Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Skåne University Hospital Malmö has been
going through a process of densification for
over 120 years. The original planning of the
institution from 1896 was characterised
by a castle-like building located in a park
environment. Due to the growing city of
Malmö the hospital has been forced to adjust
and expand. Densification of the hospital area
has led to an extensive loss of green space,
left are fragments of the former park. The
main objective of this research is to make a
design proposal for SUS Malmö. The aim is
to explore how design can be used as a tool to
create resilient green structures in densifying
hospital areas. The following questions guide
the research: How to design resilient green
structures in densifying hospital areas? What are
the key challenges?
The overarching method is Landscape
Biography. This is a method that is based on the
notion that landscapes are layered with stories,
and shaped by various ongoing processes. It is
a method that is interdisciplinary, it includes
history, geography and architecture and it
is promoted to include methods from other
fields as well. The research is non-linear,
it includes literature reviews, site analysis,
cartographic investigations, historical
research, visits to reference landscapes and
design. The literature review gives context
ABSTRACT
to driving forces of densification and theory
on alternative strategies in urban planning,
including evidence-based design for healthcare
environments. Site analysis provides practical
knowledge and insights to design challenges
within the area. Examination of maps exposes
the continuous transformation of SUS
Malmö and shed light on green structures
that have survived the process. Learnings of
former use and values within the landscape
are found in historical narratives. Visits to
reference landscapes provide inspiration for
design and shed light on factors important
for the survival of green space. Main findings
from the study are explored through design of
a specific area within SUS Malmö. The design
process is used as a method to investigate the
retrieved theoretical and practical knowledge.
The result is a design proposal where new
insights of the challenges within the landscape
become apparent. Many factors affect the
resilience of green structures, political, social,
historical and aesthetical are some of them. To
design for resilience, the various flows within
the landscape need to be acknowledged and
carefully considered in the process.