The recently completed International Scientific and Clinical Center of Physiology in Ashgabat is a significant addition to Turkmenistan’s healthcare landscape, merging functional precision with cultural resonance to redefine the urban hospital typology. Conceived as both a healthcare facility and a civic landmark, this complex includes a 250-bed inpatient unit, a research center, an animal laboratory, and multistory parking facilities—all integrated within a cohesive architectural language. The center’s mission is to study the negative impacts of the Aral Sea region on human health, prevent non-communicable diseases, and serve as a primary center for the prevention and treatment of these non-infectious conditions. It will provide extensive opportunities for prevention, treatment, research, and educational activities.

The design is rooted in a modernist sensibility that honors Ashgabat’s architectural identity. The façade, composed of white marble and blue glass, combines durability with a striking visual impact under intense sunlight. Interwoven with geometric reliefs, it creates a rhythmic play of light and shadow. The blue glass curtain wall system adds a contemporary edge, reflecting and refracting ambient light to produce a shimmering effect that enlivens the structure within the urban context. This choice of materials not only enhances the building’s environmental responsiveness but also harmonizes with the surrounding cityscape.

The spatial organization within the center prioritizes patient comfort and clinical functionality. The layout is designed to support intuitive flows between patient care areas, treatment spaces, and diagnostic zones, minimizing travel distances and improving response times for medical staff. This thoughtful configuration provides clear, distinct pathways for patients, healthcare providers, and supplies, reducing cross-contamination risks and maintaining a calm, orderly environment. Patient wards are designed according to modern ergonomic principles and are equipped with advanced monitoring systems to ensure a seamless healthcare experience. The central atrium serves as an organizing spine, filling the interiors with natural light and establishing a visual axis that fosters wayfinding and spatial coherence. Soft, neutral tones dominate the interiors, creating a serene environment that helps reduce patient anxiety and promotes a sense of calm. Finishing materials are chosen for both their aesthetic appeal and their durability, meeting the demands of a high-traffic healthcare environment.

Design: MB Architects
Design Team: Metin Barut, Bashim Akiyev, Hekimmyrat Agoyliyev, Rahman Allagulyyev, Anna Shadurdyyeva, Tashli Bayramov, Dovran Mammetjumyev, Furkan Tufan, Mert Akaydin, Ebru Dursun
Photography: courtesy of MB Architects