INTRODUCTION
Healthcare today embraces both restorative and preventative paradigms through an integrative, whole-person healing philosophy, where the clinical austerity of the past gives way to hospitality-infused environments that actively stimulate the body's innate self-healing capacity.
NEXT GENERATION HEALTHCARE PLANNING
Healthcare facility planning and design is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by evolving patient demographics, shifting care models, and rapid technological advancement. Spatial planning must now respond to increasingly complex regulatory frameworks across regional and international markets, while simultaneously accommodating the demands of an aging global population, the rise of preventive healthcare, and the emergence of new specialized patient groups.
The integration of AI-driven diagnostic tools, automated laboratory systems, and smart clinical technologies is fundamentally reshaping space requirements, workflow and patient journeys, and infrastructure planning within modern healthcare facilities.
Equally significant is the transition away from traditional full-time hospitalization toward hybrid care models that blend in-facility treatment with home care, remote diagnostics, and virtual consultation demanding greater flexibility and adaptability in spatial design.
Facilities must now be planned with built-in capacity to evolve, ensuring long-term relevance in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. AE7 approaches these challenges with a solid understanding of evidence-based healthcare facility planning, regulatory expertise, and a forward-looking design philosophy that anticipates tomorrow’s care delivery needs today.
ABOUT AE7
A multi-disciplinary, global design firm with deep expertise in healthcare environments that heal, inspire, and adapt. Our practice brings innovative and future-proof design solutions to the evolving challenges of modern healthcare environments. We succeed through structuring our practice differently - the principles we apply, the markets we reach, the cultures we intimately know, and the design solutions we ultimately provide.
40+years of experience in MENA region, ASIA & USA
DÜSSELDORF,
AE7 provides a comprehensive range of services spanning the full project lifecycle, from early visioning and feasibility through design development to delivery and implementation.
Supervision
design
MARKET SECTORS
AE7 operates across a diverse range of market sectors, delivering tailored solutions that respond to the unique demands of each project type. Architecture
Feasibility
$17billion of design+built work over the past 16 years
Limitless creativity. Expert strategy. Unparalleled results.
Established by internationally renowned American design professionals with over 40 years of experience in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the USA, AE7 is a global leader in destination development, healthcare, higher education, residential, corporate and commercial design, and planning. The Partners from AE7 have been working as a group for over 20 years. Now with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Europe, Jordan, Egypt, KSA and the USA, the firm’s design practice is led by industry innovators committed to delivering the extraordinary.
At AE7, our goal is to listen to our clients and to comprehensively understand their needs so we can provide superior service, iterate to the best possible outcome, and deliver groundbreaking projects that are responsive to our clients’ vision on every level. We are passionate about the power of exceptional design: Our philosophy is to nurture a better future and environment, to improve life and to motivate the human spirit through thoughtful and inspired design.
With a multidisciplinary team of more than 650 people who collaborate in 16 offices across four continents, we bring together a diverse set of international talent to provide full-service architecture and engineering design for some of the most prestigious projects in the world. Over the last 16 years alone, we have designed, managed and are currently supervising more than US$17 billion in construction projects. Our combined masterplans and developments cover more than 350 square kilometers in total land area.
Our innovative designs continue to enrich and inspire, from sophisticated hospitals to skyscrapers exceeding 700 meters in height to the largest crystalline lagoon in the heart of one of the most premier luxury communities in the world. No matter what we undertake, all of our planning and design work stems from creative solutions, attentiveness to client needs, knowledge-based strategy, and a drive to make life better through inspiring and intuitive design. A holistic, interdisciplinary approach allows us to realize the most unique end-user experiences, offer the best commercial results to clients, and consistently create new benchmarks for excellence around the globe.
AMMAN, HKJ
DELHI, IND
BRATISLAVA, SVK
DUBAI, UAE RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE
ABU DHABI, UAE RIYADH, KSA
KOCHI, IND MUMBAI, IND
MANILA, PHL
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
At AE7, we design healthcare environments that foster healing, dignity, and human connection. Every detail-from light to layout is guided by empathy and evidencebased design principles that promote wellness for patients, families, and staff alike. We believe that healthcare spaces are not just places for treatment, but catalysts for renewal. By merging technology with timeless architecture, AE7 creates environments that elevate the experience of care and restore a sense of calm, control, and confidence in every user.
Our approach is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and sustainability - ensuring that each healthcare space in not only functional and efficient but emotionally restorative. AE7’s healthcare designs responds to the nuances of culture, community, and context, transforming facilities into environments that heal the body, mind, and spirit.
6+M sqft Designed & Planned Healthcare Projects
1,300 Medical / Surgical Beds
100 ICU Beds
500 Outpatient Exam Rooms
50 Operating Suites 300+ Dialysis & Diabetes Treatment Stations
To Design Intentional & hospitality infused healing environments.
To Engineer Responsive spaces supporting evolving clinical workflows.
