A meeting place that promotes health and wellbeing
One of the most unique qualities of Viljandi, apart from its natural surroundings and lakes, is the restrained scale of the buildings that make up the historic centre. To walk through its streets is to walk through a living compendium of Estonia’s architectural history.
The site chosen for the new hospital is strategically located at the crossroads of the city’s two main arteries, guaranteeing accessibility and visibility. However, this location also implies a great responsibility: the plot is situated on the border of the heritage zone, within the protection area of the historic centre.
The architecture must therefore respond not only to functional requirements, but also to the cultural, heritage and symbolic context. Viljandi Hospital must represent its city in all its dimensions. This is why the project aims to synthesise the values that define Viljandi in a specific, respectful and unique proposal.
The main idea is to adapt the scale of the building to the existing urban morphology. Instead of conceiving a monolithic volume, the programme was broken down into a series of smaller bodies. This establishes a friendly continuity with the urban fabric, avoiding the perception of a large hospital complex and generating a more human and accessible environment.
The functional programme is organised into four volumes of different heights and dimensions, which slide and set back from each other, adapting to the geometry of the plot. This layout makes it possible to articulate differentiated accesses, generate intermediate spaces and build a fluid relationship with the city.
The whole is clad with wooden slats that filter natural light, bring warmth and link the building to the local material tradition. This organic skin modulates the scale of the hospital and anchors it culturally to the site.
More than a traditional health centre, the project proposes a citizens’ meeting placeThe atriums, waiting areas and interior routes are conceived as part of an environment open to the community. A building that invites wellness, exercise and social bonding as part of a healthy life.
Project
Viljandi Hospital
Authors
Bakpak + Planho + DAGOpen
Location
C. R. Jakobsoni tn 2. Viljandi (Estonia)
Customer
Viljandi Haigla
Year
2021-2025
State
Built (1st Prize in competition)
Programme
Hospital
Surface
25.826 m2
Partners
Engineering: Arro & Agasild Inseneribüroo OÜ (Structures) | Integrated Healthcare Design (Medical Installations) | ITK Inseneribüroo OÜ (General Installations)
Landscaping: OÜ Kino maastikuarhitektid
Interior design: OÜ Pink