Psykiatrins hus

In 2007, we won the pre-qualification contest regarding a new building for psychiatric care and research on the campus of the Academic Hospital in central Uppsala. Through the new hospital, the Regional Health Authority wanted to improve the health care processes, create clearer connections with the somatic health care and integrate research and teaching.

“The Psychiatry Building has developed exactly in line with our vision which is fantastic.”

Jesper Husman, architect

Integration for collaboration and better processes

Every floor has wards for research, teaching, in-patient and outpatient care instead of the usual tradition of dividing the disciplines in different buildings. Our architecture helps the operation to develop new forms of collaboration.

“The Psychiatry Building has developed exactly in line with our vision which is fantastic. We have not needed to make any changes between contest entry and realisation, which means that we really have succeeded in creating a healthy environment that encourages integration,” says Jesper Husman, architect in charge.

Light, open environment

Openness was one of our key words throughout the project. The result is a transparent hospital with a common entrance for both the healthcare and the mental health care on one floor, open to the public. Here, there is a restaurant, a library and an auditorium. Around a large, glazed atrium in the heart of the building, the operation takes place in open layouts.

The Psychiatry Building forms a continuous corpus, with light flowing in from the atrium and two smaller courtyards. Outpatient wards face the municipality and its lively surroundings. In-patient wards open toward the castle park, connecting patients to nature and a beautiful view. A rooftop terrace provides a peaceful space for relaxation.

“We know that Sweden is at the forefront when it comes to healthcare architecture. We have been amongst the first to put the patient in the centre.”

Christine Hammarling, Architect

Praised and striking architecture

The ranking placed the Psychiatry Building among the world’s most architecturally impressive hospitals. It ranked ninth on American Online Master of Public Health’s list, The 30 Most Architecturally Impressive Hospitals in the World. The motivation described it as a striking building with a light and positive environment that encourages spontaneous interaction.

“We are incredibly proud and happy that the Psychiatry Building has been ranked so highly by international standards. Sweden is at the forefront when it comes to healthcare architecture, and we have been among the first to put the patient at the centre,” says Christine Hammarling, architect and healthcare specialist at Tengbom.

The World Architecture Festival Award nominated the Psychiatry Building in Uppsala in the Health category. Known as “The World Championship in Architecture,” the award recognises outstanding design worldwide.