To Provide Resource
AE7 HEALTHCARE PLANNING CAPABILITIES
AE7’s deep expertise and proven track record in healthcare facility planning and design positions us at the forefront of this transformation, delivering spaces that are as clinically exceptional as they are profoundly human.
HEALTHCARE FACILITY PLANNING EXPERTISE
AE7 delivers comprehensive healthcare facility planning across the full spectrum of care — from primary and outpatient services to highly specialized, acute, and research-driven environments.
Acute Care & Hospitals
• General Hospital
• Tertiary & Quaternary Hospital
• Oncology: Medical, Surgical & Radiation Therapy
• Specialty Hospital
• Children’s / Pediatric Hospital
• Women’s & Maternity Hospital
• Military & Defense Hospital
Specialized Clinical Facilities
• Fertility & IVF
• Dialysis & Renal disease Care
• Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic
• Dental & Oral Surgery Center
• Diabetes & Endocrinology Center
• Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Surgical & Procedural
• Day Surgery Center
• Hybrid Operating Theater Facility
• Cardiac Catheterization & Electrophysiology Lab
• Endoscopy Center
• Laser & Refractive Surgery Center
Primary & Outpatient Care
• Outpatient Clinic / Polyclinic
• Diagnostic & Imaging Center
• Community Health Center
• Healthcare Campus Infrastructure & Utilities 01 04 07 02 05 08 03 06 09
Senior & Long-Term Care
• Adult Day Care Center
• Assisted Living Facility
• Hospice & Palliative Care Center
Wellness & Preventive Care
• Medical Wellness Center
• Integrative & Holistic Health Facility
• Longevity & Anti-Aging Clinic
Support & Ancillary Healthcare Facilities
• Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)
• Hospital Pharmacy & Compounding Center
• Blood Bank & Transfusion Center
• Mortuary & Forensic Pathology Facility
• Medical Waste Management Facility
Critical & Intensive Care
• ICU / CCU Facilities
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH)
• Burn Care Center
• Emergency & Trauma
• Emergency Department
• Standalone Trauma Center
• ABC Decontamination & Disaster Response Facilities
AE7 HEALTHCARE PROJECTS
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to creating spaces that serve the wellbeing of patients and healthcare providers alike. We believe the built environment is a powerful instrument of care, one that can reduce stress, accelerate recovery, and empower the people who dedicate their lives to healing others.
HEALTHCARE MASTERPLAN A
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Master Plan Abu Dhabi,
UAE
The masterplan for the 36 hectare site of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City is located in central Abu Dhabi and features a new integrated General and Women’s & Children’s Hospital in addition to other existing and proposed facilities, including the expansion of the Emergency Department, the SKMC Dialysis Center, and a new mosque. With the development of the new and enhanced hospital facilities, SEHA envision the SKMC site to provide a new architectural identity, improve vehicular and pedestrian circulation, infrastructure, sustainable design for Estidama Gold, to study locations for revenue generating development and to make significant improvements to the site as a whole.
The Masterplan delineated three distinct development zones withing the superblock: Service/Utility Zone, MedicalZone and Mixed Use / Future Expansion Zone. The design creates a true medical destination for Abu Dhabi and the entire Emirate, while allowing for future mixed-use development and creating a pedestrian scaled environment woven into the larger urban fabric.
To ensure the continuous, undisturbed operation of all medical services at the site, a multi-phased development and implementation strategy was studied and employed. Existing facilities will be replaced only when new facilities are fully-operational. The super-block is broken down into a series of manageably sized and configured subblocks, which are scaled to the human scale at a pedestrian level. Future buildings are proposed to have pedestrian friendly features, and pedestrian engaging programs and landscape. The proposed site circulation is organized in an interconnected grid aligned to the surrounding boulevards. Service circulation is adjacent and parallel to the project plot. Following the initial feasibility study and masterplan visioning, continued design services were implemented to reconcile the new hospital design and affected areas with the current master plan, to interface with local authorities and other appropriate parties, and to prepare submissions for the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s Large Development Review Process, including Enquiry, Pre-Concept, and Concept Review.
Major Components
1. Behavioral Sciences Pavilion
2. New Hospital
3. Mosque
4. Dialysis Center
5. Entry Park
6. Repurposed Facility 7. Helicopter Pad Location
Parking Structure for Hospital
Serviced Apartments
Emergency Helicopter Pad and Access Corridor
Buildings available for immediate relocation
Buildings to be relocated on short term
Buildings to be relocated from site on mid term
Buildings to be relocated on long term to be reused
Healthcare Masterplan GCC
The Masterplan is a multi-generational community, including a state of the art care village or “Later Living Resort” allows for comfortable, dignified and health and wellness focused living for Seniors. Parks and boardwalk encourages a healthy lifestyle, while apartments and retail at the waterfront will provide a vibrant, lively lifestyle.
