Children’s Hospital in Basel

Architects: Stump & Schibli Architekten, CH–Basel
Structural engineering: Schnetzer Puskas Ingenieure, CH–Basel

M 1:1000 Section
M 1:1000 Floor plans
M 1:20 Vertical sections
M 1:20 Horizontal section

With its animated facade, this new clinic on a busy street literally turns heads. Passers-by experience a surpising phenomenon: from a distance the ribbon-like parapets appear to be yellow, but as one approaches the structure they become bright orange. And upon looking back a the facade, it turns light green. The change in colour is brought about through the use of multiple interlayers, whose reflective surfaces refract the light. The colourful parapets also extend to the garden courtyard. Here the triple glazing alternates with operable sashes. The design of the interiors is oriented to the needs of the children: the parquet floors and sofas in the patients’ rooms create an atmosphere reminiscent of home.