In the past the Stuttgart pediatric and gynecology clinic was split between two separate locations. As part of the architectural reorganization in May 2014 both hospitals moved into a joint complex that is the product of a collaboration between local firms HPP Architekten and Sorg und Frosch Planungs GmbH. The interior design concept, which was geared towards children and youngsters, makes the new building so special.

The new hospital complex in Stuttgart’s Mitte district is the result of a competition held in 2004, which specified that the pediatric (Olgahospital) and the gynecological clinic be united under the one roof, while retaining their own areas of the building. On a relatively small plot located on a slope at the foot of the Kriegsberg tower the team of HPP Architekten and Sorg und Frosch Planungs GmbH realized an ensemble offering 28,000 square meters of usable floor space.

Functional areas such as reception, emergency rooms, operating theatres and laboratories are located in a rectangular, multi-storey plinth along with the staff canteen and conference rooms. Rising up from this are six almost square pavilions housing the patients’ rooms, which have been staggered to provide views out into the countryside. The different areas are also be clearly discernible in the façades. While the base with its largeformat, printed windows alternating between green and yellow takes its cue from the surrounding park, the

warm pavilions are dominated by timeless white, with fabric sun blinds in bright, warm colours setting accents. Large expanses of glass, skylight strips, glazed interior walls and integrated atriums destined to provide quality leisure space bring transparency and brightness into these floors. The heart of the hospital complex is located in the light-suffused central lobby on the ground floor: The “Arche der Hoffnung” (ark of hope), is intended to arouse children’s interest and make their stay less frightening.

It is also the starting point for the “animal orientation system” which helps children who cannot yet read find their way around. From here six striking animal figures drawn by Andreas Hyakde “set off” until they have taken the young patients to their continent – to their ward. The interior geared towards children and youngsters was enabled by the Olgäle-Stiftung für das kranke Kind e.V. The foundation contributed 2.5 million euros to the new centre for gynecology and pediatrics, which cost 347 million euros overall.