With a wide range of residential offerings, from lagoonfront to waterfront and park views apartments and villas, residents of the community will have access to 24/7 healthcare facilities as well as amenities like the country club, spa and swimming pool, activity rooms and other day to day services. The care village is surrounded by lushly landscaped grounds and nature park with abundant walking trails and community garden spaces.
Care Village Prototype
Dubai, UAE
The multi-generational community integrates a state-of-the art care village or “Later Living Resort” providing comfortable, dignified and health and wellness focused living for seniors in the heart of Dubai.
The specialized community provides a variety of independent, assisted and 24/7 nursing care and dementia unit residential facilities in a hospitality inspired and resort style setting.
Residents of the community will have access to 24/7 healthcare facilities as well as amenities like the country club, spa and swimming pool, activity rooms and other day to day services. The care village is surrounded by lushly landscaped grounds and a nature park with abundant walking trails and community garden spaces.
As Uniontown Hospital continues to expand, AE7 has helped to manage this expansion with the development of a campus Master Plan. Current improvements to Phase I are already being developed and future phases of development include new road layout and main entry arrival sequence, the addition of a 13,000 SF building entry, including new conference rooms, café and convenience/gift shop. Proposed additions also include a 420 space parking garage, new IT center, expanded facilities for the existing administration building and a new maintenance and storage facility. An emphasis will also be on extensive landscaping around and through these new additions. The Master Plan will address the existing site to create a ‘Campus’ feel and make a ‘park-like’ experience for visitors patients and staff.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mafraq Hospital is a 451-bed tertiary hospital situated on a prominent site in Abu Dhabi within 35 kilometers of the Abu Dhabi Central Business District. Surrounded by an environmentally sensitive landscape design, the hospital is distinguished architecturally by four prominent patient towers designed in a bold, contemporary style that serves as a perfect complement to the hospital’s state-of-the-art healthcare.
The hospital will initially provide 451 beds and is designed to expand up to 745 beds to accommodate the increased healthcare needs of a growing population. Mafraq provides a wide range of specializations including orthopedics, general surgery, the neurosciences, vascular, thoracic, pediatric, plastics, cardiovascular, and ENT/maxillofacial, as well as general medicine such as cardiology and gastroenterology, general obstetrics, and pediatric care. Critical care extends to cardiac and general intensive care, neonatal intensive care, and the specialist burns unit.
Each tower contains no more than 30 single rooms per floor, and each floor features nursing stations and patient control centers. All rooms have large windows and ample natural light. Special VIP floors cater to patients requiring additional privacy and attention. In addition to providing enhanced patient environments, the entire facility is designed for long-term efficiency, sustainability and maximum energy savings, with rooftop gardens and the latest energy conservation technology. AE7 partners were involved in this project as the managing and design directors of Burt Hill’s UAE offices, overseeing the client and team on a daily basis.
HOSPITALS B
New Al Ain Hospital (STMC)
Al Ain - UAE
“Nature as the Blueprint”
The design draws directly from the colors and light of the Al Ain oasis, translating the surrounding landscape into a sensory experience felt throughout the entire facility.
The New Al Ain Hospital serves as a regional hospital. The facility houses 719 beds — including dedicated wards for general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and maternity, alongside 67 ICU beds and 142 medical rehabilitation beds. Clinical services are further supported by 104 advanced specialized outpatient clinics, 17 radiology rooms for X-ray, CT, and MRI diagnostics, and 22 rooms for endoscopy procedures. The hospital furthermore features centers of excellence in trauma, women’s health, pediatrics, stroke, cardiac care, orthopedics, and sports medicine, and was planned as a key research and training center. The architectural concept is rooted in the theme of a “Healing Oasis,” drawing inspiration from the natural colors, light, and elements of the Al Ain oasis to create a restorative patient environment. A signature climate roof stretches across a spacious atrium, sheltering therapy areas and green spaces accessible year-round.
Members of the AE7 healthcare facility planning and design team were involved in the planning and design of the project while working at ICME Healthcare.
Al Qudra Medical Campus
Abu Dhabi, UAE
This medical campus will be the first hospital dedicated to pediatric medicine in the region. The hospital is a 190 bed children’s hospital with out-patient clinics and extended stay facilities for families with longterm care patients.
The heart of the campus is a central green mall with enclosed connectivity between the various facilities. The hospital incorporates current and future trends in pediatric healthcare designs, utilizing child psychology to elevate fears like threshold anxiety or displacement.
Doctors Hospital
Lahore - Pakistan
“When population growth outpaces infrastructure, adaptive planning ensures a hospital evolves seamlessly - without disrupting the care it delivers today.”
This 200-bed tertiary general hospital is strategically planned with phased expansion pathways, meeting the healthcare demands of a growing population in the foreseeable future. Structural provisions and service infrastructure have been pre-designed to accommodate future bed additions, with dedicated expansion zones reserved for ICU, CCU, and specialty critical care units. The facility features an OPD with 28 clinics, six operation theatres with provisions for future hybrid OT expansion (2 nos.), alongside an adjacent Cath lab and EPS lab extension - ensuring the surgical and interventional capacity to meet evolving clinical demands. An extensive imaging and radiology department has been designed to handle high patient flow, forming a critical backbone of the facility’s diagnostic capabilities. Beyond capacity, the facility has been future-proofed to embrace the latest advancements in medical technology - with flexible room configurations, adaptable engineering systems, and generous floor-to-floor heights that allow clinical spaces to be upgraded and re-equipped without major structural intervention.
The architectural and interior design language of this hospital elevates the patient experience beyond the clinical - drawing from the vocabulary of five-star hospitality to create an environment that is as refined as it is restorative. From arrival to recovery, every space has been crafted to exude warmth, comfort, and understated luxury, positioning this facility as a premium healthcare destination that sets a new standard for excellence in the region.
Aster Hospital Dubai
Al Qusais, Dubai – UAE
Aster Hospital Al Qusais is a 150-bed multidisciplinary tertiary care hospital strategically located in one of Dubai’s most densely populated residential districts, purpose-built to address the growing healthcare demands of the surrounding community.
The facility spans approximately 286,000 square feet across a basement and eight floors. The hospital specializes in neurology, critical care, and neonatal services, and is equipped with six state-of-the-art operating theatres — including an emergency C-section OT, a 10-bed critical care unit, a 9-bed NICU, four LDR rooms, and a 10-bed day care unit. A 24-hour emergency department and round-the-clock pharmacy ensure continuous, uninterrupted care.
The hospital offers the full range of specialties with extensive OPD clinics as well as advanced in-house diagnostic services.
Conceived as an ergonomic healing environment with spacious interiors, thoughtful circulation and a calm, welcoming ambience, Aster hospital Al Qusais stand out as an internationally accredited diamondlevel hospital.
Members of the AE7 team were involved in the healthcare facility planning and interior design of the project while working at Katerra KGD Global.
Aster Hospital Qatar
Doha - Qatar
Spatial
Aster Hospital Doha is a 50-bed multispecialty facility strategically positioned in one of Doha’s most established, densely populated, and commercially active districts. Opened as part of Aster DM Healthcare’s broader Qatar operations, the hospital was conceived as a single-destination care model, consolidating diagnosis and treatment across 15 specialties under one roof, eliminating the need for patients to navigate multiple facilities across the city.
The hospital serves a high-density, mixed-income urban catchment area, in alignment with Qatar’s National Health Strategy 2030. Its 24-hour operational model, inclusive of a round-the-clock emergency department and pharmacy, reflects a deliberate planning response to the continuous and unpredictable healthcare demands of a busy urban corridor. The facility integrates advanced diagnostic services on-site, enabling faster clinical decision-making, reduced referral delays, and more efficient patient throughput.
Clinically, the hospital is distinguished by its advanced obstetrics and gynecology unit, neonatal intensive care, and surgical care capabilities — among the most modern in Qatar. The hospital has been planned to provide the full spectrum of specialties, supported by in-house imaging and laboratory diagnostics. The spacious interior design and advanced facilities are curated to create a positive, healing ambiance providing an environment that instils confidence in patients from the moment they enter the facility.
Members of the AE7 team were involved in the healthcare facility planning and interior design of the project while working at Katerra KGD Global.
Medcare Women & Children Hospital
Dubai – UAE
“A wholly bespoke maternity environment where refined luxury interiors and compassionate clinical care converge to create an unparalleled motherhood experience.”
This greenfield hospital in Dubai is exclusively dedicated to maternity and neonatal care, designed with a distinct luxury wellness character that redefines the healthcare experience for mothers and newborns. Inaugurated by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Medcare Women and Children Hospital represents a landmark commitment to elevating maternity healthcare in the UAE. The design vision centers on creating a bespoke environment around the needs of mothers and newborns, where clinical excellence and compassionate care are delivered within an atmosphere of comfort, privacy, and refinement.
The interiors were conceived with an uncompromising focus on elevated design, making Medcare Women & Children Hospital the first in Dubai at the time of its completion to deliver a genuine luxury interior experience across all patient areas. Warm materials, sophisticated palettes, and carefully considered spatial layouts elevate every touchpoint of the patient journey, prioritizing the emotional and physical wellbeing of new mothers.
Members of the AE7 team were involved in the healthcare facility planning and interior design of the project while working at Katerra KGD Global
Al Ghayathi Hospital
Al Ain, UAE
The Ghayathi Hospital is a 50 Bed Community Hospital located in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and serves the communities of Ghayathi, Bida Mutawa, Ruwais and Sir Bani Yas Island. The project is part of an overall Hospital Masterplan Development which includes four Staff Accommodation Buildings outdoor courtyard spaces and activity fields, a Mosque, a Mortuary and Utility and Facility buildings all carefully sited with a welcoming desert landscape.
