Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the new University Children’s Hospital in Zürich is an inspiring example of child-centred healthcare architecture.
The complex brings together two complementary buildings: an acute-care hospital and a research and teaching facility. Inside the hospital, streets, courtyards and small wooden “houses” create a miniature town designed to make children and families feel more oriented, comfortable and connected to nature.
With 114 individual patient rooms, abundant daylight, greenery and a thoughtful use of wood, the project puts wellbeing at the heart of architecture. Both buildings have achieved Platinum certification for sustainable construction. A powerful reminder that children’s architecture can be functional, sustainable and deeply human.
Photo credits: Herzog & de Meuron / Maris Mezulis