Children's Clinical University Hospital Outpatient and Emergency Care Centre

Located in Riga’s Torņakalns neighbourhood, the project forms part of a historic 19th-century hospital campus characterised by a pavilion-type layout. The reconstructed central volume functions as the main activity hub, housing the Emergency Medical Centre — for acute care and short-term observation — and the Outpatient Centre for scheduled consultations. The design respects the scale and architectural language of the existing campus while enhancing spatial clarity, functional continuity, and integration with the surrounding landscape.

To define the project vision, the process began with an open workshop, staff consultations, and an architectural competition, ensuring deep understanding of user needs. The key challenge for the Emergency Medical Centre was managing circulation and infection control, resolved through a clear zoning strategy and precise functional planning. In contrast, the Outpatient Centre reinterprets the traditional hospital model, replacing dark, closed corridors with open, bright, and emotionally engaging spaces that promote well-being. Outdoor design prioritizes pedestrians—vehicles act as guests—while maintaining full accessibility for emergency, service, and mobility-restricted users. The cohesive architectural and landscape concept established a new spatial and experiential framework for the entire hospital campus, setting a benchmark for humane, efficient, and design-driven healthcare architecture in Latvia.

The building’s structure consists of reinforced concrete walls providing strength and flexibility. Façades combine steel cassette panels, oiled timber boards, and vertical aluminium louvers for texture, shading, and visual warmth. The signature animal sculptures, made from polyurethane, serve as playful orientation points. A green roof system enhances insulation, stormwater management, and biodiversity. Interiors focus on acoustic comfort, accessibility, and emotional well-being. Outdoor areas integrate sustainable drainage solutions within parking zones, creating shaded “green” surfaces that mitigate heat and visual impact. This strategy aligns with Riga’s climate resilience goals, supporting a healthy urban environment. Durable, low-maintenance materials ensure longevity, cost-efficiency, and reduced environmental footprint over the building’s lifecycle.