The three-story Hospital offers basic Emergency Services, a Surgery Department with 2 operating rooms, as well as medical care in fields of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, General and Orthopedic, Dermatology, Ophthalmology and Dialysis. The hospital also includes a public health section to provide preventative and wellness healthcare services.
The architectural design features articulated limestone with glass curtain wall and aluminum armatures that provide solar shading on the facade. A central courtyard allows natural light to flood lobby spaces and main public circulation as well as the hospital dining facilities. The project has achieved a 2 Pearl Estidama Sustainable Building rating.
AE7 partners were involved in this project as the managing and design Directors of Stantec’s UAE offices, and managed the Client and team on a daily basis.
GROUND FLOOR
Silaa Hospital Silaa,
Al Silaa Hospital is a three-story 36 beds community hospital expandable to 62 beds opened in 2015, it’s located 20km from the Saudi Arabia boarder in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. The Hospital provides emergency services as well as specialized medical care in the fields of Internal Medicine, Dialysis, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mother and Child Health facilities, ICU delivery room and two neonatal intensive care rooms, General Surgery with two operating theaters, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), ENT, Ophthalmology and General Dentistry as well as VIP patient suites.
The hospital design has been conceived as three medical building “blocks” constructed of pre-cast concrete panels and continuous horizontal glass windows that are adjoined by a one-story skylit and light filled entry lobby space. The main Inpatient Hospital Building has trauma and emergency rooms with two operating theatres located on the ground floor. The ICU is located strategically one the first floor, patient recovery rooms will be on the top floor with continuous windows offering ample natural light. The outpatient building accomodates a reception area, hospital administration offices, 17 exam rooms, two dental centers and a dialysis unit. A separate entry with drop off adjacent to parking has been provided for the visitors convenience to the outpatient facility.
The hospital has been constructed as part of SEHA’s strategy to improve the Emirate’s healthcare infrastructure and to achieve its vision of providing world-class healthcare to its residents. AE7 partners were involved in this project as the managing and design Directors of Stantec’s UAE offices, and managed the Client and team on a daily basis.
UAE
GROUND LEVEL
sqm
sqm
Zayed Military Hospital
Located in the Al Shahama Area as part of the Zayed Military City northeast of Abu Dhabi, this new hospital design provides 310 beds, including ICU, Burn ICU, Cardiac Care, medical, surgical, pediatric wards and a Psychiatric Center located in a separate building. The overall campus program area is close to 121,000 square meters on 56 hectares of land. The program includes an ambulatory care component as well as housing for staff and physicians. Parking for 1,500 vehicles has been provided as a mix of surface lots and structured parking, and will serve visitors, patients and employees.
The project is designed with a view towards both internal expansion responding to short-term requirements and external expansion responding to the longer-term evolution of healthcare requirements. The internal expansion includes a flexible single to double patient room design. Externally, the building was designed to allow horizontal building expansion to enlarge to a 500-bed hospital size, satisfying needs for the present and future.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
FLOOR
Meliha Hospital
Sharjah,
Meliha Hospital is a new next generation 221 bed hospital in the Kalbaa region of Sharjah, UAE, serving the military and their families in the Northern Emirate. Designed as the first Military Hospital in the Northern Emirate, Meliha Hospital comprises of extensive inpatient and outpatient services including Emergency, 6 Operating Theaters, a Burns Unit, Diagnostics, ICU, VIP patient rooms, Dental and Dialysis stations. The hospital complex also includes accommodation for doctors, nurses and a Masjid.
The integrated design is patient focused with luxurious interior finishes and décor inspired by five star hospitality. The light filled digital library and three spacious lecture halls provide research and teaching facilities for Meliha medical staff as well as visiting professionals.
(Project design by RSP.)
UAE
CLINICS C
The Imperial College of London Diabetes
Center, Al Ain, UAE
The Imperial College of London Diabetes Centre is a specialized, world-class out-patient facility that specializes in latest healthcare innovation protocols for diabetes treatment, research, training and public health awareness
AE7 acted as the architect of record for Phase II built in Al Ain as an extension of ICLDC’s services already provided in Abu Dhabi. Phase II provides world-class standards of care to patients in Al Ain and the Northern Emirates. The design of Phase II involved “lessons learned” from the original ICLDC Diabetes Center to provide patient-centered Services in a more timely manner, as well as expansion of the Pharmacy and Clinical Laboratory Facilities on site. The building was also articulated in more of a rectilinear shape to enhance the patient flow. The screening on the façade was inspired to represent the insulin molecule similar to the original Diabetes Center in Abu Dhabi, as well as to limit direct sunlight from entering the patient consulting rooms.
Given the incredible need for these services, the total process from beginning of design to end of construction was a total of 13 months. Five months of design and eight months of construction could only be achieved by all team members working collaboratively from the Client making critical decisions in a timely manner, local Authorities providing approvals at critical stages of the design, and involving the Contractor during the latter part of the design process to avoid delays due to mobilization. This building was also the first constructed Pearl 2 rated buildings following the newly formed Estidama Green Building requirements.
