Children's hospital Kepler University KUK, Linz (AT)
New building,
Building in existing structures
Client: Kepler University Hospital Linz
Architecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller with Delta Podsedensek Architekten
Competition: 2022, recognition
Programme: Ward and functional wing, company kitchen and restaurant, central warehouse, waste centre
Visualisation: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Team
Zarina Belousova, Marcel Janisch, Barbora Köver Tothova, Mona Nad Christian Porath, Michael Porath, Michael Sohm
Text: Gerlinde Jüttner
Square hospital – polygonal gastro block
The existing children's bed wing at the KUK Medical Campus, built in 1956, no longer meets today's requirements and is being replaced by a new building. In addition, a canteen and staff restaurant are planned, as well as the expansion of the central warehouse and waste centre.
Our concept separates the different functions architecturally into a compact, rectangular hospital building and the polygonal kitchen and restaurant block, connected by a two-storey walkway at plinth level. Light-flooded rooms and views of the greenery characterise the identity of the children's hospital.
On the ground floor, a spacious, two-storey reception area creates an inviting arrival hall for visitors and employees. The central spiral staircase serves as a hub and connects the various functional areas. The paediatric intensive care unit and cardiology department are located on the first floor, with the surgery area above.
The children's hospital
The hospital building consists of a functional plinth and the bed wing on top. The staggered, cube-shaped structures on the upper floor open up attractive visual perspectives and avoid vis-a-vis situations. The new building contours create terraces and roof gardens with numerous recreational opportunities for parents and playgrounds for children.
On the third to fifth floors, the patient rooms are surrounded by terraces and roof gardens. The structure and organisation is clearly legible for visitors, with short routes to the support points. The inner courtyards provide the employees' workplaces with natural light.
The restaurant
The canteen and restaurant are housed in a diagonally arranged block. This wing is the centrepiece of the campus area, from here all wards are supplied by means of food trolleys. Functionally separate lifts take employees to the catering and preparation areas on the first floor.
The two-storey dining room with a spacious terrace in front offers a view of the park opposite. Several levels invite colleagues to socialise and exchange ideas. The clinic management offices are located on the top floor, with attractive views of the atriums and gardens.
