Health cluster Lengg, Zurich (CH)
New building,
Building in existing structures
Client: Gesundheitscluster Lengg
Location: CH-8008 Zurich
Architecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Study: 2020
Visualisation: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Team
Manfred Karl Botz, Johanna Kolb, Bo-Ram Lee, Eric Lenz, Christof Stäheli
Text: Gerlinde Jüttner
Partners
Landscape: Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl, Überlingen / traffic: Stadt Raum Verkehr, Zurich
Three clinics, three steps, one cluster
The Lengg area on the eastern edge of Zurich is home to numerous institutions in the fields of healthcare, research and education. The study, which we were commissioned to carry out by the Canton of Zurich as part of a cooperative multiple assignment, is looking for ways to expand and connect the three clinics Balgrist, Schultheiss and Hirslanden and to convert them in several stages into a future-oriented and innovative hospital cluster.
The basis is a holistic growth concept up to the year 2040+. As the remodelling and new construction work will be carried out during ongoing operations, this poses major challenges for the planners and hospital staff.
Lenggplatz, passage, balcony
The newly created Lenggplatz forms the prelude to the north and serves as a place to arrive, meet and spend time. The clinics within the neighbourhood are addressed on the street side, each with its own forecourt. The high point of the new administration building on Lenggstrasse ensures visibility and easy orientation.
The Passage is the lifeline of the newly created cluster. Starting from Lenggplatz, it enables short routes between the clinics. At the intersections, lively meeting spaces and quiet places to relax stimulate lively social interaction. The research centre, consisting of highly optimised, functional laboratory cubes and semi-public functions, acts as an incubator.
The "Balcony", an elevated, spacious square to the south of the research centre, offers attractive views of the mountains and Lake Zurich across an expanse of water.
2025 – The first step
The first stage of development in 2025 already brings clear routing, urban density and defined open spaces. The new Lenggplatz and the passage will have an immediate impact.
At Balgrist, two older buildings make way for a considerable new building volume that accommodates essential hospital functions such as an operating theatre extension, emergency, nursing, reception and logistics and integrates a market hall at the base. The new cuboid building on Lenggplatz will house administration, a café and emergency and rescue services.
Schulthess will initially be extended by a south-west building, which will also create the connection to the "balcony" and passage. At the Research centre, the first construction phase spans the passage and enlivens the square with semi-public functions such as a bistro.
Hirslanden will initially be reorganised with ring developments on various levels. The basement floors will be restructured, the garden wing extended and the complex enlarged with new buildings.
2040 – The second step
At Balgrist, care is now concentrated in the new building. Another volume replaces the old ward block, which does not meet future requirements due to its structure and location. The research centre receives two further buildings, the western one interacting with the passage. Schulthess gets a new administration building and will be supplemented by additional storeys. At Hirslanden, the expansion areas already cleared are being built on.
2040+ – The third step
In the future, the research centre can be extended by a fourth wing. Additional storeys and a garden-side extension of the surgery wing at Hirslanden as well as a higher replacement building instead of the hall at Balgrist are also possible and compatible with the neighbourhood.
