Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology

Future Radiology in Modular Construction
Following the motto 'Best Medicine for Everyone,' the hospitals of the city of Cologne have decided to build a new radiology clinic, centrally located at the main hospital at the future Gesundheitscampus Merheim, where the current three hospital sites will be consolidated into one campus in Merheim. The goal of the project was to optimize diagnostic processes and future-proof medical care at the highest level. For cost-efficient reasons and to minimize disruption to ongoing operations, we designed the new radiology clinic as a modular construction. This location is one of three new construction and renovation projects under the planning of ATP and its subsidiary ATP health in collaboration with the healthcare technology manufacturer Philips for the hospitals of the city of Cologne.

Economical and Ecological Building Concept
We planned the new construction from the beginning in an integrated manner with BIM, which significantly accelerated the planning and construction process. The normally complex process of construction while the hospital was in operation was efficiently managed through modular construction: the individual transportable units were built by the modular manufacturer. These are self-supporting steel constructions with a low weight of approximately 3 tonnes, which facilitated the transportation and assembly processes. To minimize settling differences, we opted for a shallow foundation, where the individual delivered modules were assembled on-site within just eight weeks on a stable concrete slab.

Functional in Timeless Design
The almost square steel structure with a curtain-type and ventilated facade has two levels: The examination rooms on the ground floor are grouped around a green courtyard, ensuring efficient work processes. The technology centers are located on the top floor, allowing maintenance without disrupting operations. Two corridors connect the new building to the existing clinic complex. The emergency radiology department has been restructured with the addition of an emergency MRI. The facade design visually differentiates the levels: The ground floor consists of fiber cement panels, while the sheet metal facade of the top floor gives the building a modern look.

Sustainable Planning in the Health Sector
The new radiology department demonstrates how the construction sector is changing: The modular construction allows undisturbed clinic operations and the later complete dismantling of the modules for resource conservation. Fiber cement panels on the facade increase energy efficiency, while the green roof promotes the microclimate and biodiversity.