23. Nov 2007 00:00 23. Nov 2007 16:01

National Honors to St. Olav Hospital Project

Helsebygg Midt-Norge has received the annual Honorary Prize from Norsk Form, the Foundation for Architecture and Form in Norway. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg awarded the prize on Nov. 20th. The jury says:

23. Nov 2007 15:47 23. Nov 2007 15:47

	From the ceremonies: Chief Architect Ragnhild Aslaksen, Chairman of Norsk Form Paul H. Amble, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, CEO Johan Arnt Vatnan

"Health in every detail? A focus on health, quality of life and health-promoting landscaping has been important guidelines for the largest hospital project in Norway.

The planning of St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim has consequently been a cooperation between a number of diverse professions since the planning started as early as 1998.

The project has shown a comprehensive and functional approach, where architecture, building and landscape have a clear functional value, but also bear evidence of a clear formal cohesion from totality down to details.

	The Neuro Centre with one of the distinctive connectiong bridges.

A strong environmental perspective, starting with requirements to a well developed public transportation and infrastructure, was a key argument for the placement of the hospital: Integrated in the city, close to downtown.

There has been considerable focus on landscape architecture. Green areas have been proven to play a role for people’s health and ability to recover from illnesses.

	Landscaping - both on the ground and higher up - has been important. The new Women-children Centre.

A patient oriented hospital has been an important goal, but user orientation also means accommodating numerous types of users. The project has been subject to many, and often contradictory, requirements.

From its inception, the project has cooperated with researchers and educators and made this an integrated part of the project. In this way, the project has contributed to real challenges for and education of young students in several professions.

	Useful and beautiful - silk screen print on window panes mask examination rooms from the street outside.

The project has led to debate and extensive involvement from the public. The results so far indicate a successful completion, in which several diverse professions have contributed to the overall concept."