Aarhus University Hospital’s new neuroscience center will bring together psychiatry and neuroscience under one roof to advance scientific understanding of physical and mental brain diseases, spinal cord, and nervous systems.
New York-based architect BIG’s 20,000 m2 (215,278 sf) design for Aarhus University Hospital mimics the gyrification of the human brain to utilize the limited site area most efficiently while creating synergies between the different disciplines within the hospital.
Patients and guests access the building through a reception area, into the large open atrium at the center of the building which contains an experience center, an interactive public exhibition and presentation area where the visitors can learn about the hospital’s latest research and findings. The visitors can head directly to one of the clinics upstairs or enjoy the café and a public green courtyard at ground level.
Each department from neurology to nuclear medicine, headache clinic and psychiatry has its own distinct space and program functions. To avoid separation and fragmentation between the disciplines, BIG proposes to organize them by the functions they have in common. This encourages crossbreeding between the different research groups.
Natural materials throughout the building such as wood and brick, used in other buildings at the campus will bring health benefits. All office areas in the building are planned to be naturally ventilated and every floor has access to an outdoor terrace. A metal window mesh prevents all workspaces from being affected by glare or direct sunlight, filtering the light to provide each office, laboratory or examination room with pleasant natural illumination.
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