On May 1, 2016, Qatar Foundation unveiled its state-of-the-art hospital, Sidra, featuring the largest array of Sky Factory Luminous SkyCeilings, the only research-verified virtual skylights in the world.

Sidra Medical & Research Center represents the vision of Her Highness Shiekha Moza bint Nasser, who considers it Qatar’s most ambitious project to date. The sleek complex was designed to provide world-class healthcare to the people of the Gulf Region.

“From the beauty of its architecture and healing gardens to its cutting-edge technology and luxurious interior, Sidra will embody Education City’s reputation for quality and excellence,” says Her Highness Shiekha Moza bint Nasser, Chair of Sidra Medical and Research Center.

Qatar Foundation selected Sky Factory to outfit 213 of the 380 patient rooms with its award-winning Illusions of Nature, allowing occupants to experience a perceived organic connection to open skies.

Sidra Medical Center Patient Room

A visual connection to nature is the most sought-after biophilic design feature in any architecture, particularly in healthcare environments. Facility planners at Sidra sought to secure this restorative attribute for patient rooms facing the interior of the building.

Sidra was designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, best known for the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia. Sidra is part of Education City and as an entity of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development—the complex is part of a dynamic research and education environment.

Education City includes leading educational institutions such as Georgetown University, Carnegie Mellon University and HEC Paris, as well as recently established national research centers like Qatar Biomedical Research Institute and Qatar Environmental and Energy Resource Institute.

Learn more about Sidra.