Freiburg University Hospital Children's Clinic Care Wards

This novel and diversely age-appropriate inpatient environment actively promotes children, adolescents and families beyond the necessary medical treatment. It facilitates as normal a family life as possible in the clinic: sleeping in one's own room, eating in community, playing in the adventure experience area, learning in the classroom and movement in therapy and sports areas. The innovative Z-shaped examination and treatment room separates the consultation and examination area. The room thereby increases privacy for adolescents and simultaneously strengthens patients' autonomy.

Down to the smallest unit, the patient room, the well-thought-out spatial structure promotes social interactions and the healing physical and emotional closeness between parents and children. At the same time, diverse retreat options grant the healthy distance for patients' well-being. The rooms are designed as single or double rooms and feature zones with niches, storage space and design areas for privacy and individuality. All rooms ensure intimacy and quiet, they offer "space for comfort and care". There is also sufficient space for flexible use with family, friends, therapists and caregivers, the seating area by the window promotes communication. The continuous rooming-in sofa enables parents to be with their child permanently. The distance between parents and patients also helps to prevent the transfer of stress and anxiety at night and improve sleep quality. On the sleep sofa for flexible use during the day and at night, parents can relax and transform it into a bed for the night with simple mechanisms. The rooming-in parent bed was developed with an Italian manufacturer and extensively tested. Only after comprehensive coordination during extensive furniture development did the special furniture go into production. In the room, the Medical supply unit Schyns S700 with patented Schyns HCL technology is used. Through its discreet design, it fits well into the room concept. Through the patented 3-channel technology of the Schyns HCL system, it was possible to implement a revolutionary idea. Children can communicate their mood with the adjustable light.

The Freiburg Children's and Youth Clinic – architectural planning by Health Team Vienna, Albert Wimmer ZT GmbH and Architects Collective ZT GmbH – was recently awarded the European Healthcare Design Award 2024 in the category "Buildings over 25,000 m²", as one of three shortlist projects, with the title 'Highly Commended'. We are very pleased to be part of this forward-looking lighthouse project.