Wards as independent entities

Challenge

When COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, requirements dictate that they be admitted to isolation facilities given the risk of spreading the infection. They can either be admitted to a single ward, in isolation, or with other COVID-19 patients. Isolation can impact patients’ psychological well-being and lead to loneliness, depression, and anxiety.1 According to several healthcare professionals, the rapid onset of the crisis in the spring of 2020 created chaotic conditions and insecurity for both patients and staff in Danish hospitals.2 In many places around the world, isolation units needed to be established ad hoc, and hospital capacity and logistics were greatly challenged, as workflows, safety procedures, and circulation had to adapt rapidly.3/4/5

Solution

Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital is the Danish State Hospital’s new hospital building for children, young people, pregnant women, and their families. The building is designed as two hands, with the central functions located in the palms of the hands and the wards located in the fingers. At the end of each finger is a winter garden where patients can spend time and take part in various recreational activities. This design allows all wards to be quickly and easily converted into isolation sections. A double door located where each “finger” meets the “palm” can close off the section from the central areas of the floor and the other areas. Thus, in an epidemic crisis situation, wards on each floor can be converted into isolation sections, while both the primary and secondary functions of the floor are maintained.

The example shows how the design of the building can support safety, security, and well-being under both normal circumstances and in emergency situations, such as during an epidemic, where the building’s spaces must temporarily change function.

Taxonomy

Sphere: Treatment

Timescale: Long Term

Type: Building Intervention

User Group: Children, Families, Employees/ Service Providers, Customers/Users

On a day-to-day basis, the wards are connected

The wards can be converted into isolated sections by limiting access to the central areas

Project and location: Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital - Rigshospitalet for Children, Teens and Expecting Families, Denmark

Contributor: 3XN, Arkitema Architects K / S, NIRAS, Architect Kristine Jensens Tegnestue, Rosan Bosch

Established: Under construction