The conceptual 'CURA' pods have been designed as a solution to help with an influx of patients in a hospital and alleviate some of the strain that can be placed on facilities during pandemics or natural disasters. The pods are achieved with shipping containers that could be easily set up for use in very little time to offer intensive care units (ICUs) for patients who otherwise wouldn't have a bed inside the hospital itself. The units are approximately eight feet by eight-and-a-half feet, and boast negative pressure ventilation systems to protect healthcare workers from contaminated air if they are short on protective gear to further alleviate resource stress.
The conceptual 'CURA' pods are the design work of Carlo Ratti Associati with Italo Rota (Design and Innovation), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Design and Innovation), Humanitas Research Hospital (Medical Engineering), Policlinico di Milano (Medical Consultancy), Jacobs (Alberto Riva – Master Planning, design, construction and logistics support services), Studio FM Milano (Visual identity & graphic design), Squint/Opera (Digital media), Alex Neame of Team Rubicon UK (Logistics), Ivan Pavanello of Projema (MEP Engineering) and Dr. Maurizio Lanfranco of Ospedale Cottolengo (Medical Consultancy).
Shipping Container Hospital Rooms
The 'CURA' Pods Offer Space for an Influx of Patients
Trend Themes
1. Shipping Container Healthcare - The use of shipping containers as healthcare units presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to quickly provide intensive care units during emergencies.
2. Modular Medical Facilities - The concept of modular medical facilities allows for quick and efficient setup, addressing the need for additional healthcare resources during crises.
3. Resource-efficient Healthcare Solutions - The development of resource-efficient healthcare solutions, such as negative pressure ventilation systems, helps alleviate strain on healthcare facilities and protect healthcare workers.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can explore the use of shipping containers and modular facilities to enhance emergency response capabilities and increase bed capacity.
2. Logistics - The logistics industry can play a crucial role in the efficient transportation and setup of shipping container healthcare units, ensuring they reach areas in need quickly.
3. Construction - The construction industry can contribute to the design and construction of modular medical facilities, enabling faster deployment of healthcare resources during emergencies.