Lebanese Red Cross - Emergency Medical Services Center

Abstract

“How can architectural design save lives?” The purpose of this paper is to probe and ameliorate, through architectural design, all major parameters influencing the quality of emergency healthcare provided in Tripoli. These parameters range from ambulances' arrival time, to technical understanding of first aid, and even the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers. Through the lens of architectural logic and design, a tailor-made solution is proposed to optimize those parameters, offering better emergency medical services and providing the necessary tools to save lives. This research is divided into three parts, dealing with analysis/data collection, the strategies and interventions, and finally the design process. The final design is accessed by a path that goes through the study of the building’s needs and requirements, a systematic volume development process and the strategic implementation of important spaces. This overall package -which can be labeled as an “architectural concept”- was designed to deliver on its promises regarding the idea of architecture saving human lives.