Herzog & de Meuron take on a design project that forms a part of Kinderspital, the largest hospital complex in Switzerland for children and youth. The structure measures 96,200 square meters and it features a standalone building just for research and teaching. The space is modeled after the idea of a town and the facility is clad with wood.
Herzog shares, "Hospitals all over the world and even in Switzerland are often the ugliest place. For the past 20 years, we have zeroed in on this issue, because we are convinced that architecture can contribute to the healing process; it can make a substantial difference. Here at the Children's Hospital, people can see for themselves how daylight coming in from outside and variations in proportion can animate and change a room, how plants and vegetation can blur the distinction between inside and outside and how materials are not just beautiful to look at but also pleasing to the touch."
Image Credit: Herzog & de Meuron
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Town-like Hospital Design
- A hospital environment mimicking the structure of a town fosters a sense of community and warmth, potentially improving patient experience and recovery.
- Biophilic Healthcare Spaces
- Incorporating plants and vegetation into hospital design can blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, aiding in mental and emotional healing.
- Daylight-enhanced Architecture
- Utilizing natural daylight in hospital designs can significantly alter room ambiance, contributing positively to patient morale and overall well-being.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Healthcare Architecture
- The focus on therapeutic design elements represents a shift towards more aesthetically and emotionally supportive healthcare environments.
- Biophilic Design
- The integration of natural elements into architecture underscores the growing importance of biophilic design in enhancing human health and well-being.
- Pediatric Healthcare Facilities
- Tailoring hospital designs specifically for children's needs can create more welcoming, effective healing spaces.
