The height difference across the site is used for maximum clarity of the access routes. The emergency vehicle access is located in the north of the building, while the main access and the vehicle access for visitors takes place via the new forecourt. The delivery area is located at the north-east corner of the new hospital and is accessed directly from the lower section of Grafenbuckstrasse.
To the park to the south, the new volume forms a facade together with the historic existing building. In order to give the old building back its strength as a freestanding building in the park, the new building – also a freestanding building – is set back and planned as a lower volume. Between the two buildings, a path leads from the park to the new forecourt and the main entrance. In the north and east of the new hospital, in the intermediate zones between Geissbergstrasse and Grafenbuckstrasse, the characteristic forest remains. This establishes an exciting relationship between the new building and the existing volume of trees.
Three generous, planted atriums bring plenty of daylight into the centre of the seven-storey building. In section, the light penetrates through to the basement levels. On the ground floor, the courtyards create interesting visual relationships across the building. They give the reception and waiting areas a unique spatial atmosphere. In addition, the southern courtyard provides a direct view of the restaurant, which is located on the south side of the building with a terrace facing the park. In addition to their pleasant atmosphere, the courtyards also provide optimal orientation for visitors and staff.
A central main axis in a north-south direction divides the building on all the floors. Numerous lifts are located within this central access zone. Four further symmetrically arranged cores contain the escape staircases and the risers for the building services. A generous staircase leads from the two-storey entrance hall to the first floor and basement. On these floors, in the immediate vicinity of the entrance, the intensive public uses such as the outpatient clinics are accommodated. The two top floors contain the patients’ rooms. The rooms are all oriented towards the outer facade. In the centre of the plan, general rooms are arranged around atriums.
The new building is wrapped with cladding of horizontal bands. A colonnade accompanies the square facade with the main entrance along the entire length of the building. Since this facade is only four storeys high, the first floor forms a “piano nobile” together with the colonnade on the ground floor, which reinforces the character of the new hospital as a public building.
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