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Medical Cluster and Healing Architecture
The Medical Cluster and Healing Architecture initiative brings together two interconnected areas of activity: the advancement of healthcare and the development of modern treatment and rehabilitation infrastructure based on the principles of Healing Architecture. The cluster engages experts, universities, healthcare institutions, and professional organizations from Switzerland and Ukraine to develop practical, sustainable solutions for the Ukrainian healthcare system.
The medical focus is primarily on rehabilitation and mental health, while also exploring opportunities in other important areas, including prosthetics. In the context of the ongoing war, particular attention must be given to military personnel, veterans, and civilians who require comprehensive treatment, physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and long-term social reintegration. The cluster contributes to the development of an accessible, high-quality, patient-centred system of care.
The cluster collaborates with rehabilitation centres and other healthcare institutions across Ukraine. Together with its Ukrainian partners, it assesses the needs of institutions and patients, examines existing infrastructure, and identifies opportunities for its further development. This process helps determine where international expertise, modern technologies, and partner resources can deliver the greatest practical benefit.
Prosthetics is being explored as a potential area for the cluster’s future development. The cluster is currently assessing needs in this field, opportunities to engage relevant specialists from Switzerland and Ukraine, and prospects for future cooperation with specialized institutions and organizations.
Mental health is another key priority. This area encompasses the development of psychological and psychosocial support for military personnel, veterans, civilians, affected families, and healthcare professionals. The cluster facilitates the exchange of experience, the development of professional expertise, and the introduction of modern approaches to psychological care, trauma treatment, and long-term support. Mental health is regarded as an integral part of comprehensive rehabilitation and a person’s return to an active life.
Healing Architecture represents the cluster’s second principal area of activity. Its objective is to create healthcare and rehabilitation environments whose architecture actively supports treatment and physical and psychological recovery. This approach combines functionality, accessibility, safety, natural light, and comfort while addressing the needs of patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.
The partners Burckhardt Architects and Pansanté represent the Healing Architecture field. They contribute to the development and promotion of projects involving the construction, reconstruction, and modernization of rehabilitation centres in Ukraine. Their work includes developing architectural concepts, planning therapeutic environments, and identifying solutions that support patient recovery and enable medical teams to work effectively.
The cluster develops cooperation with universities, research institutions, and hospitals in Switzerland and Ukraine. These partnerships create opportunities for interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, expert involvement, and the development of innovative solutions in healthcare, rehabilitation, mental health, and Healing Architecture.
ETH Zurich contributes to the cluster’s activities as an academic and scientific partner. The cooperation involves professors, researchers, and other specialized experts in discussions concerning the current needs of the Ukrainian healthcare system. Together, the partners explore various forms of collaboration, opportunities for interdisciplinary research and professional knowledge exchange, as well as new approaches and sustainable solutions for healthcare and rehabilitation.
Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich is one of the cluster’s healthcare partners. The cooperation focuses on exchanging professional expertise, examining the current needs of healthcare institutions, and identifying promising areas for joint work. This framework makes it possible to explore various forms of collaboration and develop new initiatives in response to the needs of the Ukrainian healthcare system.
Partners
ETH Zurich
Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich
Burckhardt Architects
Pansanté
Contact
Dr Olena Chernezhenko, Project Lead
olena.chernezhenko@hfh.ch