New Children’s Ward Facility – Apeksha Hospital
RAPA Chartered Architects presents the newly completed Children’s Ward at ”Apeksha” Cancer Hospital, Maharagama, a groundbreaking project dedicated to charity and community service (CSR).
Designed with a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional well-being of young patients, this facility reimagines traditional hospital spaces, integrating color, texture, and artistic expression to create an uplifting and healing environment. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the ward accommodates a growing patient population while prioritizing comfort, sterility, and emotional relief.
The project was completed within an impressive 12-month timeframe, a testament to the efficiency and dedication of all involved. Color as a Healing Element Color is more than just an aesthetic choice in this project; it is a carefully crafted therapeutic tool. Research has shown that colors have a profound impact on mood, perception, and recovery rates, especially in pediatric healthcare environments.
- Located in Maharagama, Sri Lanka
- Submitted by RAPA Chartered Architects
- Finalists 2025
Colour Codes
RAPA Chartered Architects curated a harmonious palette of calming blues, refreshing greens, warm yellows, and soft pastels, ensuring that every space inspires positivity and reduces anxiety. Walls are adorned with handcrafted butterfly motifs, murals, and graffiti-style illustrations, depicting elements that children recognize and relate to. These artistic interventions stimulate imagination, provide comfort, and momentarily transport young patients away from their medical challenges.
The building’s façade is an artistic expression in itself, blending curved and rectangular forms to create a visually engaging structure that is both welcoming and modern. The use of color extends beyond interiors, reinforcing the ward’s identity as a place of healing and hope.
Designed for Engagement and Comfort Beyond medical treatment, the ward features interactive and engaging spaces designed to improve the well-being of children during their stay. Play areas, a computer section, and a library offer mental stimulation and entertainment, creating an environment that nurtures both learning and relaxation. The layout ensures that natural light filters into patient rooms, enhancing the healing atmosphere.
The thoughtful integration of artistic elements, textures, and spatial planning reflects a deep understanding of childhood behavior and cognitive development. Instead of sterile, monotonous spaces, the ward is a vibrant, dynamic sanctuary that encourages movement, interaction, and joy.
A Collaborative Effort for a Greater Cause, this project would not have been possible without the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders. The Sri Lankan Air Force played a pivotal role in construction, ensuring precision and efficiency in execution. Meanwhile, the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya coordinated with donors to secure essential resources, highlighting the power of community-driven initiatives in transforming healthcare infrastructure.
New Children’s Ward Facility – Apeksha Hospital
The success of the Children’s Ward serves as a benchmark for future pediatric healthcare projects, demonstrating how color and design can transcend functionality to become powerful agents of healing. RAPA Chartered Architects extends heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, consultants, and partners who helped bring this vision to life. This project is more than just a medical facility—it is a beacon of hope, where architecture, art, and color come together to provide comfort and courage to the children fighting their bravest battles.
"In this project, colour was used to enhance mood, perception, and recovery, serving as a therapeutic tool for pediatric patients. A palette of calming blues, greens, warm yellows, and soft pastels fosters positivity and reduces anxiety. Butterfly motifs, murals, and graffiti-style illustrations stimulate imagination and provide comfort. The building’s façade, blending curved and rectangular forms, extends this artistic approach, making the ward a welcoming, modern space that reinforces healing and hope inside and out."
RAPA Chartered Architects
