University Hospital in Koge: Healing Architecture
Køge University Hospital (USK ) is an expansion of the existing Køge Hospital, which is increased threefold to a total area of 177,000 m². This is a visionary project in terms of both architecture and functionality. The design is based on the existing hospital’s qualities and potential, and presents a cohesive sustainable, architectural, functional and technical vision of a clear, compact, green and inviting hospital complex. The hospital’s various functions can be structured on a highly flexible basis, with good opportunities to support Region Zealand’s vision of holistic patient care.
Rådgivergruppen USK, headed by C.F. Møller, Alectia and Rambøll, has been named as the winner of the competition to build the new Køge University Hospital. Køge Hospital is located in a striking, ring-formed forest area. It was built by C.F. Møller in 1983–88, and the facility comprises a low, densely built hospital complex with a single overall traffic system and pleasant and welcoming courtyard gardens and day rooms.
Built in the 1980s in what was then the middle of an empty field, the hospital was intended to carve out its own identity without any particular reference to the location. It is surrounded by its characteristic circle of woods, which provides the complex with a natural definition in relation to its surroundings. The hospital is built up around a common two-storey foyer which provides access to the wards and treatment units.
HEALING ARCHITECTURE
The new Køge University Hospital is build on these qualities to create a modern, health-promoting and restorative environment for patients, relatives and staff: The grounds of the hospital will be developed with landscaped areas, lakes and watercourses. All inpatient wards will have views of the countryside to the west, or of Køge Bay. The green surroundings, ample daylight, courtyard gardens, green roofs and views are key elements of the concept of healing architecture.
CLEAR AND EFFECTIVE
The existing inpatient buildings will be demolished in order to retain the present main hall as the new hospital’s main thoroughfare. From here, four vertical transport routes will lead to central squares, each with their own related courtyard garden area, making it easy to find one’s way around the complex. The main hall will be expanded and new courtyard gardens and roof lighting will be added.
Due to the compactness of the building, there will be fewer corridors in the new hospital, and shorter distances for staff to walk. The relatively limited area required in relation to the building’s size will make it possible to add new wings in all directions at a later time.
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Materials provided by C.F. Møller