Køge University Hospital Winning Proposal / Rådgivergruppen USK

Written by Alison Furuto

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, an expansion of the existing Køge Hospital, which will be increased threefold to a total area of 177,000 m². A visionary project in terms of both architecture and functionality, 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. More images and architects' description after the break.

Health-Promoting Setting

Located in a striking, ring-formed forest area, the design for Køge Hospital 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. 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.

The new Køge University Hospital will 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 health-promoting 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.

Innovative Logistics Solutions

Technical installations such as electricity, HVAS, ventilation, fire prevention measures, etc. are traditionally centrally located in a hospital. But in USK they will be decentralized, and located adjacent to each room. This will make optimum use of the available building space, keeping the floors free for the primary clinical functions. This will also help to ensure the future proofing of the building, since it will be easier to adjust the functions, and related technical supplies, of each room. Mobile robots, or AGVs (automated guided vehicles), to transport meals, linen, medicine, used tableware, etc., and a pneumatic tube post system, will automate the internal logistics systems and release staff resources for the care and treatment of patients. The hospital is thus designed to be a flexible response to future needs in terms of technology, treatment types and working methods, and will significantly improve the quality of patients' healthcare experience and the staff's working conditions.

Rådgivergruppen USK is engaged as the turnkey adviser for the project design of the university hospital, and is a consortium consisting of C.F. Møller Danmark A/S, Alectia A/S and Rambøll Danmark A/S, with CUBO arkitekter A/S, Gehl Architects and Søren Jensen Rådgivende Ingeniørfirma A/S as sub-consultants. The start of construction is scheduled for mid-2015 with an expected completion in 2021.