Herlev Hospital
The 52,000 m2 extension of Herlev Hospital will comprise a new emergency department and maternity services centre, including a pediatrics unit and maternity ward, among others.
The winning project consists of three circular buildings placed on rectangular bases – which are displaced from each other creating a number of inviting outdoor spaces. The new extension thus constitutes a down-scaled and compressed contrast to the 120 metre high rectangular geometry of the existing hospital.
The building complex as a whole will go from being a very ”large house” situated on a plot without outdoor spaces to becoming a ”built-up area” offering a variety of distinctive elements and eventful outdoor spaces. A hospital structure constitutes an organisation of a large number of small spaces which – in this project – are spatially contrasted by the near outdoor environment, inner gardens and courtyards.
A number of separate building volumes with contrasting geometries form an inspiring contrast to the existing structuralist building and contribute to considerately adapting the area as a whole to the scale of the surroundings.
Landscape.
The recreational and healing effect of nature is well-documented. At Herlev Hospital, this knowledge is taken seriously - thus, luxuriant courtyards, green roof gardens and a large, central green heart provide the new hospital with an altogether vibrant and life-affirming atmosphere.
The outdoor spaces of the hospital are designed and interact in a way that makes them appeal to all senses. Water is an important element and has been incorporated in the form of water particles, water surfaces or simple pools of water. As many of the hospital users have a view of the outside environment through the windows of the building, the landscape is designed as a number of "pictures" varying with the rhythm of the hospital and changing seasons.
SLA are the landscape architects behind the proposal.
