Hospitals, by design, are often rectangular in shape. This is due to the ease of adaptation to modular and flexible space units, as well as the need for an efficient underground parking system. However, life itself is never constrained by such strict shapes. The design challenges straight rational grid system of hospitals to coexist with curved edges.
The junction spaces, which normally are enemies of hospital flexibility, offer an accidental area for multidisciplinary teams as well as living spaces and garden corners. The design process seeks to create a hospital that is functional yet also welcoming with healing spaces.
The common podium and the inpatient towers on the north and south sides form a wind-free integrated hospital. The layout of the entrances and exits of multiple buildings distinguishes different users, quickly disperses the flow of people, and avoids congestion both in and outside of the building. The emergency plaza is two-way connected with the urban roads on the north and east sides, making it fast and convenient.
The city of Xiamen is situated at the south of China which involves tropical weather conditions. The hospital needs air-conditioning installations, with a need for fresh air which is absorbed from the outside of the building. All those air absorbing holes are behind a metallic mesh which also offers a global sun shading canopy.
Advanced technologies have been integrated to maximize the building’s environmental factors; sunshine considerations, shading mechanisms and rainwater recovery are some of the processes that help improve its energy saving.
From pre-delivery all the way to post-natal rehabilitation and childcare growth, the Xiamen Humanity Maternity Hospital provides the full chain of services, becoming a live theatre performance which celebrates the ceremony of life.
Founded in Lausanne in 2001, Lemanarc was established due to Vincent Zhang's curiosity about his multicultural background. He aimed to improve the coexistence of his international context while nurturing his traditional values. Today, with offices in Montreux and Shanghai, Lemanarc strives to create a cultural dialogue between Swiss accuracy and Chinese efficiency. Vincent Zhang intends to promote cooperation between the two countries through his architecture. In 2020, he was honored to present the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital to the Swiss Federal Speaker.