Rigshospitalet North Wing

The extension of Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet sets a whole new standard in healing hospital design, and has been ranked among the 10 best research hospitals in Europe.

Along one green edge of Fælledparken in Østerbro, an ambitious new north wing is extending Righospitalet, the city’s main hospital.

The typical rectangular-shaped hospital design is reconsidered. Its shape is of elegantly folded and linked V-shaped structures, whose five atria promote patient healing both by bathing its internal chambers in natural light and by affording its spaces sweeping park views.

Patient recreation, the proximity of units to each other and efficient wayfinding are behind this form, with outpatient clinics placed near the main artery and wards occupying spaces further from it. In getting from point A to B, staff can sidestep the wards, giving the latter a more restful feeling.

The new building adds 68,000m2 to the existing hospital, housing 300 single-bed rooms, operating theatres, an intensive care unit, outpatient facilities and a diagnostic imaging unit. Additional spaces include: a 17,000m2 car park, a calm 7,400m2 patient hotel, and a ‘playfully logical’ children’s hospital designed as two hands stretching out towards greenery and light.

This remarkable 1.85 billion kroner project to modernise Rigshospitalet will not only crown it as Denmark’s international hospital, but one of the top 10 research hospitals in Europe.