Psychiatry Campus at Frankfurt University Hospital
Frankfurt am Main, 2024
Health care Competition 2nd prize
The psychiatric campus at Frankfurt University Hospital is to be modernised and expanded in order to meet the growing demand for space, provide appropriate care for patients and fulfil its research obligations. The first phase of construction will initially involve two new buildings with associated outdoor facilities. In addition, Building 93, completed in 1931 and designed by the architect Martin Elsaesser, is to be refurbished. What makes this project special is that the entire complex and its associated gardens are listed as historic monuments.
In an interdisciplinary competition comprising both a design and a concept phase, involving 18 consortia, the design by schneider+schumacher Städtebau GmbH, in collaboration with GINA Barcelona Architects and WGF Objekt Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH, was awarded second prize. The design envisages two buildings, each stepped back towards the interior and the green space. Planted terraces provide visual connections and access to the communal park as well as to the private gardens, and respond to the topography of the site. Preserving the park as part of the therapeutic environment and to enhance the quality of the space is a central element – as is the sensitive integration of the new buildings into the historic ensemble, in order to preserve the architectural quality and the historic fabric.
The heritage conservation authorities regard the design as a successful and appropriate response to Elsaesser’s architecture. The jury states: “Linear, delicately structured, T-shaped structures form the southern boundary of the historic Elsaesser building and divide the large, landscaped inner courtyard into functional areas without detracting from its spaciousness. The clear, spatial definition of the outdoor area and the simultaneous openness of the historic building complex are skilfully incorporated and further developed.”
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Typology: Health careProcurement documentation: Competition
