Interview with César Arribas

César Arribas, architect and partner at Árgola Arquitectos

(Árgola Arquitectos): How long have you been working in the hospital architecture sector?
(César Arribas): I have been working at Árgola Arquitectos since 1993, and in hospital architecture since 1995, that is, 30 years.

(AA): What led you to choose hospital architecture as your specialization? Was there a key moment that marked your path in this field?
(CA): Let's just say circumstances led me to it. At first, I collaborated with Árgola on all kinds of projects and had my own projects and works—houses, industrial buildings, or urban planning projects. But I soon began specializing in healthcare architecture, always working closely with Luis González, and ended up working almost exclusively on these projects. It was a joint decision, and from the beginning, I loved participating in the design of these buildings.

(AA): With your experience in the sector, how would you say hospital architecture has evolved from when you started until today?
(CA): It has evolved a lot; now the scope is more demanding, mainly due to the new regulations, which are now much more comprehensive, the design programs, which have made it possible to define projects much better, and the requirements of the entities that promote hospital projects.

(AA): What does designing sustainable hospitals mean to you, and how does Árgola Arquitectos translate that into concrete design?
(CA): Sustainability is fundamental and one of the project's defining characteristics from the outset. It requires knowledge of regulations and technological innovations that help make buildings more sustainable. An important factor is collaboration with engineering firms in this regard. HVAC, electricity, lighting—in general, all the building systems—have a very significant influence on the architectural design, and a good relationship and exchange of information between engineering and architecture is necessary to ensure that a project results in a truly sustainable building.

(AA): How do you balance the need for advanced technology with creating a humane and welcoming environment for patients in your projects?
(CA): I think both concepts are perfectly compatible. A technologically advanced building can and should have a humanized environment. Technology helps make the building more comfortable for its users. One example is home automation, which allows for easy control of lighting and climate control devices, as well as control of blackouts, irrigation, and so on.

(AA): Why do you think green spaces and rest areas are crucial in hospitals, and how can they transform the experience of patients and staff?
(CA): They have always been very important in hospitals, and in general in all facilities, but perhaps they have become even more relevant now, especially with the introduction of plants into buildings. Biophilic design is an architectural trend that seeks to reconnect people with nature by incorporating natural elements into built spaces. In hospitals, it is particularly crucial, and there is scientific evidence that creating healthy and humanized environments with plants and natural light influences the quality and recovery time of patients. This has been accentuated by the post-pandemic experience. This biophilic architecture also benefits staff, as it provides an environment that improves their mood and increases their creativity and efficiency.

(AA): What strategies do you use to ensure a hospital remains functional and aesthetically relevant even years after its opening?
(CA): I would say the strategies are common to any building. On the one hand, there's the knowledge of the type of building being designed, and on the other, the research into the specific characteristics of each project. There's no magic formula for producing a functional or aesthetically relevant hospital. Many considerations determine how it will function: its location, its climate, the community it serves, its size, the budget, and so on. In the case of expansions or replacements, it's crucial to understand how the staff operates and how they want to operate in the new building. From my perspective, the best way to design is with honesty and expertise, far removed from the "diva" architect concept that has been so prevalent and is still prevalent today.

(AA): Modular hospitals are gaining popularity, but they also present challenges. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in this approach, and how are they managed?
(CA): Modularity experienced a boom during the pandemic and provided a solution to the need to quickly create containers for treating people. This overall concept of modularity was appropriate at the time, but it had its drawbacks in that it resulted in buildings that were not very humanized and, in many cases, out of context. But modularity also offers advantages; incorporating modular designs for patient rooms, restrooms, operating rooms, consultation rooms, and ICU bays is a good option, provided that these repetitive elements are designed specifically for each unit.

(AA): If you had to highlight one project by Árgola Arquitectos that represents the best of hospital architecture, which one would you choose and why?
(CA): Among the projects I have worked on, I think the 12 de Octubre University Hospital is the most representative; it is a great hospital, in which functionality, aesthetics, humanization, new technologies and sustainability are combined.

(AA): Teamwork is key in hospital projects. What tools or methods does Árgola Arquitectos use to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams?
(CA): At Árgola, teamwork is key, and we have been working together with Revit models for decades. With external engineering and structural teams, we use similar programs connected to BIM 360 whenever possible.

(AA): What trends do you think will dominate hospital architecture in the coming years? Is there one in particular that excites you the most?
(CA): We've already discussed some of the trends throughout the interview, such as biophilic design, modularity, and humanization. I would also highlight energy responsibility that reduces the carbon footprint of buildings and the use of more sustainable materials (new or traditional).

(AA): From your perspective, what is the distinctive mark that Árgola Arquitectos brings to its projects compared to other firms?
(CA): Árgola Arquitectos brings an added dimension of functionality and humanization to its buildings, and we strive, and I believe we succeed, in making them buildings that are meant to be lived in. Furthermore, direct contact with the client is crucial to meeting, and if possible exceeding, their expectations.

(AA): As a member of the Árgola Arquitectos team, how would you describe the work environment? What do you value most about being part of this company?
(CA): This is something I can assure you also sets us apart from other architecture studios. The atmosphere is excellent; we've surrounded ourselves with good people who get along well, share common goals, and are committed to creating these built elements.