UNICHIR is a surgical and medical (training) centre located in the city of Beni, in Congo's northern Kivu province. The hospital was founded by Belgian humanitarian surgeon Dr Reginald Moreels. The realisation of this project is a significant achievement and a symbol of hope in one of the most inaccessible regions of the world. The area, heavily affected by war and violence, has limited access to humanitarian aid. UNICHIR is a place where, despite this situation, specialised surgical services and training are offered to millions of people.
The maternity unit is designed as an independent entity within the complex, with its own entrance and organised around a separate courtyard. This creates an intimate and high-quality environment for young parents and their children, while ensuring the necessary functional and logistical connections to the rest of the campus.
The striking roof construction of the pavilions ensures natural ventilation and cooling, eliminating the need for air conditioning. The roof consists of a double roof structure, made up of a concrete roof with a steel roof plate above. The playful composition of the roofs and expressive, tapering columns and pilasters are a nod to the local architecture.
UNICHIR opened its doors in June 2023 to assist its first patients. The construction of the third phase, the training and education centre, has recently begun.
The design is conceived as a sequence of pavilions within a garden. By dividing the project into a series of smaller buildings, a pleasant environment filled with light and greenery is created. The modularity of the plan provides great flexibility and the ability to phase the construction, which was essential for the realisation of the project.
A large communal garden offers shade for cooling and space for cooking, eating and washing. The water tower is centrally located within the garden, allowing the space underneath the tower to be used as a kitchen, thereby saving space on the site. An orchard with fruit trees contributes to the food supply for the centre. Sufficient greenery in the plan is crucial for water management at the location. A total of 50 trees have already been planted, with more to come in the future. A large wadi protects the site from flooding.
