Binaytara Cancer Hospital Receives Runner-Up Award at the Global Architecture & Design Awards 2025

The Binaytara Cancer Hospital has achieved international recognition, earning the Second Award in the Health and Wellness category at the 2025 Global Architecture & Design Awards (GADA25). Designed by Fong & Chan Architects, the project symbolizes a bold step toward equitable cancer care in Nepal, merging architectural excellence with social impact to serve over 25 million people across southern Nepal and northern India.

Honoring Innovation in Health and Wellness Design

An emblem of efforts to minimize cancer disparities in Nepal, the Binaytara Cancer Hospital won Second Award in the Health and Wellness category at the Global Architecture & Design Awards 2025 (GADA25). The hospital was designed by Fong & Chan Architects, with team members David G. Fong, Paolo Diaz, Jacopo Montalenti, Taihui Li, Renee Bautista, and Rachel Peters. Hosted by Rethinking the Future (RTF) organization, GADA is an annual award program which recognizes projects for their excellence and innovation.

A Vision Rooted in Nepal’s Landscape and Community

The Binaytara Cancer Hospital building’s design takes cues from the Himalayan landscape, with several arcades leading toward a central peak that echoes the climb to Mount Everest. Patient rooms appear to float above the base, opening to sweeping views of the surrounding plains. A rooftop garden connected to the cafeteria offers a calm space for rest and reflection, while abundant natural light and exterior views throughout the hospital promote healing and well-being.

Sustainable and Seismic-Resilient Design for a Healthier Future

Taking into account the region’s mild climate, the hospital’s entrance includes a sheltered outdoor waiting area that expands space for essential functions. The entry canopy doubles as a source of renewable energy, equipped with integrated solar panels.

Built with advanced engineering for durability in a high-seismic-risk area, the hospital features a base-isolation system, an uncommon innovation in the region, allowing it to absorb more than 30 inches of horizontal movement.

The Binaytara Cancer Hospital design reflects the intentionality that drives our mission to advance equity in healthcare globally. This state-of-the-art, 200-bed comprehensive cancer hospital, to be built in Madhesh Province, will deliver a full spectrum of cancer care services to more than 25 million people across southern Nepal and northern India. These services will include comprehensive preventive and palliative care, as well as radiation, surgery, and advanced chemotherapy. Given that Madhesh remains significantly underserved, the new facility is expected to serve more than 20,000 patients each year.

Expanding Access to Cancer Care in Madhesh Province

The hospital will be constructed in phases, beginning with the Radiation Oncology Center, which will house linear accelerators and brachytherapy. At present, we serve the people of Madhesh Province through our 25-bed Binaytara Health Clinic, which offers limited cancer services. However, we recognize the growing need to expand access and capacity. As part of phase one, the existing clinic will move to a new 50-bed facility adjacent to the Radiation Oncology Center. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with the radiation center expected to become operational within a year.

Room infrastructure at the current 25-bed Binaytara Health Clinic

Global Collaboration Driving Local Impact

Implementation of the Binaytara Cancer Hospital design by Fong & Chan Architects will involve close coordination with Nepal’s Department of Urban Development to ensure compliance with building codes and seismic safety standards. Our consulting team in Nepal—led by Country Director Hari Tiwari, Binaytara President Dr. Binay Shah, and the lead architect—is actively engaged in moving the project forward. Final government approvals and a memorandum of understanding to initiate construction are anticipated soon

These efforts are made possible by the dedication of Binaytara’s development team, led by Justin Marquart, whose ongoing work in fundraising, grant writing, and corporate partnerships continues to advance our mission of improving cancer care access.

Dr. Shah, Dr. David Aboulafia, Binaytara Board Chair, and Justin exploring the hospital construction site

The recognition from the Global Architecture & Design Awards is a step toward a larger vision. Our upcoming 200-bed Binaytara Cancer Hospital will mark a turning point for cancer care in Nepal. Expanding beyond the clinic to a full-scale hospital means patients will soon have access to affordable, high-quality care in their own community. It also means local providers will gain the training and resources needed to sustain oncology expertise for the long term.

We are building a model of care that can be replicated in other underserved regions across the world, bringing us closer to a future where geography no longer determines access to cancer treatment. Join us in bringing comprehensive cancer care to Nepal. Donate today.