Quantum Leap in Diagnostics
Klinikum Nürnberg Süd (KNS)
The remodeling and expansion of the Radiology Department was the third module – following the high-tech (Cardiovascular) OP Center and the Psychiatric Outpatients Clinic – that we have designed for the KNS, one of Europe’s largest municipal hospitals. The new clinic building is notable for its shorter waiting times, more precise imaging, and better overall patient care.
The Klinikum Nürnberg Süd is seriously committed to the constant upgrading of its building stock, the adoption of innovations in medical technology, and the highest-level standards of care. The KNS has now made a “quantum leap in diagnostics” in the shape of its conversion and expansion of the Radiology Department. Two new MRT areas with state-of-the-art equipment provide more precise sectional images while reducing examination times.
Special requirements
The expansion project presented some special challenges to our design team from both the technical and the structural points of view: The closeness to the immediately adjacent existing buildings of the Nuclear Medicine and Radiological Departments demanded the particularly secure fire protection and magnetic separation of the new building. In addition to this, the location on an existing area of roof required a special structural engineering concept, especially in light of the huge weight of the MRT equipment. The choice of a composite steel structure enabled us to minimize the load on the existing building.
A new building that interconnects the existing fabric
The building measures were organized in two phases: the extension with its two new MRT rooms, control rooms, diagnostic facility, changing rooms, WCs, waiting and standing areas, and technical areas; and the new waiting area for patients together with further service spaces.
This extension visually matches the surrounding existing buildings and its height and structure enable it to merge smoothly into the orthogonally organized clinic. The building links existing elements, creating a circulation network that permits the differentiated development of the floor plans and a maximum of flexibility.
