Tata Medical Center
Kolkata, India

Developed by the Tata Medical Centre Trust, the Tata Medical Center in Kolkata was conceived as a regional center of excellence in cancer care. Designed to provide equitable, high quality treatment for patients from across India and Southeast Asia, the facility spans over 2.5 million square feet and is one of the largest comprehensive oncology campuses in the region.

The project was delivered in two phases. Phase I opened in 2012 with 150 inpatient beds and a complete suite of outpatient, diagnostic, and treatment services. Rapid demand soon outpaced capacity, leading to the development of Phase II, completed in 2019. This expansion added 240 inpatient beds, as well as an academic and education block supporting research and training for visiting faculty and students, reinforcing the center’s mission as both a treatment and learning institution.

The architectural design prioritizes patient experience, utilizing a campus-like layout of courtyards and shaded outdoor corridors that support natural ventilation and encourage moments of calm and orientation throughout the facility. These spatial transitions, from public to private, help reduce psychological stress for both adult and pediatric patients.

The project responds directly to Kolkata’s challenging climate. With temperatures exceeding 104°F in summer, monsoon rains, and seasonal dust storms, materials were carefully selected for resilience and authenticity. Natural stone and concrete façades withstand environmental extremes while aging gracefully over time. Buildings are oriented to optimize cross-ventilation and harvest seasonal breezes, while rainwater is collected and stored for year-round irrigation of the healing gardens.

Tata’s commitment to inclusive healthcare is embedded throughout the design, more than half of all inpatient beds are allocated for patients receiving free treatment. The result is a healthcare campus that is socially impactful, climatically responsive, and architecturally enduring.