Cincinnati, OH | Beijing Shi, CN
The project program includes a wide variety of facilities: a 1300 bed comprehensive hospital, a Mongolian TCM Pharmacy, a teaching and research building, staff dormitories and a senior living group that includes a hotel and commercial space. All of these functions are to be built during two primary stages of phasing, with a third phase included for a senior living development.
The organizational pattern is based upon a traditional symbolic knot. The woven pattern runs across the entire hospital campus and sets the relationships between the circulation (the rope) and the hospital functions (the open spaces between strands of the rope. This pattern is then extended to then organize the second phase to allow for consistency throughout the project.
The symbolic knot pattern is common in the region and is considered regionally to be one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. It is an important cultural marker in places significantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism such as Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia, and Buryatia. This woven form inspired from the local Ulzii designs creates a more interesting and familiar structure to the local users of the hospital and it also allows for a very functional and efficient planning diagram for the hospital.
Status: Competition Entry
Location: Tongliao, CN
Firm Role: Planning and Architecture
Additional Credits: Work with our partner 5+1