At the start of this spring, the pharmacy in the new Al-Moosa General Hospital will be unveiled. It is an avant-garde private health care center in Hofouf, the main city of the Al Hasa Oasis in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Opened in 1996, the hospital is growing to offer a better, more personalized service and an improved environment for its patients. A new 12-storey tower block has been built to provide offer more hospital beds, laboratories, medical units, a wellness center, a day hospital and last but not least, the first Sartoretto Verna pharmacy in Saudi Arabia.

The CEO Malek Al Mousa wanted to create a different type of building; a beacon for society, a pharmacy for the whole community, created to help people feel better, serving the people of Saudi Arabia that work and live in the area.  “The design plays a fundamental role in creating the right atmosphere for wellness. The design leads to the creation of the right energy, harmony and balance, and Sartoretto Verna was able to transform our vision, strategy and the history of our business to give it a new fresh identity through improved design and color schemes”.

The project that required the refurbishment of 450 square meters called for a thorough analysis of the local environment and consumer habits. The pharmacy designed by Sartoretto Verna represents a new concept in the Saudi market, a greater connection with the people it serves, all thanks to a close observation of the target audience. Attention to detail, better materials, choice of colors, have all been chosen in harmony with the city, with its traditions and the people that live there. Why should we create a high-end pharmacy with a positive atmosphere?  Because it makes people proud, because the pharmacy will become a focal point inviting people to get to know the hospital, and its services better.

Sartoretto Verna created a welcoming hospital pharmacy open to the public. The original displays have been replaced by larger ones shaped like butterfly wings in a variety of fresh colors. The interiors are clearly visible from the outside thanks to a spectacular transparent glass window which encourages people in. Each product area and brand is identifiable with different color and lighting plans and price lists are well placed. The design and architecture create the right energy and  memorable experiences for the clients, helping them in their choices and making the products readily available.

The Project

The idea is to create the new pharmacy for the Al-Moosa General Hospital, an avant-garde private health care center in Hofouf, main city in the Al Hasa Oasis, in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Opened in 1996, the hospital is growing to offer a better, more personalized service and an improved environment for its patients. A new 12-storey tower block has been built to provide more space for hospital beds, laboratories, medical units, a wellness center, a day hospital and the first Sartoretto Verna pharmacy in Saudi Arabia.

The CEO Malek Al Mousa gave the architects full reign over the 450 m2 space on the ground floor. A careful analysis was done on the local environment and consumer habits. Sartoretto Verna created the concept for a hospital pharmacy open to the public, welcoming yet functional, adapted to the needs of its people and their desire for innovation. Together with the hospital, the pharmacy is a beacon of health and wellness for Hofuf and the whole region, home to circa 1.8 million people.

This pioneer project demonstrates Sartoretto Verna’s ability to produce in the Gulf.

Challenges and Solutions

Designed as an integral part of the hospital, the pharmacy is the expression of Sartoretto Verna’s vision. The scope was to create a close link between the customers and the environment. Representing a clear break form the traditional Saudi Pharmacy with low shelving displays that did not showcase the products, the project aims to make the most out of the space and give more to its customers. A ‘butterfly wing’ display has been introduced to leverage the space and create the effect of surprise. Central aisles feature floor to ceiling ®Ral System 2 displays that separate the large space into two areas creating a more inviting environment for people to discover what’s on offer. There is plenty of space meaning the pharmacy is adaptable to all patients including those with mobility challenges. The selection of ®Ral System displays permit the showcasing of a host of products. The main color used is white, combined with a modern design; the LED lighting communicates order and efficiency. The colder tones give the feeling of freshness that has a positive effect especially during the summer months when the temperatures are high.

The Pharmacy has two entrances, one that leads from the hospital and another onto the street. Three large transparent glass windows that amplify the visibility of the pharmacy render it almost part of the street outside. The personalized neon signs in Arabic and English make it a presence on the high street.