C h a p t e r 5 

Case Study
 
Case Studies Outlines 

1. ​BørneRiget : Analysis about form, program, circulation, facade and  

material 
2. Suzhou : Analysis about circulation 
3. Ekachai : Analysis about circulation and children scale 

BørneRiget ​|​ ​Copenhagen Children’s Hospital ​[xxx] 

Project Information 

Architect : 3XN Architect  

Location : Copenhagen, Denmark 
Floor Area : 58,600 m² 
Storey-Building : 9 storeys 
Hospital Bed Number : 210 beds 
Staff Member : 1050 members 

Site Location 
 

Design Concept 
 
The  New  Children's  Hospital  (BørneRiget)  with  a  ‘Playfully  Logical’  design  takes 
its point of departure in two hands that stretch their ‘fingers’ into the light, into the city and 
into  the  green.  Two  hands  that  complement  each  other,  just  like  the  two  halves  of  the 
brain.  The  left  and  right  hands  are  connected  to  each  hemisphere  representing  the 
creative play and the rational logic.  
 
 

 
Figure 5.1 ​ ​ Concept Diagram 
 
Design Principles 
 
​Based  o​n  the  vision  applying  to  the  building  project,  an  innovation  process  has 
been  defined  in  a  close  collaboration between patients, families, managers and staff. This 
design principles are to combine both the organisation and the building facilities. 
 
The are 5 design principles as following :  

Integrated Play Designed for Daily Living See me, ask me, Let me 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Good Journey Cleanly defined zone 
 
Figure 5.2 ​ ​ Design Principles Diagram 
 
Children's experience is very important. Their feeling of being able to take control 
of their own situation can reduce their stress. And at the same time, their need to be seen 
and safe. 
 
 Figure 5.3 ​ ​ Daylight on Building 
 
The facade gives the hospital 100% facing ity as well as optimal conditions 
(Figure 5.3). The form of building makes its view and connection towards the city. The 
space between the fingers make all the bedrooms receive a different view of the city 
(Figure 5.4). 

Figure 5.4 ​ ​ View and Connection to the City 

 
Fingerstips 
 
There are different functions that are provided at each fingertip. Especially an 
outdoor garden and playing area with diverse themes. The outdoors space will adapt and 
have a different function according to the weather. Thus, children can come to play and 
learn at the fingertip and receive a good experience  
 
 
 
 Figure 5.5 ​ ​ ​ Fingertips Programing 
 
Facade and Function 
 
  The design focuses on ensuring a good thermal indoor climate. To reduce risk of 
cold  from  the  double-height  glass  sections  and  too  low  temperatures  in  winter, 
low-energy  windows  can  be  used  instead  of  single-layer  glass.  In  the summer, there can 
controlled  natural  ventilation,  sun  protection  to  the  south,  east  and  west  and  focus  on. 
25%  of  the  year's  facade  will  be  closed  because of the cold winter. While in the summer, 
the  facade  can  be  adjusted  in  order  to  protect  the  sun shade and let the wind flow in the 
same times. 
 

Figure 5.5 ​ ​ ​ Facade Opening Diagram 

Programing and Circulation 
 
  The  main  circulation  for  visitors  are  stairs  and  elevators  at  the  center  of  the 
building.  Ward  will  be  located  at  the  top  while  the  clinic  will  be  located  at  the  bottom.  In 
the middle of the builder, there are the operation area and academics. 
 

  Elevator 
  Main Circulation 
  Stair 
  Service Area 
 
Figure 5.6 ​ ​ ​ Connection Circulation between Level and Programming on Each Floor 
 Intensive  care,  surgery,  diagnostics,  delivery  and  outpatient  clinics  are  located 
in  the lower floor. The connection of each finger will provide more space and ease for staff 
circulation.  The  fingers  as  figure  5.6  are  located  on  the  5th-8th  floor  where  children's 
wards take place. At the same time, the sequence of the hospital is similar to their home. 

Figure 5.6 ​ ​ ​Clear zones - Individual hierarchy between private and public areas. 

