Façade The palette of materials for the façade was characterised by orange brick , which makes reference to the region ’ s red clay soil . The pronounced ends of each wing rise to a sweeping peak , designed to give the building a distinct form that makes the hospital identifiable from a distance and animates it when viewed close-up .
The pronounced end wings of the building are a strong identifying architectural element of the building . Coloured glazing was used to add a playful expression to these façades . A hospital by nature is an inward-looking building type and these large glazed end wings were introduced as a means of engaging with the city . It is intended that over time artworks will be incorporated into these façades , which will express the story of the hospital .
Public Spaces A hospital is a complex building type and in designing the public spaces the Architects were mindful that the building had to balance the need for patients to feel welcome , secure and hopeful while not compromising the clinical functionality of the building . Spaces of both play and contemplation are created in the building to cater for not only the children but also the needs of parents and staff . In addition , parents needs were met by the inclusion of family accommodation , sponsored and facilitated by Ronald McDonald House Charities , which is situated on the second floor .
The building is designed around courtyards and garden spaces so that natural light can flood into the building and so that treatment spaces can have views out over the surrounding landscape as well into the internal courtyards created in between the
42 Nelson Mandela Children ' s Hospital