population.

The site is located within a landscape of forests and agricultural land that forms part of the Regional Ecological Network and lies close to the Parco Regionale della Valle del Ticino. The design preserves existing woodland and incorporates new wetlands and bioswales to manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity and reduce hydrological impact. The historic Cascina dei Poveri, a rural complex dating from the 12th–13th century, is retained and integrated into the campus as a community-oriented space, maintaining a physical and cultural link to the area’s heritage.

Environmental performance is addressed through a combination of passive and active strategies. The building envelope and solar shading are designed to reduce cooling demand by approximately 30 percent, while a photovoltaic system exceeding 1 MWp is expected to supply around a quarter of the hospital’s electricity requirements. A hybrid heating system is prepared for future hydrogen integration, supporting long-term adaptability. Advanced modular prefabrication methods reduce construction waste and time, with materials selected for low embodied carbon, recycled content and compliance with environmental product declaration (EPD) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) standards.

The façades are composed of modular aluminium rainscreen panels incorporating integrated planters and solar shading, chosen for durability, recyclability and reduced embodied carbon. Interior finishes include natural materials such as wood and textiles, contributing to comfort and spatial clarity. Smart building systems, including advanced building management and the potential integration of digital twin technology, support predictive maintenance and energy optimisation throughout the hospital’s lifecycle.

The campus is connected to surrounding communities via dedicated public access routes from Via Quintino Sella and SS33, and is supported by public transport links, cycling paths and pedestrian walkways. This network ensures accessibility while encouraging sustainable modes of transport.

Embedded within its natural and cultural setting, Malpensa Hospital is planned as a healthcare facility designed for adaptability, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The project brings together clinical functionality, landscape preservation and long-term sustainability to support the healthcare needs of the Olona Valley now and in the future.