‘Like the Guggenheim!’ Inside Zurich’s staggering, revolutionary new hospital for kids
From the chalet-style patient ‘cottages’ to the walls designed for scribbling on, Herzog & de Meuron’s Kinderspital is a stylish, healing, child-friendly miracle – and it cost less than UK equivalents
‘Hospitals are the ugliest places in the world,” says Jacques Herzog. “They are a product of blind functionalist thinking, while neglecting basic human needs.” The Swiss architect has a point. With their low ceilings, windowless corridors and harsh fluorescent lighting, hospitals can sometimes seem consciously calibrated to make you feel ill, if you didn’t already. Attempts to jolly them up with coloured cladding panels and art commissions do little to distract from the bleak reality of buildings where the human experience – for patients, doctors and visitors alike – is often an afterthought.
Herzog insists it doesn’t have to be like this. And he has proof. He is standing in the circular entrance courtyard of his practice’s stunning riposte to the last century of grim healthcare buildings. It is a tranquil space reminiscent of a sylvan spa complex, ringed with sculpted wooden slats and planted with tall trees and ferns, where light bounces off marble sculptures that glisten in the drizzle. A broad gallery deck encircles the floor above, with a touch of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, where bedrooms spill out on to wide, daylit corridors. Entering through revolving pink glass doors, you find a concrete staircase spiralling down into the foyer, curling around a core of colourful neon tubes that look ready to beam you upstairs.
Continue reading...Date: |
-
Sports - The New York Times
Inside the Frantic Scramble to Create a New N.H.L. Franchise
Six months ago, Utah Hockey Club didn’t even exist. Now it’s a reality.20 hours ago -
Sports - CBS Sports
Rashee Rice injury update: Chiefs' WR likely out for season despite positive long term news, per report
Rice underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair the injury17 hours ago - NFL -
Top stories - The New York Times
Inside Donald Trump’s Rallies
We explain the nine main things that happen at each rally.2 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Top stories - BBC News
Prisoner on the run after escaping from hospital
The 31-year-old has "escaped lawful custody while being escorted by prison staff", police say.Yesterday -
Top stories - CBS News
Florida hospitals in Hurricane Milton's path prepare for worst
Hospitals and other health care facilities on Florida's Gulf Coast — still reeling from Hurricane Helene — are now revving up for Hurricane Milton.11 hours ago - Florida -
Tech - Wired
Florida Hospitals and Nursing Homes Are Bracing for Hurricane Milton
More than 200 health care facilities in impacted areas are moving patients and residents in what the state’s chief of emergency medical oversight calls “our largest evacuation ever.”2 hours ago - Florida -
World - Yahoo News
MI5 spy chief says Russia and Iran are behind a 'staggering' rise in deadly plots
Yesterday - Iran -
World - ABC News
MI5 spy chief says Russia and Iran are behind a 'staggering' rise in deadly plots
The head of MI5 says Britain is facing a staggering rise in attempts at assassination, sabotage and other crimes backed by Russia and Iran15 hours ago - Iran
More from The Guardian
-
World - The Guardian
Hurricane Milton live updates: millions in Florida told to leave their homes amid threat to life warning
Mayor of Tampa warns residents they are ‘going to die’ if they stay behind. Tell us: how have you been affected by Hurricane Milton? Here is some footage from the town of Treasure Island in ...32 minutes ago - Florida -
World - The Guardian
Google DeepMind scientists win Nobel chemistry prize
British founder of DeepMind Demis Hassabis, John Jumper and David Baker share prize for protein structure breakthroughs. Two scientists at Google DeepMind and an American biochemist have been ...1 hour ago - Google -
World - The Guardian
At least 400,000 people trapped by Israel’s latest Gaza offensive, says Unrwa
Raid centred on Jabaliya camp is worsening hunger and threatening polio vaccine campaign, says Philippe Lazzarini. Middle East crisis – live updates Hundreds of thousands of civilians in Gaza ...2 hours ago - Israel -
World - The Guardian
Ursula von der Leyen attacks Viktor Orbán over pro-Russia stance
Speech by EC president in Strasbourg was most pointed criticism of Hungarian leader’s economic and political policies yet. Ursula von der Leyen has accused Viktor Orbán of a historic failure to ...32 minutes ago - Russia -
World - The Guardian
Fugitive father filmed with children in New Zealand wilderness three years after disappearing
Pig hunters captured video of Tom Phillips and his three children in camouflage walking in rugged terrain in the Waikato region. A fugitive father and his three children have been spotted together ...12 hours ago