No. 3 People’s Hospital of Shenzhen

Shenzhen East Lake Hospital, established in 1985, is a non-profit hospital specializing in infectious diseases. In 2003 when the SARS epidemic overwhelmed China, the hospital became the only one in Shenzhen designated for SARS patients. With the increasing risk of avian flu, the Shenzhen municipal government decided to invest RMB600 million (US$75 million) to relocate the East Lake Hospital to a new site, upgrade it to an international-standard infectious-disease hospital, and rename it No. 3 People’s Hospital of Shenzhen.

As with every infectious-disease hospital, the design of the master plan is a key factor in minimising the chances of cross-infection. The architects analysed the topology of the building site and area’s prevailing winds. They also organised the different buildings according to patients’ needs and activities. As such, the hospital will be composed of three separate sections: a central area and two wing zones. The central area, located in the centre of the building site, is the semi-contaminated area and includes an outpatient building, a medical treatment building and a research building. One of the two wing zones consists of four inpatient buildings that accommodate respiratory diseases and tuberculosis, hepatitis, arboviral diseases and gastroenteritis. For additional protection, each floor of the inpatient buildings is divided into three sections: a contaminated area, a semi-contaminated area and a clean area. As the inpatient buildings are designated as a contaminated area, they are positioned on the leeward side of the site in order to avoid airborne secondary infection. They are separated from the semi-contaminated area by an elevation difference existing on site and also by a dividing wall. The other wing is a clean zone, containing an administrative building, a dormitory building for hospital staff and a multi-functional hall. In addition to providing barriers against cross-infection, the modular design used in the layout planning allows for future expansion. For example, there is a large open space on the north side of the site where new buildings can be erected.

The architects also worked to ensure that all buildings maximise patient access to natural light and outside views. All the wards in the inpatient buildings are positioned to face the southeast. Low window sills enable patients to enjoy the scenery outside while lying in bed. In the outpatient buildings, green elements and interior details have been chosen to create a multi-layered gardenlike space. Meanwhile, recreational areas on each floor provide a place for patients to relax and socialise. Digital video intercom systems are installed in the isolation wards to allow patients to communicate with their families.

The application of colour, dimension and materials in the building design also creates a pleasant and soothing ambience. Greenbelts occupy 40 percent of the site and, in between hospital buildings, there are large landscaped spaces. Finely textured tiles, together with white and metallic-coloured materials, are employed in the facade. The curvilinear floating slab connecting the administrative building, the outpatient building and one of the inpatient buildings not only facilitates the movement of the south-easterly winds, but also mirrors the rolling hills behind.

A low-emission double glazing curtain wall provides thermal insulation as well as natural lighting and ventilation. Walls are also equipped with layers of insulation. Shutters are used on all the western facades to help reduce direct solar heat gain. –Han Wang