Dialysis Centers Design Prototype
The Prototypes are organized around dialysis treatment “pods” which strategically flank both sides of the building core. Each pod consists of a linear arrangement of 8 back to back treatment beds organized along a horizontal spine containing power, data, and reverse osmosis water lines. Support spaces are located at the ends of treatment pods with nurse stations centrally located to allow appropriate monitoring and visual access to treatment stations. By providing dignified treatment spaces for the typical 4 to 5 hours of recurring treatment sessions, the patient remains the central focus for design. All dialysis stations face exterior windows allowing controlled views of landscape and beyond.
NURSE STATION
NURSE STATION
TREATMENT STATIONS TREATMENT STATIONS
NURSE STATION
NURSE STATION SUPPORT
The patient centric design flips the conventional arrangement of the dialysis treatment beds from an inward orientation to an outward orientation allowing patient views to the landscape and access to natural light
Mafraq Dialysis SKMC Dialysis Tawam Dialysis
VIEW OF COURTYARD
VIEW OF LANDSCAPE
Al Mafraq Dialysis Center
Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Al Mafraq Dialysis Center is thoughtfully integrated - from the building’s architecture and exterior landscape to the interior finishes and mechanical systems. The building is organized around dialysis treatment “pods,” which are strategically positioned on each side of the building’s core. With a patientfocused design, this 7,400-square-meter world-class facility features 68 dialysis treatment stations with therapeutic chairs, flat screen televisions and outdoor views. Dynamic metal and glass sunscreen shields provide natural light while still protecting patient privacy.
Interior finishes, architectural and landscape design, and mechanical systems support Abu Dhabi’s LEED equivalent “Estidama.” Setting new standards for care, this facility encourages physical health and positive energy through natural light, patient-centered accommodations, and energy-conscious systems.
Some of the AE7 partners were involved in design and management of the project while working at Stantec offices.
GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
SKMC Dialysis Center
Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) Dialysis Center is part of the New Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Masterplan. The 6,700-square-meter facility is comprised of two stories with a total of 68 dialysis stations. Underground parking for 79 cars will be provided for patients and visitors.
Similar to the Mafraq Dialysis Center, this project’s design places patient needs and comfort at the forefront. A central courtyard allows all patients to enjoy views of landscaped gardens during the typical four-hour treatments. The project has been certified by Abu Dhabi’s “Estidama” rating system achieving two Pearls (LEED Certified equivalent) and incorporates many sun-shading and water-conservation techniques.
Some of the AE7 partners were involved in design and management of the project while working at Stantec offices.
GROUND FLOOR
Tawam Dialysis Center
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Tawam Dialysis Center located within the Tawam Hospital masterplan is one of three dedicated dialysis centers developed by Seha. This 9,500-square-meter facility is state of the art and comprises a total of 99 private dialysis stations with expansion space to accommodate up to 90 private dialysis stations.
The design includes patient-centric dialysis stations with a central courtyard allowing all patients to enjoy views of landscaped gardens during the typical four-hour treatment sessions. The facility also includes training and education facilities as well as administrative and support space.
The exterior façade is comprised of a terra cotta rainscreen that relates to the vernacular Al Ain architectural style. Interior finishes, architectural and landscape design, and mechanical systems support Abu Dhabi’s LEED equivalent “Estidama,” achieving a 2 Pearl rating.
Some of the AE7 partners were involved in design and management of the project while working at Stantec offices.
GROUND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
Al Hoty Dialysis Hospital
Riyadh – KSA
“A testament to how thoughtful design intervention can breathe new life into an existing building, transforming it into a comprehensive, welcoming, and dignified healthcare environment.”
This brownfield conversion repurposes an existing four-story building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, into a specialized medical center. The redesign creates a comprehensive, patient-centered environment exclusively serving dialysis and renal disease patients.
At the heart of the building is a newly created double-height atrium, introduced to draw natural daylight deep into the building’s lobby and waiting areas, establishing a light, welcoming, and uplifting arrival experience that sets the tone for the entire facility.
The clinical program is anchored by 24 dialysis stations and 20 outpatient consultation rooms, with additional departments for dermatology, aesthetics, and dental care, providing comprehensive healthcare under one roof. Supporting infrastructure includes an in-house laboratory, pharmacy, and
ensuring a self-sufficient and convenient patient experience.
The interior design departs from conventional clinical aesthetics, embracing a light, refined, and welcoming character throughout patient-facing areas, prioritizing comfort for long-stay dialysis patients. The project demonstrates how adaptive reuse and thoughtful design can transform an existing building into a dignified and fully equipped center of specialized healthcare excellence.
