inner sanctuary, outer crust
yet to be integrated urbanity
The project is located at the border of the old and new town of Qiqiao. The urban fabric is yet to be integrated; urban infrastructure is loud and nothing but pragmatic; public space is only negative; the buildings are always variable in scale and street alignment, yet with monotonous articulation; high-voltage cables dominate the skyline.
inner sanctuary
To provide an environment in which patients can relax and focus on getting well, this project turns the hospital inwards to focus on a series of courtyard spaces. The courtyards help articulate the different functional programs of the hospital and develop different themes and functions, while not disturbing the inner circulation within the hospital.
This inner sanctuary is everything the city outside is not. The building fabric is integrated; infrastructure is quiet and invisible; public space is always positive; the building is consistent in scale and location, with well-considered articulation. There are no high-voltage cables to be seen.
A variety of shades of white are used for the walls of the courtyards to reflect light, heighten the contrasting interior qualities, and to enhance the diversity and colour of the various landscape themes. Sunshine, ventilation, planting, and colors, all combine to provide a quiet and calming environment for patients, visitors and staff.
outer crust
In contrast to the calm and quiet interior, the exterior of the building is finished polychromatic brickwork – a tough outer crust that presents a robust urban camouflage to this not yet integrated context.