schmidt hammer lassen architects has won the competition to design the 35,000 square metre extension to the Helsingborg Hospital in the southern part of Sweden. The competition was won in cooperation with Aarhus Arkitekterne, NNE Pharmaplan and landscape architects Kragh & Berglund. The project comprises a new ward for adult psychiatry, an out-patient clinic and medical laboratories. Key to the whole design has been flexibility, a clear layout, variety, human scale, green courtyards and optimal conditions for daylight.
“We have designed a single building, whose architecture relates both to the existing hospital and the surrounding city,†explained Kasper Frandsen, Associate Partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects. “The building is expressed in one sculptural form, which houses three areas of activity: the out-patient clinic and laboratories in the lower and compact levels of the building, while the top levels containing the psychiatric ward open up to a more transparent structure.â€
The building is flexible and therefore sustainable with regards to future demands for changing use and functions. It has a uniform sculptural expression, which adapts to the various functionality needs but at the same time corresponds with the scale of the surrounding buildings. The shifting and indented façade creates varying spaces and makes it possible to adapt the structure with open and closed parts depending on the functions behind it.
A hallway makes up the spine of the building and gathers together the different functions in a clear fashion. It has the double function of a dynamic urban street with a fine net of intersections, squares and views to green courtyards.
In the psychiatric ward, the emphasis is on an environment that allows for both relaxation and activities. This will have both a calming and inspiring effect on the patients, who are thereby challenged in a secure setting. The layout of the ward is clear, and the green roofs establish a distinct, undisturbed landscape. The composition of the bed wards creates sheltered, inner courtyards signalling calm and safety. From the upper levels, the patients have a panoramic view over the city and Oresund, which in turn affords plenty of daylight in the rooms.
The layout of the main functions of the building minimises walking distances, optimises daily operations and adjusts to the special needs of the different areas of activity.
“Human beings are the focal point of our approach to designing hospitals. Though we know that the buildings must support rational and efficient clinical operations, we never forget that this is all about people – about individuals with a soul and ability to feel and understand,†observed partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects, Mr. Kim Holst Jensen.
The extension to the Helsingborg Hospital is the third hospital competition won by schmidt hammer lassen architects since 2010. In 2012, the practice won the competition for the New Aalborg University Hospital as part of the Indigo consortium, and in 2010 the extension to the Kolding Hospital – both in Denmark.
In Sweden, the practice has recently been successful in winning the design of the New Cultural Centre and Library in Karlshamn. Moreover, the company has designed the cultural project Malmo Live, which is due for completion in 2015. Malmo Live will be the city of Malmo’s major new cultural attraction featuring concert, congress and hotel facilities.
Facts:
Architect team
Lead-consultant: schmidt hammer lassen architects
Sub-consultants : Aarhus Arkitekterne, NNE PharmaplanClient
Region Skåne, Regionservice (Sweden)Area
App. 35,000 m2Competition
2013, 1st Prize in restricted competitionLandscape architect
Kragh & Berglund Stockholm
Web: shl
