2015 – Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

Alder Hey hospital was unveiled by the Secretary of State for Health in 2015. The specialist hospital is one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals with an international reputation for excellence. The building rises out of the park on approach with an undulating profile, making it instantly recognisable and a striking and iconic gateway to Liverpool.

Three open fingers radiate out from the atrium concourse that forms the hospital’s public hub. These fingers of clinical space alternate with gardens, intertwining building and landscape.

Central to our idea was ensuring that the majority of rooms (whether for children or staff) enjoy park views and that gardens and terraces are equally accessible to all. We also collaborated with the artist Lucy Casson on the design of a central atrium mobile which then went on to influence the signage and wayfinding and other elements across the hospital.

Story by Katherine Blankley