Penn State Health Medical Group
Cranberry, PA
As part of a collaboration between Highmark and Penn State Health (PSH), AE7 designed a medical center positioned to expand patient services within regional communities. Located on one of Highmark’s largest regional campuses at Camp Hill, this PSH facility encompasses a bright, spacious reception area, twelve examination rooms, and a physical therapy suite, as well as an improved administrative support space, which allows for private check-out services and patient consultation.
The updated clinic seamlessly integrates a variety of services, including primary and urgent care, physical therapy, and phlebotomy. Maximizing limited square-footage, the staff break room doubles as a conference room, technologically equipped to hold internal team meetings and continuing education webinars.
The new glass entry vestibule improves patient accessibility and visually distinguishes the clinic, making it easier to locate among campus buildings.
AHN Downtown Medical Center
Pittsburgh, PA
AE7 provided architectural services for the 7,670 SF tenant fit-out on the ground floor of an 8-story building for a new Health Clinic by Allegheny Health Network. The location consists of a groundbreaking venture for Allegheny Health Network, as it is the first of its kind to offer health services in downtown Pittsburgh. Previously a department store, AE7 addressed the challenges of designing the health clinic within a ground floor space designed with high visibility retail windows and a grand, expansive ceiling height. This project also included exterior renovations for a new storefront entrance to provide an isolated entrance from the main reception area for the executive health office suite.
AE7 provided construction document services and construction administration services. Additionally, AE7 provided extensive coordination with AHN operations team to meet the specific functions of the health clinic, including exam rooms, x-ray room to meet radiation shielding requirements, physical therapy room, and lab support services.
AHN Behavioral Health Clinics
Pittsburgh, PA
AE7 is working closely with the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) to design a cohesive clinic archetype that promotes AHN’s values and seamlessly integrates the latest Outpatient Facility Guidelines Institute’s (FGI) best practices. As designs developed for multiple clinics throughout the Western Pennsylvania, our team collaborated with practitioners and administrators to conduct thoughtful space planning as part of a strategy to build an outstanding behavioral health system. The updated spaces integrate new trends with AHN healthcare standards, adapting clinics to expertly serve the needs of a variety of patient demographics, including adults, adolescents, mothers and children, and individuals needing treatment for substance abuse.
Each clinic is designed based on best practices in behavioral health design, while each program is tailored to the clinic’s specialty services and needs. An open concept reception and waiting area, that resembles those of a hotel lobby rather than a hospital, welcomes every visitor. Beyond that, the program and layout of the treatment center includes various mixes of group rooms, clinician and observation offices, flex spaces, and wellness rooms. The color palette is supported by research that explores the impact of colors’ on psychology and emotional response. Therapy spaces have greater access to windows and natural light, and even internal spaces incorporate glazed and frosted glass wherever possible to allow a sense of lightness to permeate interior spaces. This design is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing behavioral health treatment in Western Pennsylvania.
AHN Physical Therapy
Wexford, PA
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) sought to expand its sports performance operations by relocating services to a new facility at Wexford Plaza in Pittsburgh’s North Hills. The space includes a physical therapy area, private exam rooms, a weight room, nutrition kitchen, recovery room, 15 yards of turf, and cryotherapy. A fast-paced, budget-conscious renovation delivered a specialized facility offering integrated physical therapy, custom strength and conditioning, athletic training, sports medicine, and recovery services. AE7 provided design services, consultant coordination, and collaboration with AHN’s Interior Design team, working within AHN standards to create a warm, welcoming, and well-planned environment.
DHA Medical Fitness Centre
Deira One - Deira - UAE
As one of the world’s most dynamic cities, Dubai welcomes thousands of new residents every month, each required to complete a mandatory medical fitness test through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) as part of the residency permit process. At the heart of this essential gateway sits a network of Medical Fitness Centers designed to meet the city at its own pace.
A comprehensive prototype spatial planning and interior design concept has been developed to serve as the blueprint for all DHA Medical Fitness Centers across the city. Rooted in the DHA’s own brand identity and color language, the design establishes a unified, instantly recognizable environment that scales effortlessly across multiple locations — ensuring every resident, regardless of where they walk in, experiences the same high standard of service and care.
The planning concept introduces a carefully considered zoning strategy that streamlines patient flow, minimizes wait times, and separates clinical and public zones in full compliance with stringent healthcare regulations, infection control protocols, and patient safety standards. Far from a purely functional space, the design has been conceived as a premium customer service environment — one that reflects the world-class hospitality and service excellence that Dubai is renowned for globally.
Members of the AE7 healthcare facility planning and design team were involved in the planning and design of the project collaborating with Hosmac.
Capital Health Screening Center
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Developed by Mubadala and managed and operated by AsiaMedic from Singapore, the new Capital Health Screening Centre is designed to meet a growing demand for high-quality healthcare visa screening tests. The centre is located within an existing office building in the center of Abu Dhabi with easy access from all residents. The design optimizes visitor flow to minimize wait times and increase efficiency for screening services.
The launch of the new centre reflects the commitment of Mubadala to provide a growing Abu Dhabi population with complete medical services, on par with the best global standards.