Figure 5.6 ​ ​ ​Clear zones - treatment floor 

Figure 5.7 ​ ​ ​ Zoning Relationship 

 Figure 5.8 ​ ​ ​Distances 
 
 
From  the  core  of  the  building  to  the  tip  of  each  figure are not more than 35 m. 
The  public  space  is  located  at  the  center  and  more  private  where  bedrooms  are  located 
at  the  tip  of  the  finger.  Thus,  the  bedroom  will  receive  less  noise  than  other  zones  in  the 
center (figure 5.9) 

.​Figure 5.9 ​ ​Private Vs Public 

 
There  are  more  than  one  entrance  on  the  first  floor.  The  staff  entrances  are 
located on the site of the building.  
 
 
 
 Figure 5.10 ​ ​ ​Site Plan Circulation 

 
1. Ambulance Ramp 8. Training and Rehabilitation 
2. Residence Garden 9. Born and Kid Clinic 
3. Adult Outpatient Clinic 10. Day Hospital 
  ……………………...​4. Reception 11. Atrium/Garden   
  Staff Entrance 5. Play Area 12. Meeting Point 
  Patient FLow 6. Outdoor Seating 13. Supermarket 
  ……………………...​7. Frontcourt 14. Cafe 
 
Figure 5.11 ​ ​ ​3rd Floor Plan Circulation 

Patient Flow  Elevator  Service Lift 

  
 
Figure 5.12 ​ ​ ​Section, BørneRiget  
 

 
Figure 5.13 ​ ​ ​Elevation, BørneRiget 
 
 
Sections are cut through main circulation. The stairs at the center provide 
ventilation for the building. The fire stairs are located in every finger for safety. Elevators 
are attracted by colorful fades and surrounded by green with different rhythms. The up 
and down of the building make it fun and moveable. 
 
 
Material 
 
The building is characterized by spaces and experiences that speak to everyone. 
At the same place, furniture or artwork can easily be exciting for both the little ones and 
the​ old.​ It is about creating layer shades through playful materials, color and surface. 
Thus, using different materials can​ catch ​children's interest and create learning skills. 
 

golden wood natural rubber wild nature rock anodiseren aluminium 

Figure 5.14 ​ ​ ​Durable, Natural and Tactile Choices 

Surface Plasterboard, Air Verify Antibacterial curtains 

Figure 5.14 ​ ​ ​Healthy, smart and active surfaces 

 

Figure 5.15 ​ ​ ​Material Indoor Diagram  

Suzhou ​|​ ​Children’s Hospital ​[xxx] 
 
Project Information 

Architect : HSK Architect 

Location : Suzhou, China 
Floor Area : 94,800 m² 
Storey-Building : 12 storeys 
Hospital Bed Number : 800 beds 
Daily Outpatient Visit : 3,000 

Design Concept 
 
The concept for the design of Suzhou Children’s Hospital was inspired by the 
Kites. The kite provides shelter and protection for children from the sun and rain, adding 
colour and joy to the children and their families (Figure 5.16). The building of the hospital 
emphasizes the relationship with the flexibility of the water in the garden and the canal 
and the mobility of the kite.  

 
Figure 5.16 ​ ​ ​Garden Area of the Suzhou Children’s Hospital 
 
In  addition,  the  use  of  colored  strips  scattered  on  the  outer  wall  of  the  building 
adds  a  unique  label  to  the  hospital  as  a  residence  for  children  and  their  families  (Figure 
5.17).  The  project  also  integrates  itself  into  the  regional  environment  by  the  famous  local 
traditional  Chinese  gardens.  The  design’s  imagery  puts  at  ease  the  stress  and  fears  of 
patients and their parents by using infusion of light. 
  
 
Figure 5.17 ​ ​ ​Architecture Image of Suzhou Children’s Hospital 
 
Programing and Circulation 
 

 
Figure 5.18 ​ ​ ​Site plan, Suzhou Children’s Hospital 
 Staff  will  access  from  aside  and  at  the  back  of  the  building.  The  patient  has 
another  2  entrances  aside  from  the  main  entrance  at  the  front.  The  other  two 
entrances can walk directly from the parking area though the garden (Figure 5.18). 
 

Figure 5.19 ​ ​ ​Ground Level Floor Plan, Suzhou Children’s Hospital 

Figure 5.20 ​ ​ ​2nd Floor Plan, Suzhou Children’s Hospital 

 
Figure 5.21 ​ ​ ​Typical Inpatient Floor Plan, Suzhou Children’s Hospital 
 
Efficiency  in  operation  and  reduction  in  travel  distance  were  accomplished. 
Housing  is  provided  on  campus  for  staff  at  all  levels.  The use of escalators will speed the 
patients  to  the  clinical  areas.  Each  floor  of the facility will have patient registration, cashier 
and  pharmacy  thus  reducing  congestion  and  unnecessary  traffic  patterns.  ​The  south 
facing rooms provide for the healing benefits of the sun.  

Figure 5.22 ​ ​ ​Section, Suzhou Children’s Hospital 

Ekachai ​|​ ​Children’s Hospital ​[xxx] 
 
Project Information 

Architect : IF (Integrated Field)  

Location : SamutSakorn, Thailand 
Floor Area : 7,200 m² 
Storey-Building : 5 storeys 
Hospital Bed Number : 54 beds 
Daily Outpatient Visit : 75 

Design Concept 
 
Design Philosophy: Playing is Healing.  
Key Concept : ‘Children Dimension’.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Wood Decoration 2. Curved Lines 3. Children Scale 
 
Figure 5.23​ Interior Perspective, Waiting Area, EKH Children’s Hospital 
 
Figure  5.23  sh​ows dimension concept which scales down many things to better 
fit  the  children.  For  example,  the  wood  decorations  curving  along  the  walls  are  at  one 
meter  level,  at  their  average  eye  level.  These  curved  lines  are  hand  drawn  and  not 
geometrically  perfect  as  the  designers  believe  they  can  better  stir  the  children’s 
imagination.  Also,  the  cashier  counters  are  curved  down  to  enhance  more  interaction 
between the nurses and the children. 
 
 
The  design  of  60 rooms is highlighted by four constellations—whale, rabbit, turtle and lion 
on  the illuminated ceilings. These animal patterns are also in the perforated steel plates on 
the  building’s  exterior.  A  variety  of  colors  inside  the  rooms  can also be seen on the room 
doors.  They  use  bright  colors  in  children’s  space  design  because  children  make  use  of 
color contrasts in their visual comprehension. 

​Figure 5.24​ Interior Perspective, Bedroom, EKH Children’s Hospital 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
​Figure 5.25​ Interior Perspective, Bedroom (at night), EKH Children’s Hospital 
Programing and Circulation 
 
The diagram shows analysis of the patient and staff circulation. Also the program 
on each floor. 

​Figure 5.26​ First Floor Plan, EKH Children’s Hospital 

​Figure 5.27​ Second Floor Plan, EKH Children’s Hospital 

 
 Figure 5.28​ Third Floor Plan, EKH Children’s Hospital 

Figure 5.29​ Fourth and Fifth Floor Plan, EKH Children’s Hospital 

 
 
 
Facade 
 
Figure  5.30  shows  the  facade  of  the  building using pastel color in order to make 
it  easy  for  the  eye  and  friendly  with  the  surrounding  context.  They  use  curves  at  the 
entrance to welcome children. 

Figure 5.30​ Elevation, EKH Children’s Hospital 

In  conclusion,  each  case  studies  have  their own character and concept but they 

have  the  same  goal  which  is  to  attract  children's  interest.  For  BørneRiget  they  use 
environment  design  to  create  different  spaces.  They  also  use  a  variety  of  functions  and 
design  to  interest  children  while  Children's  hospital  uses  a  colorful  facade.  For  Ekachai 
children’s  hospital,  they  concern  more  about  the  children's  perspective  and  experience 
while  they  are  staying  in  hospital.  Another  important  thing  that  we  have  to  concern  is 
circulation. Figure 5.31 will show the difference of circulation in each hospital. 

Figure 5.31​ Circulation Comparison of 3 Cases Study