The First People's Hospital, Shunde District, China Friday 30 Apr 2010

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=13942
Healthcare of the first degree
Commissioned through an international competition, the design of this hospital
is a direct response to its place, culture, and practice.
The design and planning of the First Peoples Hospital is in response to the practice, place and culture of
Shunde District. At 2,400,000 sq ft, this hospital will be a major regional medical centre with a complex
program consisting of an inpatient tower (2000 beds), acute care facility, outpatient services, Chinese
medicine center, cancer center, medical research labs, infectious disease facility, 2,000 parking spaces,
and staff dormitory. The project is designated as a pilot sustainable hospital in China, allowing
exploration of sustainable technologies for future hospitals. The design goal is to translate advanced
Western healthcare ideas to accommodate Chinese local practices, creating an innovative healing
environment.

Campus organisation is divided into four major zones: Outpatient, Inpatient, Cancer Center and
Administration / Support. All buildings are organised around the dynamic spine; the 'Eco-Atrium.' This
naturally ventilated space houses the lobby, registration, waiting, retail areas and circulation to connect
all major components of the hospital. The organisational strategy allows the buildings to be connected
for ease of operational support yet separated for epidemic control.

The campus sustainable design strategy aims to optimise building performance as well as to sustain the
mission of this outreaching facility. Situated in the outskirt of the historical city, the hospital becomes an
impetus to the growth of a new town. The local climate, city planning and infrastructure are carefully
analysed to create a sustainable architecture tailored to the need of this hospital and its rapidly growing
community. The open campus planning maximises patient access to privacy, nature, and green spaces -
all key attributes to healing.

Building orientation and massing maximises natural day-lighting and ventilation and reduces solar heat
gain while capturing renewable energy. The hospital will be a hub for renewable solar energy as all
south-facing faades and building roof shading structure are screened with photovoltaic panels to
generate electricity that supplements more than 1500 Mwh of the hospitals energy use annually.
Thermal mass, solar screens, and geothermal energy (underground air tunnels) are used as passive
means in regulating indoor temperature. The efficient site planning allows for abundant open space to
anticipate future expansion.

Finally, its iconic architecture engages the local heritage and building industry / material. The use of
terracotta as the campus main building exterior material continues and reinforces the City of Shundes
manufacturing tradition as the 'Terracotta City' in China. Also known as the 'Water City', the network of
water elements on campus is evocative of the citys famed canals, which are integrally intertwined with
the local residents' lifestyles.