URBAN HOSPICE

ARCHITECTS : NORD ARCHITECTS

LOCATION : COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
CATEGORY : HEALTHCARE
CENTERAREA : 2250.0 M2
PROJECT YEAR : 2016
The Urban Hospice is developed together with the deaconess community as a place that
provides a peaceful environment in an urban setting for people to get palliative treat-
ment.
CONCEPT DESIGN
- One of the design’s main aims was to provide a
peaceful environment within this context, where the
hospice is surrounded by housing and historic build-
ings.
- The overall form and concept were heavily influenced
by the complex site conditions and the proximity of
the neighbouring built context. Within these param-
eters, the vision was to create a warm and protecting
atmosphere. The design incorporates both curved and
rectilinear elements that allow for an optimal func-
tional layout, built around a private inner courtyard.

- The design-process of the building consisted of a close collaboration between architects, clients and users through a dialogue based process that had a major impact on the final design.
By considering the needs of the users, client and neighbours, Urban Hospice sets a new standard on how you can build innovative healthcare projects in urban contexts.’ says Morten Rask Gre-
gersen partner in NORD Architects Copenhagen. The project was designed at a scale that adapted to the neighbourhood, presenting a combination of spacious views and privacy for the patients.

FLOW DIAGRAM - The overall form and concept were heavily influenced by the complex site con-
ditions and the proximity of the neighbouring built context. Within these param-
eters, the vision was to create a protecting atmosphere that also offers a glimpse
to the outside world. The design derives from combining a curved and rectangu-
lar formal language that allows for an optimal functional layout. The traditional
patient corridor is broken down into smaller units, and, as a special gesture, the
house’s common area is designed in a curved formal expression, built around
a private inner courtyard that works embracingly and protectively. The façade’s
varying composition of quality rich materials gives the house a warm and tactile
look.

- The design-process of the building consisted of a close collaboration between architects, clients and users
through a dialogue based process that had a major impact on the final design.
- By considering the needs of the users, client and neighbours, Urban Hospice sets a new standard on how you
can build innovative healthcare projects in urban contexts.’ says Morten Rask Gregersen partner in NORD
Architects Copenhagen.
- The project was designed at a scale that adapted to the neighbourhood, presenting a combination of spacious
views and privacy for the patients.
- The building’s overall mass is divided into a series of smaller units, which are connected by curving corridors
that optimise the flow of movement and enhance the sense of connection between different areas.
- A combination of curved and rectilinear forms accommodates patient rooms, communal facilities and treat-
ment areas around the perimeter of the building.
FLOOR PLANS

1 . ENTRANCE
2 . OFFICE
3 . PATIENT ROOMS
4 . VISITORS ROOM
7 2 5 . MEETING ROOM
7 6 . STAFF AREA
7 . KITCHEN
8 . LIVING ROOM
8 9 . COURTYARD
6

9 4
5

2 1
3

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

 The Urban Hospice aims to create a positive and
comforting spatial atmosphere for patients, relatives
and staff, providing the required operational facilities
and accommodation for 16 patients whilst integrat-
ing generous communal spaces and outdoor areas
as well as moments of privacy and seclusion. NORD
suggest that these spaces to think, chat and relax,
combined with functional spatial requirements, cre-
ates “a good place to die”.

Golden metal cladding and timber details form a

warm material palette.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN