Evangelisches Diakoniekrankenhaus in Freiburg

Continuously rising patient numbers, along with the associated operational and space constraints, had been straining the capacity of the Evangelical Diakonie Hospital in Freiburg for years. The emergency room and the obstetrics department, in particular, were reaching their capacity limits. Added to this was a significant need for renovation of the existing facilities, which could only be managed while the hospital remained operational by utilizing suitable temporary spaces within the building. Therefore, to mark its 125th anniversary in July 2023, the hospital launched the largest construction project in its history.

“Windmill” Type
The building structures of the hospital, built in 1980, are arranged around a central circulation core in the shape of a windmill. The expansion building takes up this structure and consistently extends it—with a partially angled geometry that responds to the urban context of the site and integrates precisely into the existing hospital grounds. The façade ties in with the existing structure: a rear-ventilated curtain wall featuring large-format cement-bonded panels and powder-coated aluminum window elements with triple glazing creates a cohesive overall appearance for the campus. The new driveway, the design of the outdoor spaces, and the positioning of the cafeteria also create a more active interface with the public realm.

Smart Floor Plan
In medical care, every minute counts: The floor plan of “Wing 4” consistently takes this into account with a functional layout across six floors that focuses on emergency care, obstetrics, and inpatient care as core medical processes. Short distances between the individual areas, consistent zoning into public, semi-public, and internal areas, and a clear separation of patient flows ensure the fastest possible care.

Healing Environment
The guiding architectural concept follows the “Healing Environment” approach: creating an environment that actively supports the recovery process and enhances patients’ physical and emotional well-being. Well-structured and flexible floor plans, a thoughtfully designed lighting and color scheme, and high-quality materials create an atmosphere conducive to healing. The building is also fully accessible throughout—a fundamental principle that ensures a high quality of stay for all user groups.

Construction While the Hospital Remains Open
The expansion was built while the hospital
remained in operation—one of the project’s key planning challenges, which required close coordination among all parties involved throughout the entire construction period. The reinforced concrete frame structure is also designed to allow for future expansions or repurposing without major structural alterations. This enables the building to easily adapt to changing medical needs.