kaiserin elisabeth hospital vienna

conceptual main goals
compact arrangement of the most important areas on a single level
short walking distances
optimal lighting of all rooms and circulation areas
clarity and good orientation
minimal intervention in existing pavilion 1
maximum preservation of open space

conceptual considerations
the existing terrain difference of nearly one floor allows for a one-story building on the south side, which disappears into the terrain on the north side, and is thus accessible at ground level from there — laterally via a few steps and from the south via ramp or stairs.
the walkability of the building, which thereby becomes part of the landscape (park), prevents the loss of already scarce open space.
limiting the structure to one story leaves pavilion 1 almost untouched — no parts are placed in front of or attached to the existing building.
the overall structure of the kaiserin elisabeth hospital with its separate pavilions remains intact.

the arrangement of all essential new functions on the basement level of pavilion 1 offers an optimal realization of the outlined goals:
operating area, recovery station, central sterilization, interdisciplinary intensive care unit, and supply/disposal are all on one level — a prerequisite for short internal and external routes.

the “manipulation courtyard” on the same level to the east of pavilion 1 provides ideal conditions for supply/disposal as well as patient transport (ambulance), including all necessary sluice systems.
moreover, the courtyard “opens up” the former basement floor.
as a result, workspaces on this level receive unrestricted natural daylight.

another advantage of the single-story concept is the possibility of optimally lighting all rooms from above — there are no areas without natural light.
visual connections to the outside for work and patient rooms are created through green courtyards open to the west.