Throughout the design process, the team was mindful to present architectural solutions that are not only programmatically and financially efficient, but also focused on the human experience for patients and staff. These considerations, combined with the hospital’s use of smart design and equipment, embodies the local context; Shenzhen is a progressive city and a “hothouse of innovation” according to The Economist.

The aim for Shenzhen BGI Hospital is the become a world leader in rare disease research, diagnosis and treatment. This was the basis for our design concept. Inspired by the geometry of the DNA molecule, we configured the volumes as a Double Y chromosome, a spatial sequence where every room can enjoy connecting to the natural environment. At the centre, we created a spine that not only connects the hospitals functions, but also becomes an inviting public space, bringing a substantial garden to the heart of the hospital.

To optimise for efficiency, we designed a compact structure with short distances and separation of flows, strong connections between components, continuous functional areas, a flexible building system optimised for future adaptations, and robust materials. Our proposal to future proof the hospital includes accommodating state-of-the-art technological developments and making provisions for future development. This means integrating solutions for intelligent building operations systems and monitoring; intelligent wayfinding and integrated security systems; modular and industrialised building systems; integrated building operations system adopted in the design phase; and a sustainable design.

The building complex will be integrated and well connected to the sloping landscape. The beautiful site will be transformed to a green hospital campus with gardens and forest-zones at ground level. The sloping terrain offers the opportunity to distribute the program on the site while maintaining good views from the patient wards. A central spine offers intuitive wayfinding and an engaging public space on multiple levels.

The building volume is divided into three parts: the podium with the central spine, tower and staff area. The rare disease research tower is separate from the inpatient department and works as an independent volume. Functions with high flows are in the central spine and podium. Tranquil and private spaces are on the upper floors. Emergency on the ground floor will have direct access from outside. Ambulatories, diagnosis, and imaging on the lower floors has easy access from the spine. Surgery is centrally placed to get good access both from the Spine and the inpatient areas on the top floors.

The facades of the towers and podium are composed of alternating glazed and opaque surfaces. The opaque elements of the towers consist of cantilevering horizontal fins in white aluminium that contribute to shade the interior spaces from the region’s bright sun whilst diffusing the reflected light to the ceiling and deep into patient rooms. The glazed surface is broken up by vertical fins that reduce the sun’s radiation as needed. On the podium, the opaque bands are cladded with natural stone and present a linear slot within the thickness of the facade to hide pots for the greenery. The glazed surface alternate big, fixed panels to smaller openable windows.

Designed as an expression of Shenzhen’s innovative DNA and the hospitals ambitions, this organic yet geometric hospital will become a landmark for the region, whilst forming a symbiotic relationship with the surrounding landscape.