Pittsburgh Skin
Cranberry, PA
Located in Cranberry, PA, Pittsburgh Skin is a private dermatology practice founded by dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Nicole F. Vélez.
At 3,000 SF, the office offers plenty of room for the current practice as well as plans for future growth. The large space allows for a generously-sized nurses’ station, six exam and surgical rooms, a histotech laboratory, a staff kitchen, and a doctor’s office. A patient bathroom was also added within the space for privacy and convenience.
The design draws on elements that complement the often aesthetic-focused dermatology field. Throughout, the office’s design is fresh and contemporary, making it stand out from other medical settings. Patients enter through a bright and inviting reception area, featuring quartz counter-tops, a wallpapered accent wall, and mid-century modern-inspired furniture. Clean white walls with bold blue accents create an environment that is uplifting, while remaining professional. LVT flooring was chosen over carpeting to add richness, and brass accents throughout further elevate the space. Strategic placement of these decorative elements enabled AE7 to achieve design goals while remaining within budgetary constraints.
AE7 led site selection efforts for the practice and created test layouts for the shortlisted options. Our team then created a design that refreshes the traditional medical office aesthetic. AE7 also developed the initial branding concept for the practice, and assisted with furniture selection and wayfinding.
University of Tampa Wellness Center
Tampa, FL
The University of Tampa offers comprehensive wellness services designed to support students’ holistic well-being across physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, and financial dimensions. AE7 designed their new wellness space, incorporating biophilic elements from nature as an escape from overwhelming student pressures. Wellness Services located in the Vaughn Center focus on prevention, resilience, and peer support through coaching, workshops, and student-led initiatives like Live Well. Programs include stress management, nutrition guidance, fitness resources, substance use prevention, and access to wellness rooms for short restorative breaks.
Ayurveda Wellness Hotel
Sharjah – UAE
“Responding to evolving trends in the hospitality industry, the design weaves Ayurvedic wellness principles into the guest experience, creating a distinctive market proposition that bridges accredited medical care with contemporary hospitality.”
This brownfield conversion project transforms an existing 14-storey hotel in Sharjah, UAE, into a holistic Ayurveda wellness hotel spanning 14,586 square meters. Retaining the building’s structural framework, the project undertakes a comprehensive redesign to deliver an immersive wellness destination rooted in authentic Ayurvedic principles.
Two floors have been fully transformed into Ayurveda and wellness clinics, housing reception and waiting areas, private consultation rooms staffed by accredited Ayurvedic physicians, and fully equipped treatment rooms delivering authentic therapeutic programs. This clinical offering elevates the property beyond a conventional wellness hotel, positioning it as a destination for specialised, medically guided Ayurvedic care.
At the ground floor, a vegan cafeteria anchors the hotel lobby, welcoming hotel guests and attracting walk-ins as a natural gateway to the upper-floor clinical wellness services.
The project represents a considered adaptive reuse of an existing hospitality asset, establishing Sharjah as an emerging destination for integrative wellness and Ayurvedic tourism.
LABORATORIES D
IHCC Public Laboratory
Baghdad - Iraq
The laboratory is designed and operated as a public-facing testing facility, featuring a ground floor dedicated to patient reception, consultation areas, and sample collection, alongside a restricted-access upper floor housing state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure for immediate, high-throughput sample processing, comprehensive diagnostic testing, and rapid test report generation.
The facility is purpose-built as a large-capacity testing laboratory, strategically positioned to function as a primary referral laboratory for smaller hospitals, clinics, and medical centers across the city that lack sufficient in-house testing capabilities — ensuring continuity of care across the broader healthcare network.
Operational efficiency is embedded at every level of the design, with streamlined patient workflows, optimized turnover processes, and clearly defined circulation routes that minimize wait times during peak demand. The dual-floor configuration eliminates interference between clinical and public areas.
Designed to meet the demands of a fast-growing urban population, the facility prioritizes accessibility, speed, and diagnostic accuracy in equal measure. The project has been future-proofed to accommodate sustained population growth, ensuring long-term capacity and extension potential without compromising design or operational standards. The result is a professional, customer service-oriented facility built to deliver a dependable, dignified, and efficient experience to every patient it serves.
DESIGN AT WORLD SCALE
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from the AE Seven Morse Architecture & Engineering Consultancies co.
ICLDC project was designed in association with KMD architects. Zayed Military Hospital project was designed in association with Leo A. Daly Architects. The architect of the record of Meliha Hospital is RSP Architects.
Photography and renderings by AE7, Ryan Debolski, SEHA, Command of Military Works, KMD, RSP, Accor Hotels, Eric Cuvillier, Victor Romero, Phishfotoz, Paul Thusbaert, and Yasser Ibrahim.
Some of the content of this book represents the personal portfolio of AE7 partners and employees, whilst employed at Burt Hill,
and the Katerra group between 1988-2019.
SDS
Stantec,