Healthcare

Psychiatric Center Ballerup

Project information

  1. Location Ballerup, Copenhagen
  2. Area5.600 m²
  3. Construction cost120 mill DKK

Project details

  1. Year2015 — 2018
  2. StatusCompleted
  3. Partners Wessberg A/S Rådgivende Ingeniører
    Bang & Linnet Landskab
  4. Client Region Hovedstadens Psykiatri,
    Psykiatrisk Center Ballerup
  5. Enquiries Lars Hetland
  6. Scope Hospital and health care planning and design
    Interior design
    New Build
    Wayfinding and signage
    Landscape design

Ballerup Psychiatric Center serves as a beacon of hope for adults grappling with eating disorders in the Capital Region of Denmark. This cutting-edge facility is intricately designed to address the unique needs of each individual, offering a personalized approach to treatment. Situated against a backdrop of serene green landscapes, the facility comprises five carefully planned buildings that prioritize tranquility, fostering a profound connection with the natural surroundings.

The new Ballerup Psychiatric Center is a comprehensive facility encompassing treatment, residential, and educational components, seamlessly integrating with the existing unassuming architecture within a lush park landscape. The layout of the five buildings is strategically designed to prioritize a tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing a strong connection with the surrounding greenery as the primary quality of the facility.

Healing architecture

We aim to immerse users in the experience of residing within the park itself, surrounded by tree canopies, trunks, and vibrant grasses. Our belief in nature as a positive contributor to the healing process of patients is reflected in the design. Depressions strategically placed for rainwater collection from the roofs seamlessly integrate with the park's lush grasses and reeds, flowing beneath raised glass walkways connecting the individual buildings.

The verdant and aquatic structure manifests in the interstitial spaces between buildings and within secluded atrium courtyards. Each courtyard possesses a distinct narrative and function tailored to the users within the respective departments.

Transitioning from a public character in the western arrival area to a more intimate, lush, and homely atmosphere in the eastern ward area, the courtyards evolve to cater to the nuanced needs and experiences of the facility's users.

Indoor Climate, Materials and Wayfinding

The interior is enveloped in warm natural materials, serving as the backbone of a discernible wayfinding concept throughout the building.

The flow of movement connects the new structure through a carefully designed internal circulation, guided by experiences that evoke sensations of 'walking over the landscape,' 'walking on the landscape,' and 'walking down the landscape.

Five distinct meeting spaces, including the 'welcome room,' 'library,' and 'fireplace room,' are strategically positioned to offer spatial diversity and abundant natural light, contributing to the unique identity of each unit.

Beyond facilitating wayfinding, these meeting points serve as coordination hubs for staff and patients, enhancing the overall treatment environment by providing a welcoming and attractive setting.

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Towards a Sustainable Future

We have prioritized sustainability from the project's inception, adhering to comprehensive parameters leading to the DGNB certification of the building.

Our meticulous approach includes screening for drinking water consumption, wastewater discharge, efficient land use, and environmentally friendly sourcing of materials, aligning with environmental sustainability standards. On the economic sustainability front, the building has been assessed for flexibility, adaptability, and project preparation quality. Furthermore, social sustainability parameters encompass thermal and visual comfort, indoor air quality, user control of indoor climate, safety and security, and architectural quality, all contributing to a high overall score in the integrated design process.

Beyond a focus on building sustainability, the DGNB approach emphasizes the creation of spaces that enhance the well-being of the individuals inhabiting and working within the structure.

As such, the project development has prioritized meaningful spatial design, considerate zoning, optimal working environments, and attention to indoor climate and lighting as crucial parameters from the project's inception. These considerations underscore our commitment to fostering spaces that are not only environmentally sustainable but also conducive to the overall health and productivity of the building's occupants.