Nuremberg, 27th March 2019 – Spectacular show of strength: Numerous invited guests were left holding their breath as a special crane lifted two magnetic resonance (MRI) scanners into the extension to the Radiology Department of Klinikum Nuremberg South designed by ATP HAID Nuremberg. Weighing 4.9 and 3.3 tons, respectively, the two MRI scanners are true heavyweights.
“For Klinikum Nuremberg South the two state-of-the-art 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance scanners represent a quantum leap in diagnostics,” was the delighted reaction of Professor Dr. Michael Lell, Senior Consultant of the Institute for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, to the successful delivery of the high-tech medical machinery to the extension building. This follows the highly-advanced OP Center (Cardiovascular Center) and the Psychiatric Outpatients Clinic as a further module designed by ATP HAID for the Klinikum Nuremberg South.
Planning for the future
The expansion to the Radiology Department, with its two MRI areas and ancillary spaces, is located on the roof of the existing kitchen very close to the nuclear medicine and current radiological facility. The height and layout of the extension enables it to slip smoothly into the orthogonal organization of the hospital and connect the existing buildings 3 and 5. The resulting circulation pattern permits the variable development of the plan and a high level of flexibility. The expansion to the Klinikum also adopts itself aesthetically to its surroundings and, like the existing building, has a rear-ventilated curtain wall façade. In addition to the areas for the MRI equipment, a new waiting area for patients has also been created.
Technical challenges
The expansion presents special challenges for the design team in both technical and constructional terms: The closeness of the existing buildings heightens the requirements for the fire protection and magnetic isolation of the extension. The location on the existing roof demanded a special structural engineering concept, especially in connection with the high dead load of the MRIs.
Building work is continuing and the facility should start operating in May 2019.
