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Kirehe District in Eastern Rwanda is a predominantly agricultural community with approximately 470,000 residents, including over 70,000 refugees. The district is served by a single 230-bed hospital, which consistently operates beyond its capacity.  

Established with the assistance of Partners In Health, Kirehe Hospital began as a maternity facility and gradually expanded to encompass all departments of a general hospital. However, the absence of a comprehensive master plan during its development has led to challenges such as inefficient patient flow, limited natural light and ventilation, extended corridors, and a general sense of confinement. These infrastructural limitations have hindered the creation of a therapeutic environment conducive to patient healing.  

Research over recent decades underscores the significance of "healing environments"—spaces that incorporate natural light, airflow, and connections to nature—in enhancing patient recovery and reducing healthcare costs. The design of such environments must be attuned to local cultural contexts. While certain principles, like maximizing daylight and facilitating intuitive navigation, have universal applicability, their implementation should be culturally sensitive.  

The Aalto WiT Programme's case study on Healing Environments in Rwanda will convene students, architects, public health experts, and medical professionals. A public seminar in Kigali, scheduled for October 2025, will initiate discussions on the role of architectural design in patient recovery within the Rwandan context. Subsequently, a field study at Kirehe Hospital will foster collaborative knowledge exchange, aiming to develop strategies for enhancing hospital environments to support healing and recovery. 

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