Today we visited the Basurto Hospital in Bilbao. The hospital was unique in the fact that it was split into many different buildings with greenery and pavilions for patients. This differs from the previous hospitals we visited which were just one block. One similarity between hospitals in Spain however are that they all incorporate natural elements such as natural light, beaches, and greenery to enhance the healing of their patients. At the hospital we were met with nurses engineers to see how the hospital operated.

The first section of the hospital we went to was the midwifing section. Here we witnessed the different devices they used to help with childbirth. Then we went to the neonatal section where newly born babies are kept. Here we got to see the incubators which can change temperature, humidity, air pressure, and oxygen levels based on the babies needs. Then we got to the engineering side of things. In this part we saw the ventilation system, the electric generators, and the essential electrical system that helps to keep all the computers in the hospital running. After that we saw the backup generator for when there are power shortages in the city such as the nation wide power shortage last year in Spain. Another thing we did in Basurto was have a lecture the different nurses and engineers. One of the nurses had lived in both Spain and the US and was able to tell us about some of the difference she noticed when she had to get a surgery done in the United States. The engineer told us a little bit about the project that he was working on in the hospital such as a software that can model 2D medical scans into a 3D model that is easier to visualize for patients.

Following this we headed back to the School of Engineering for lunch. I had a r ice dish as an appetizer, mushroom and garlic chicken as the main, and an orange to finish it off. From there we got to meet the formula race team at the school. They let us see their car and the different components of it. To start, we learned about its four motors on the axles and the high voltage system that connects to the motors and the battery. We also learned about the monocoque of the car and how it was made from two carbon fiber layers with aluminum in the middle allowing it to withstand high amounts of force while still being lightweight. Next they also told us about another car they were working on that would have a completely autonomous driving system.

Finally, we ended our day by heading to the Guggenheim museum. The Guggenheim is an important landmark of Bilbao and represents its change from its old identity as a shipping port to something more modern. On the way there we saw some people on the streets selling football jerseys for pretty cheap. I ended up picking up a Kylian Mbappe jersey and also an Athletic Bilbao jersey. On the outside of the Guggenheim is a giant spider statue. The statue was made by Louise Bourgeois and represents the maternal strength and protection of his mother. Inside the Guggenheim we saw these huge tapestries that hung from the ceiling made from an assortment of beads that gave them unique shapes and forms. Today was really enjoyable as I got to see the inner workings of a hospital and also got to see a project of fellow engineers here in Bilbao. See you next time!