Canton hospital Bruderholz

The new cantonal hospital at Bruderholz will be an ultramodern and efficient health center intended to replace the old, defunct hospital in the same location. This complex design project required not only optimized operational and medical processes but it also had to convey and implement the underlying central theme of a “humane hospital”.

The overall composition of cleanly configured, rectangular spaces creates a balanced silhouette. As the structural components of the building are staggered upwards, the individual institutions can be readily identified. The acute-case hospital section will consolidate the patient-room levels in a tall patient wing with immediate connections to the treatment areas. The geriatric section will be divided into two interconnected units with an at-home atmosphere. The shape of the patient wing will blend in with the surroundings in fascinating fashion.

The new cantonal hospital will replicate the historical examples and tradition of hospital buildings and rehabilitation centers where a humane hospital is characterized by air, light and a pleasant view.

All patient rooms will be arranged along the outside wall with a view of the outdoor scenery. The atriums of the patient wings can be accessed and always enjoyed from the lounges, greenery will be planted on the terraces and balconies. A comfortable atmosphere will be created, allowing for the times of day and the seasons to be experienced and for orientation and identification to be improved.

Access, care and internal activities will be optimized as required in a modern hospital. The public entranceways will be consolidated in a terminal area in front of the hospital. A central courtyard with public functionalities will organize arrivals. The entrances to the individual institutions will be positioned and clearly marked on the sides of the building. Main entrances will unmistakably guide visitors and outpatients to the various facilities and to the vertical connecting routes. The internal routing to the patient lifts, for the hospital staff and for the supply and disposal operations will be clearly separated along a peripheral circular access hall.

The façade of the cantonal hospital at Bruderholz will have a modern but reserved appearance. A characteristic design element will consist in the gridded façade which will portray the building as one unit.