LKH Graz B-Gebäude
Healthcare · Graz, Austria · Invited Competition · 3rd Prize
The refurbishment of the KAGES LKH Graz B Building rethinks the psychiatric ward as a therapeutic spatial environment rather than a sequence of rooms along a corridor.
The design introduces clear spatial hierarchies, calm central zones, direct relationships to landscape and differentiated areas for community, treatment and retreat. Light, materiality, acoustics and circulation are used to reduce sensory stress and strengthen orientation.
Architecture is understood as part of therapy.
Concept
The existing B Building is characterised by long, corridor-dominated structures with limited spatial hierarchy and unclear relationships between patient rooms, therapeutic spaces and shared areas.
Our proposal reorganises the building into clearly legible therapeutic sequences. Calm central zones are complemented by more active peripheral areas, while transitions are designed to provide orientation, security and spatial clarity.
The aim is to create an environment that supports both patients and staff: spaces that are easy to understand, easy to navigate and calm in their atmosphere.
Organisation
Each ward is structured around three spatial sequences:
Arrival & Transition
Accommodation & Community
Therapy & Treatment
Shared areas, staff bases and therapy rooms are oriented towards the park, while patient accommodation is largely positioned towards the inner courtyard.
The circulation system is not treated as a neutral corridor, but as a sequence of spaces with different levels of openness, activity and privacy.
The central day room forms the social heart of each ward and is always connected to a visible staff base. Patient rooms provide retreat, while widened corridor zones and niches create informal places for sitting, reading, talking or simply being outside the room.
Therapy and group rooms are clustered into clearly defined zones that allow both individual and combined use.
Circulation & Orientation
Arrival is conceived as a spatial threshold.
A restrained atmosphere reduces unnecessary visual stimulation while maintaining clear orientation and a sense of security. Visitor areas are clearly positioned and transitions between public, communal and private zones remain legible.
Light, materials and differentiated ceiling heights structure the circulation spaces and shorten the perceived length of the existing corridors.
Rather than simply connecting rooms, the corridor becomes an active spatial element that guides people through the ward.
Landscape
The surrounding park is understood as an integral part of the therapeutic environment.
Each ground-floor ward is directly connected to its own outdoor area. Existing mature trees are retained as a natural green roof, providing shade and helping to prevent overheating.
Continuous loop paths allow movement without dead ends, while small pavilion-like seating areas provide places for retreat and informal interaction.
Soft, planted landscape elements create privacy between secured and more open outdoor zones without producing a defensive or institutional character.
The landscape is not treated as decoration, but as an extension of the therapeutic space.
Material Concept
The material strategy is based on reduced sensory stimulation, warmth and spatial clarity.
Light natural materials, matte surfaces and muted greige tones create a calm, non-institutional atmosphere. Timber plays a central role throughout the project: timber-clad bathroom volumes structure the circulation zones, while slatted timber ceilings define important communal areas and improve acoustic comfort.
Acoustic ceiling elements, soft surfaces and controlled daylight help reduce noise and visual overstimulation.
All materials are robust, durable and easy to maintain, combining the functional requirements of hospital use with an atmosphere of stability, security and domesticity.