Design concept "Lung - Breath - Air"
The lead concept "Lung – Breath – Air" was specially designed for the new LungenClinic hospital by the design team HENKE + PARTNER. It defines the new building´s architecture and emphasises the medical focus of this highly specialized hospital. The LungenClinic was the first clinic in Germany to be certified as a lung centre by the State Hospital Committee of the Ministry of Health (G-BA) and is an internationally renowned specialist clinic in the fields of thoracic medicine and pneumology.
The architectural concept reacts to the special requirements of the medical focus and combines process optimized architecture with supporting recovery of patients and well-being of staff.
Three new building sections were constructed as well as interventions in the existing structure. A new entrance and administrative department is located near the existing access points while the new bed ward is orientated to the adjacent nature reserve. The both sides are connected by a magistrala, which is offering a cafeteria, event rooms and a great view into the outside space.
From larger components to smaller elements and out into the outdoors, the concept runs seamlessly and in different scales throughout the building:
In the foyer, visitors are welcomed by a curved floating desk. A sail-like structure spans around the gallery above – “inflated by wind”, creating a unique ambient effect. The entrance design creates an atmosphere that does not resemble a hospital and rather welcomes everyone with a light and airy feeling. From there a wayfinding system specially designed by team HENKE + PARTNER guides visitors intuitively through the new building. The signage follows the wavy form concepts and underlines the importance of orientation through the building.
In the patient rooms, the concept is reflected in individually designed medical care units. Through nature inspired prints and striking colours, the feeling of the room is shifted to a “hotel-atmosphere”. The windows extend to the floor and offer a great view “face-to-face” into the nature space.
Architecture and landscape
The proximity to nature has a proven effect on the recovery journey of patients and on the health and comfort of staff and visitors.
As a symbiosis of landscape, architecture and medicine, the new building elements blend harmoniously into the landscaped park and open up views of the natural surroundings (permeability). The cream-coloured clinic façade was chosen so that the seasonally changing colour palette of the surrounding trees harmonises with the building envelope, whilst remaining resistant to external influences. In front of the façade, elements open like gills, creating a dynamic and captivating impression from both inside and out – thus as a visualization of the chemical transition process of breathing: Transforming O2 to CO2 “with every breath you take”.
As a special structure the magistrala between the administrative wing and the bed ward unfolds to a yard with large historic trees. The connecting building is characterised by a wing-shaped roof which is supported by convex-concave wooden columns. The result is a sheltered outdoor area which is used by the cafeteria and invites people to step outside.
The symbiotic interconnection of architecture and landscape is an important conceptual framework in forming a modern and healing environment for patients (Healing Architecture) as well as an attractive working environment for staff.
Energy, materials and sustainability
The LungenClinic sets standards for environmental and operational sustainability. The new building replaces the existing structure and fundamentally modernizes the medical infrastructure. Up to 50% energy can be saved compared to the energy demands of the existing building from the 1950s. In the design process different simulations were conducted to improve the technical concept. Through exchange and coordination of the various planners and in collaboration with the clinic the concepts were optimized. Besides sustainability considerations it was also important to ensure a reliable supply of (energy) resources.
The used materials were carefully chosen upon evaluation of sustainability, durability and tactile properties.
Innovative medicine and supporting architecture
The project demonstrates a (new) special way of designing hospitals: The individual concept takes the typology and the medical field in deep consideration. Through architectural elements and interior design, the medical focus can be seen while experiencing the building. Designing with a patient or staff journey in mind lead to a unique result and show that healthcare buildings are all about health, well-being and comfort – also in their construction, shell and interior.
Medical success and architectural atmosphere go hand in hand with the recovery process of patients and the experience of visitors. The symbiosis also creates a more attractive workspace for staff and makes it easier for the clinic to acquire new and long-term employees.
