Architect and Builder February 2017 | Page 43

The Site Built on a site donated by the University of the Witwatersrand , the building is located in Parktown , Johannesburg , which is a heritage precinct . Through consultation with local heritage and community associations , it was agreed that the height of the hospital building would be limited and the green tree-lined character of the suburb would be maintained in order to respect the surrounding context . Piers along the perimeter fence also acknowledge the property lines of the original houses that were demolished when the land was originally expropriated .
The Design The design broke away from housing all departments in a single ‘ box ’ building , which often leads to deep floorplates where the patients and staff have little contact with the outside world . After extensive consultation , it was clear that long , institutional and windowless corridors should be avoided in favour of a plan that connected to its natural surroundings .
The design concept revolved around creating six wings , each with its own specialism . These were connected by a ‘ street ’ that ran through the centre of the project . This ‘ street ’ was vital for connectivity , with three main junctions that enable efficient flow of people . The separation of floors avoided cross-overs and assisted wayfinding .
By breaking down the mass of the building into six elements , the design has a domestic , human scale that is reassuring and familiar to children . Further moving away from a feeling of institutional
design , each wing has subtle twists of the common design language to give it a distinct identity ; for example , the colour of the solar shading walls - formed from horizontal rails - changes for each department , picking up on vibrant , local colours .
This composition increased the length of the perimeter of the building and created shallow floorplates . This meant more natural light could flood into the building , placing many treatment spaces next to windows , making the most of the views out over the surrounding landscape as well into the internal courtyards created in between the hospitals wings .
The wards are positioned on the first floor of the wings to maximise views , whilst more heavily serviced , critical care facilities are located in more private spaces on the lower levels .
Design details focusing on the needs of the user include the following :
• Patient bathrooms designed and fitted out for the comfort of a child .
• Colour coding of spaces within the various zones of the hospital
• A friendly , welcoming and less ‘ sterile ’ environment was designed to reduce anxiety
• Warm and bright colours were used to lift the patients spirits
• Coding and signage is playful and descriptive , which allows for easier navigation
• The entire campus is universally accessible
• LUX levels for the hospital environment are achieved without the standard ‘ white light ’ hue
• The exterior gardens allow for patients to enjoy nature and produce a calming effect
Nelson Mandela Children ' s Hospital 41