Designing with a Sense of Healing
Renovation and Expansion of the Swiss Paraplegic Center, Campus Nottwil
Over a period of around ten years, we were responsible for the complete renewal of this internationally significant competence center. As part of a comprehensive masterplan, we adapted the existing structures to the contemporary needs of the clinic users under full operation and complemented them with space-efficient new buildings.
Securing the Future through Change
Strong growth, changing patient needs, new treatment concepts, and the need to renovate existing facilities necessitated comprehensive construction measures. The goal was the transformation of the clinic and campus specialized in acute care and rehabilitation for patients with severe spinal cord injuries. Future-proof, flexible, and resource-efficient. Throughout the process, we followed an agile approach, allowing adjustments to be made even in later design phases.
In collaboration with the facility and the specialist planners, we developed an energy concept that enables a significant reduction of around 35% in CO₂ emissions. Measures to optimize electricity, heat, and primary energy consumption measurably contribute to the sustainability of the campus.
Planning with a Change in Perspective
For us, early engagement with the facility was a central part of the planning process. We gained a comprehensive understanding of the daily life at the hospital. It was important for us to holistically capture the situation of those affected, visitors, and caregivers. Based on this, we developed solutions that considered both organizational and emotional aspects.
During the five-year implementation phase, hospital and rehabilitation operations had to be maintained. This required a complex relocation plan. Close coordination, a high degree of consideration, and personal dialogue were key contributors to the project's success.
Serge Fayet
Head Architect in Zurich
A Place for Independence and Rehabilitation Impact
The vision of the Paraplegic Foundation has always been central: The campus should be a meeting place for affected individuals and visitors, providing lifelong care for people with spinal cord injuries. Architecturally, the new construction and existing structures form a harmonious overall picture. The spacious glass facade of the new building opens up views of nature and brings daylight into all rooms. Barrier-free balconies provide direct access to the outdoors from every room. The traffic-optimized environment and the new therapy garden with wheelchair courses allow the affected individuals to practice future everyday challenges in a realistic setting. The healing effect of nature becomes tangible and palpable.
Today, the northern section of the new building houses intensive care, patient rooms, workshops, and training rooms. The campus has been expanded to include a new surgical area, a visitor and education center, a new reception area in the existing central meeting hall, a multispace for executive workstations, a connecting passageway, and an additional underground garage.
