Gentle Reawakening
Stadtspital Zürich Triemli “Tower Upgrade” Phases 2 & 3
A refurbished former ward building with a green facade to regulate the climate, a modern gynecological clinic, an elegant entrance hall, and much, much more were created as part of the comprehensive construction work. Old and new elements were woven together in a way that respects the existing buildings and strengthens the sense of the hospital campus as a harmonious whole.
From brutalism to a healing environment
The existing buildings on the hospital campus, which are arranged around the so-called “tower,” date from various decades. The resulting heterogeneous appearance of the ensemble and the need to refurbish the tower, which was built in the brutalist style and opened in 1970, meant that it was necessary to find a holistic and forward-looking solution for the whole campus. This should ensure that it operates smoothly for at least the next 15 years. A study for the entire complex was drawn up in cooperation with Studio Vulkan (landscape architecture) and Bruno Krucker (urban planning). This provided the basis for the specific measures, which are designed to ideally interweave the various functions in both physical and operational terms, reduce operating costs, and optimize processes.
Hence, extensive rebuilding and restructuring measures took place as part of the “Tower Upgrade” project. As General Planner, Hemmi Fayet Architekten AG (an integral part of ATP Zurich since 2024) was responsible for the architecture and construction management of Phases 2 and 3, which were realized over several years without interrupting ongoing operations. Besides the restructuring of various functions, the clear orientation, and the short distances, our concept adopted the criteria of the “Healing Environment,” while the refined character of the public areas made a major contribution to reinforcing the hospital’s identity.
By working with the project representatives to constantly focus on the overall hospital campus and its ongoing operations and carefully coordinate the needs of the various user groups from both the medical and the non-medical fields, we were able to realize projects that now contribute to a harmonious ensemble.
Petra Hemmi
Head Architect
ATP Zurich
Between glass and concrete – the new bridge
Following the comprehensive rebuilding and upgrading measures, the tower is now home to a range of outpatients’ clinics and offices. In order to create a direct connection with the ward building from 2016, the bridge that was planned at the time has now been completed. Nine stories in height, it optimizes processes and provides a direct link between the various functions for patients and employees.
As a connecting element, the bridge is aesthetically reserved. Its striking perforated metal facade provides an integrative link between the concrete structure of the tower and the glass architecture of the ward building.
Serge Fayet
Head Architect
ATP Zurich
Climbing greenery for a good climate
Another highlight is the vertical planting on 15 stories of the south facade of the tower – a pilot project by Grün Stadt Zürich with raderschallpartner ag landschaftsarchitekten that is designed to improve the urban climate and contribute to local biodiversity. The planting counters the strong heating up of the interior of the building while acting as a natural element that enhances the wellbeing of building users.
Back to the origins – the external areas
The overall appearance of the listed surroundings has suffered over the years. In a reference to the original concept by the well-known Swiss garden architect Willi Neukom, (and in partnership with Berchtold Lenzin Landschaftsarchitekten) we reestablished and further developed the relationship between the landscape and the buildings. This also permitted the detailed recreation of the artistic concept drawn up by Hans Fischli in the 1960s.
Elegant reception, new maternity department, and modern cafeteria
The new maternity department is located in the base of the tower and connected to related specialist areas in the adjacent wings. The attractively designed delivery rooms enjoy high levels of daylight due to the newly created courtyard. The same applies to the entrance hall, whose central role as an entrance to the hospital is reinforced by the diversity of its materials. In addition to this, the spacious free-flow buffet system with back office, which promotes efficient processes and the smooth movement of people, was developed in cooperation with the operational and catering planners.
The relationship with the external areas as an element that promotes healing was very important to us. At the same time, we wanted to create clear structures in order to enable patients, staff, and visitors to move rapidly and easily through the building.
Petra Hemmi
Head Architect
ATP Zurich
