In Ivory Coast, Kardham signs off on the reconstruction of a hospital, a showcase of modernity

Kardham's Architecture division, an independent and integrated player in commercial real estate, announces the reconstruction of the Port-Bouët General Hospital in Abidjan.

This flagship project, financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and carried out for the Ivorian Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, embodies the Ivorian government's commitment to providing the country with a modern, functional public hospital recognized as an international showcase for its healthcare system. It is Kardham's first project in West Africa, marking a new stage in the Group's international development. Completion is scheduled for 2028.

A pivotal hospital for Greater Abidjan

The Port-Bouët General Hospital occupies a key health position in the Abidjan metropolis. Strategically located in Port-Bouët, at the southern entrance to Abidjan, it is the main public hospital center in this densely populated area, situated at the crossroads of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny international airport, industrial and port areas, and several rapidly expanding popular and residential neighborhoods.

The facility is a vital access point for hospital care for an estimated population of over 500.000 in the municipality and its surrounding areas. It also serves as an operational link for the Treichville and Cocody University Hospitals, which are under constant strain, particularly in the emergency, maternity, and surgical departments. The hospital handles 10.000 births and over 12.000 emergency room visits annually, under conditions now hampered by the fragmented layout of the buildings and the functional limitations imposed by the aging infrastructure.

In this context, the reconstruction of the hospital is a national health and political priority. It aims to restore users' confidence in the public hospital by offering a safe, seamless and welcoming healthcare environment, and to strengthen the health resilience of Greater Abidjan in the face of demographic, climatic and epidemiological challenges.

An emblematic project of modernity

The future hospital is distinguished by its clear and internationally recognized architectural style, a symbol of modernity for Côte d'Ivoire. Compact, functional, and easily identifiable as a healthcare facility, it stands as a flagship project reflecting the country's capacity to provide high-quality hospital care and to be recognized as an international hospital.

The architectural approach incorporates: a double-skin main facade that protects pedestrian traffic and optimizes thermal comfort; differentiated patient/staff/logistics flows for greater efficiency; and the compact design of a main building that allows for gradual reconstruction without interrupting medical activities.

A two-phase reconstruction

The reconstruction was indeed planned in two main stages to allow continuity of care.

Initially, a main building of 9.900 m² with two floors will be constructed on a currently undeveloped site, housing the technical facilities and patient accommodation. This new building will have 200 beds and state-of-the-art equipment such as: operating and obstetrical suites, emergency department, medical imaging, laboratories, pharmacy, sterilization unit, as well as a morgue and staff accommodation.

In a second phase, once the new building is operational, the old, dilapidated pavilions will be demolished to make way for ancillary services (admissions, morgue, staff accommodation, places of worship – church and mosque –, spaces for NGOs, etc.). Ultimately, the total surface area of the site will reach approximately 11.000 m².

This phased approach addresses another major challenge of the project: rebuilding a modern hospital while maintaining hospital activity on site. This project, carried out while the site remains occupied, therefore requires precise and progressive organization to ensure continuity of care.

A hospital designed to last

Aware of the local climatic constraints, particularly those related to the proximity of the coastline, Kardham prioritized durable materials and technical solutions (HVAC and air treatment) that guarantee the longevity of the building and its installations for more than 10 years. This focus on construction quality meets the requirements for durability and efficiency in Ivorian healthcare infrastructure.

According to Romuald Dobrzynski, Associate Architect of the Kardham Group: “This project embodies our ambition to combine architectural quality, functionality, and sustainability to support the transformation of healthcare infrastructure in West Africa. The Port-Bouët General Hospital aims to be a true showcase of modern hospital design, both resilient and integrated into its local community, capable of meeting the healthcare challenges of today and tomorrow. This achievement also marks a key milestone in Kardham’s international expansion and illustrates the Group’s proven expertise in designing high-performing healthcare facilities adapted to their specific contexts.”