aceleradora therapy unit in madrid pioneers pediatric cancer care with innovative design

Murado & Elvira Arquitectos design therapy unit in Madrid

The Aceleradora therapy unit constructed by Murado & Elvira Arquitectos at La Paz Hospital in Madrid is a dedicated space designed for physical exercise to support children undergoing cancer treatment. The facility serves as the inaugural model for a series of pre-fabricated pavilions that will be deployed across various hospitals in Spain, marking a groundbreaking milestone in our healthcare landscape. This project is integral to the research efforts of the Unoentrecienmil Foundation, which has unveiled compelling findings—physical exercise can accelerate the recovery of pediatric cancer patients by a remarkable 17%, enhance survival prospects, alleviate treatment side effects, and elevate their self-esteem and overall quality of life.

all images by Imagen Subliminal

Aceleradora’ flexible spaces transcend typical hospital design

The research therapy unit has been designed to seamlessly integrate therapy and research, with the overarching objective of enhancing patients’ quality of life in real time. The architectural prototype comprises a versatile collection of distinct components that can be flexibly combined, ensuring each project can be readily tailored to the unique requirements of individual hospitals. The process of knowledge production culminating in this project has involved numerous agents—researchers, medical personnel, anthropologists, graphic designers, programmers, builders as well as the architects at Murado & Elvira Arquitectos.

on top of the Aceleradora building, a weather vane indicates the direction of the wind

Physical Exercise Research Unit is part of La Paz Hospital in Madrid

activation zone offers the possibility of free physical activity and exercises related to sport and play

all the machines are designed for physical exercise prescribed by the doctors and guided by the therapists

circular hatch-like openings provide natural light distribution and ventilation

1/6

exercise area, illuminated by several skylights, is dedicated to exercise with machinery under professional supervision

research laboratory is dedicated to the collection and measurement of data from the activity carried out in the unit

mobile unit brings training material to the rooms of patients unable to go to the therapy unit

process map

design process

components catalogue

project info:

name: Aceleradora La Paz
architect: Murado & Elvira Arquitectos | @muradoelvira

location: Madrid, Spain

photography: Imagen Subliminal – Miguel de Guzman + Rocio Romero | @imagensubliminal

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom