• The judges praised this reprogramming of existing health services that draws on the needs of local people.
• Two other projects of the design firm were shortlisted at this edition: S Cube Chalet and GDIS.
• AGi architects won two WAF awards in previous editions, 2011 and 2010, in the Future Projects Residential and Health categories.

Madrid, 9th October 2013.-- AGi architects’ project for the New Sulaibikhat Medical Center, currently under construction in Kuwait, was chosen as winner of the WAF Award 2013 in the Future Projects Health category, after competing against two other shortlisted entries.Winners were announced at the World Architecture Festival that took place in Singapore from 2 to 4 October 2013.

The judges praised this reprogramming of existing health services that draws on the needs of local people. ‘It overcame the limitations of the normal existing typology,’ they said.

In addition, two other projects by AGi architects, a Spain and Kuwait based practice led by architects Joaquin Perez-Goicoechea, Nasser Abulhasan and Salvador Cejudo, were shortlisted in their categories. These selected projects were S Cube Chalet that competed in the Completed Buildings House category and GDIS in the Future Projects Office category.

According to AGi architects’ team, “this WAF Award is welcomed with great satisfaction for all the team and encourages us to continue working to achieve an integrating architecture that takes into account all existing local conditions and needs”.

New Sulaibikhat Center
The New Sulaibikhat Center, currently under construction in Kuwait, stands as a pioneer in the healthcare sector. Challenging issues such as privacy and security are addressed using an innovative design process where courtyards attached to the façade are the driving element behind this unique typology. The concept of the façade generating light views and ventilation is reversed. The courtyards are brought inwards from the perimeter creating privacy which is enhanced by a metal mesh with a geometrical pattern allowing light to penetrate whilst constructing veiled threshold in between the exterior and the internal courtyards.

         

Due to the density and variety of the program presented in this clinic, the spaces are sectioned off into multiple self-sufficient departments, which can operate independently from one another. Therefore easy orientation and navigation through the clinic is key, where each of the departments is color coded with sufficient signage throughout, to facilitate a universal way-finding technique.

World Architecture Festival
World Architecture Festival is the world’s largest festival and live awards competition dedicated to celebrating and sharing architectural excellence from across the globe.

This year's edition, held in Singapore from 2 to 4 October 2014, chose as theme value and values. This subject informed a talk series that took place throughout the Festival. The talks examined what architecture and other forms of design provide in terms of social, economic and environmental value; as well explored the values that underpin the way designer’s think about the world.

AGi architects
Spain and Kuwait based practice AGi architects was founded in 2006 by the young architects educated at Harvard University, Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea and Nasser B. Abulhasan. Salvador Cejudo -educated at the Architectural Association School of Architecture- started to collaborate with AGi in 2007 and became a design partner in 2009.

With a noticeable international character and a multidisciplinary focus, AGi architects offer a professional service emphasizing in quality, creativity and exclusive design, with a vision to create environments contributing to a lasting value for clients through distinctive and imaginative solutions. At present, the studio has offices in Kuwait and Madrid, comprising of a team of 40 professionals.

The studio’s architecture is based on four founding pillars: innovation, an existential component, ecological and social vocation, and research. AGi architects provide comprehensive services in architecture, urban planning and design, interior design, research, consultancy and complementary services.

Among the latest acknowledgements for AGi architects are three WAF Awards (2013, 2011 and 2010 editions), three Middle East Architect Awards 2012, two mentions at MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards 2012, and various awards granted in the last editions of Cityscape Awards and International Property Awards, amongst other prizes.



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Almudena Grande
AGi architects Press Office
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