Inspired by the artistic landscape of Senegal, The Canopy Over Tambacounda conceptually unites the existing hospital campus into a cohesive whole. The proposed site plan introduces an outer ring around the existing circular buildings to create a new campus core. A soaring canopy bridges the gap between the pediatric unit, maternity ward, blood bank, and administrative building. The proposed canopy serves to visually connect these nodes of the hospital, while also providing adequate shading for those waiting to receive medical treatment as well as people moving about the campus grounds. Beneath the canopy, to the east side of the existing pediatric unit, a radial addition mirroring the previous addition to the maternity ward would be constructed in order to house a new waiting room, offices, hospital rooms, and a shop. The rest of the pediatric unit has been reorganized to operate more efficiently, to include a new waiting room, emergency room, and neonatology room at the northern edge of the building. The existing canopy within the courtyard has been removed in favor of new foliage and benches.
To accommodate space for more patients within the maternity ward, what was once the central courtyard will be covered and enclosed for use as a reception and waiting area with the two main entrances to the building at the north and south ends. A slight increase in size by pushing walls out will further aid in creating enough space to cater to the growing needs of the hospital.
The Canopy Over Tambacounda seeks to create a physical connection between the existing radial buildings which fosters a communal space of shade and comfort. Inspired by the orphist artworks of Sonia and Robert Delaunay, the canopy's curvilinear geometry acts as a connective tissue conscious of its high-temperature environment, while it welcomes patients and operates in tandem with the interior courtyards of the circular buildings. The wooden truss, while appearing complex, can easily be constructed by local craftsmen utilizing local materials. Through the creation of this visually unique and performative structure, patients and medical staff alike will be able to enjoy their experience at the Tambacounda Hospital to a degree not previously achievable.