Apollo Hospital, Gurugram

The Challenge

This brownfield project in Gurugram, India, involved reimagining an existing hospital within the limitations of predetermined building heights and an already defined spatial configuration. The challenge lay in working creatively within these constraints to deliver a revitalized, patient-centric healthcare destination. The team conducted a comprehensive review of the facility’s medical planning, and—without introducing major changes that could delay the project—identified creative solutions to enhance operational efficiency through targeted tweaks, strategic swaps and thoughtful additions.  

Once the plans were finalized, the focus shifted to developing an interior design narrative that would seamlessly embody the cultural richness of Gurugram and resonate with the local patient journey, while simultaneously adhering to international best practices in healthcare design. The scheme also needed to thoughtfully incorporate distinctive branding elements from Apollo’s network of 71 hospitals across India—honoring the brand’s strong legacy—while introducing a contemporary, refreshed aesthetic that reflects its forward-looking vision. 

The Design Solution

The team dove into the intricacies of the existing building and sought to optimize spatial layouts, enhance energy efficiency and improve overall functionality. A thorough medical planning review paved the way for improvements such as adding a trauma lift to connect the emergency department to critical care functions to improve the delivery of timely care. The team also corrected planning layouts to ensure compliance with ADA standards, enhancing accessibility in 80 percent of patient rooms (including updating 10 percent of patient room toilets).  

For the interiors, the team identified the existing atrium as a central social gathering space and envisioned functional zones tailored for various activities, including a café, relaxation pods and interconnected pathways. The design drew inspiration from the sun, which holds cultural significance in India as the creator of the universe and the source of life.  

Recognizing privacy as a critical concern for patients, the design team strategically placed privacy screens through key areas including waiting zones, the atrium and critical sections such as the ICUs and infusion bays. 

The design strategy focused on creating interiors that are warm and welcoming for patients and their families, while also providing calming spaces that reduce stress and promote healing. At the same time, materials, finishes, and planning solutions are carefully selected to ensure durability, ease of maintenance, and operational efficiency for caregivers and facility managers. Together, these elements work cohesively to elevate the hospital’s identity, reinforce patient trust, and position it as a benchmark for contemporary healthcare design. 

Inspired by Gurugram’s cultural heritage, the color palette is inspired by India’s diverse landscapes and reflected in its art, architecture, festivals and daily life. This manifests in interior patterns, motifs and symbols that are significant to different cultures, as well as colors and textures that reflect the vibrancy and energy of the region’s cultural mix. The interiors also anchor on a dynamic interplay between nature and culture, with the use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and plants, creating an interior not only offers a dynamic and inviting experience but also promotes well-being and comfort.

The Design Impact

This healing hub in Gurugram aims to deliver a distinctive user experience by seamlessly blending international best practices with the local context and cultural nuances. The goal is not only to enhance patients’ healing journey, but to also inspire all who enter the space to be mindful of Gurugram’s diverse cultural heritage and the intrinsic value of its natural surroundings. Embracing the existing building, the design celebrates its unique characteristics, while a thoughtful approach to technology integration offers visitors a seamless blend of traditional and modern elements.