New Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit (KJP) for the PDGR
The Waldhaus site in Chur has a long history and, starting with the historic main building, has been carefully and gradually expanded over the past decades. In addition to the clear hierarchy between the main building and the smaller annexes, the character of the complex is primarily defined by the well-developed parkland with its distinctive mature trees. The new master plan will further enhance the landscape quality of the site by increasing the density of the tree population along its edges and upgrading Loestrasse into an avenue. At the same time, strengthening the edges also creates a clearer separation from its neighbors.
Herein we see the opportunity for the new building for child and adolescent psychiatry on the adjacent elongated meadow, between Fürstenwaldstrasse to the west and Loestrasse to the east, to break free from the typological constraints of the Waldhaus site. Rather, the development of this location can be a kind of light and airy counterpoint to the heaviness of the Waldhaus. Based on this concept, the new buildings appear as a pavilion-like complex, accessed from lower Loestrasse via a separate path. While three pavilions of the four-part complex are structurally connected to form the actual clinic on an elevated plateau, the visitor first encounters the freestanding new school building with its separate entrances for the lower-lying gymnasium. Thanks to the pentagonal geometry of the two-story pavilions, only sections of the buildings are visible from all perspectives, further emphasizing the idea of small-scale pavilions. The discreetly designed entrance to the new child and adolescent psychiatry clinic lies on a slightly elevated terrace, following the new path. Upon arrival, visitors are treated to an impressive view back over the skyline of Chur with the mountain ranges beyond.
