Description

The first phase of the large and complex extension to the “Klinikum am Gesundbrunnen” in Heilbronn was completed in 2016. Due to the heterogeneous hospital structure with many old buildings and also because hospital operations had to be maintained, the entire project required proceeding in several building phases.  This first phase had to incorporate a large number of medical and technical installations as well as fulfil detailed fire safety and hygiene requirements. With a gross floor area of approx. 83,000 m², it provides a further 572 new beds for the clinic. To accommodate the sloping site, a main corridor provides a same-level connection between the existing building and two new wings to the south with a further four wings reachable via a split-level step of 1.80 m in the main corridor. The treatment areas are located on levels 2 to 5 of the six building sections that connect to the main corridor, while levels 6 and 7 house the nursing wards, providing a high degree of privacy for the patients.

Special emphasis was placed on improving orientation and wayfinding. Paths for patients have thus become shorter and clearer; colors, pictograms and other wayfinding elements are combined in a consistent and logical concept.

Phase 2 of the clinic extension will include the addition of a further wing. Evidence-based design has been used in the design of the interiors to maximise patient well-being, especially with respect to the beneficial effect of natural light and the sense of shelter and feeling cared for during the patient’s stay in hospital. The window sills in the patient rooms, for example, are set low enough for bedridden patients to look out and enjoy the view of the city from their bed.

Originally published in Bauwelt 02.2018, pp. 48-53, abridged and edited for Building Types online, translated by Julian Reisenberger

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