Competition entry for the Hohe Warte Hospital, Bayreuth
Entrance hall: tree trunk
11 m l x 0.4 m diameter
2000
Photo: Rolf Sturm
Hohe Warte Hospital Bayreuth
[1-2] The internal and the external space are conceptually linked with each other through two objects; one a vertically placed blue light column, positioned opposite the entrance and a tree trunk fixed horizontally to the east wall of the entrance hall. Both pieces do not just relate to the architecture and positioning of the hospital but also to it's use. Although both are a development of the cylindrical pillar they, non the less, are very different in their appearance.
Forecourt
The blue light column – the illuminated sign "Hohe Warte"
The shape and dimensions of the structural pillars in the entrance area were complimented. The light column shall be illuminated 24 hours a day and, because of it's position and intensity, in daylight it's soft light and at night it's stronger more intense light, can become a symbol for the Hohe Warte Hospital.
Entrance hall
The tree trunk – growth
The colour and material used in the entrance hall are so designed to work against the sterile idea of a hospital and also to reduce inhibitions. The tree trunk compliments this and brings, because of it's structure, a new dimension into the area. As with the external piece, here too the architectural design will be complimented. The bark will be removed, it will be cut to the appropriate length and will be mounted under three ventilation/heating pipes.
In contrast to the light column, the cylindrical shape of the trunk is uneven. It is also influenced through the lighting; it's position and the weather conditions. The surface and material of the trunk emits a strength which the ill visitors have lost but want to regain.
Illness changes people, not just in their bodily feelings but also mood, confidence and their perception of space and time. Each person deals with their illness in a different way (some see it as bad luck others as a challenge, weakness or punishment).
Healing – 'the regaining of bodily harmony' (R. Virchow) or a state in which the whole was destroyed.
DP. Description of the artistic concept. An excerpt from the competition document. 2000