The winning proposal by C. F. Møller Architects for a new 10,000 m2 ward building for Haraldsplass Hospital in Bergen, Norway has been described by the jury as, “a whole new kind of hospital”. Gone are the traditional hospital corridors, to be replaced by open common areas and efficient logistics. The new building will lie at the foot of the Ulriken mountain, with the river Møllendalselven in front. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Haraldsplass Hospital was built in 1986 and has approximately 184 beds. The new building will cover 10,000 m2 and give the hospital a further 108 beds on three storeys. There will also be new underground parking facilities for approximately 400 cars.
The jury praised the proposal’s innovative approach to hospital design: “Here the patient is placed in the centre, and given a place in a varied and beautiful land-scape. The drawings show attractive new experiences for staff and patients alike, while the needs of relatives are accommodated in a beautiful and well-nuanced arrivals area.”
Beautiful and welcoming environment in stark contrast to traditional hospital buildings, there are no long corridors. The wards are located around two large covered atria, which provide the setting for two different kinds of common areas: a public arrivals area with a reception, café, shop and seating area, and a more private space for patients and their guests only.
The atrium draws daylight into the building, where lush vegetation with bamboo plants in water pools and a bed of grass, flowers and creeping plants help to ensure a good indoor climate. All patients will have access to views of the valley and the city, as the new building follows the course of the Møllendalselven river, with an angled facade.
The project has also been highlighted as being very eco-friendly, amongst other reasons because the facade size is small relative to the gross area. By taking new approaches to ventilation and reusing waste heat from the existing hospital, the new ward can achieve ‘passive house’ standard.
C. F. Møller Architects won the competition in co-operation with Asplan Viak and Norconsult. Work on the project is expected to commence in 2014 and be completed in 2015.
Architects: C. F. Møller Architects Location: Bergen, Norway Landscape: Asplan Viak Energy Consumption: Norconsult Client: Stiftelsen Bergen Diakonissehjem (SBD) Size: 10000 m²/108 beds (10000 m² parking/400 parking spaces) Year of Competition: 2012 Construction Period: From 2012-present
