Play as the Driving Force for a Better and Shorter Treatment at the New Children's Hospital BørneRiget

The physical environment has a decisive impact on patients' healing process. However, recent studies show that traditional health facilities often inhibit the patients' recovery and reduces overall well-being for both patients and their families. As a consequence of the research, a rethinking of the interior design and of hospitals have begun. Region Hovedstaden in Denmark is taking the first step with an ambitious children's hospital, BørneRiget.

The vision for BørneRiget is clear – to create the world's best hospital for children, teenagers, and their families. The course of treatment should be homely and 'normalized' from start to finish so the stay will be as pleasant and short as possible.

The winning team behind BørneRiget is led by 3XN and consists of Arkitema Architects, NIRAS, Arkitekt Kristine Jensens Tegnestue and Rosan Bosch Studio. Our role is to integrate play strategically throughout the interior of the hospital – from the entrance to common rooms and patient rooms and all the way into the building's fingers. Here winter gardens will open up, allowing patients to stay in a stimulating environment, close to their living rooms. The surroundings invite to play and learning for both children and teenagers and will give a sense of calm and peace of mind.

THE PHYSICAL ROOM HAS GREAT INFLUENCE ON OUR WELLBEING. WHEN DISEASES TEAR CHILDREN OUT OF THEIR EVERYDAY, IT REQUIRES AN EXTRA EFFORT TO CREATE FRAMES THAT ALLOW THE CHILD TO JUST BE A CHILD. THEY NEED PLACES TO PLAY WITH OTHER CHILDREN AND EXPLORE THEIR CREATIVITY. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WORK WITH ROOM FOR THE CHILDREN'S NEED.

- ROSAN BOSCH

The playful environment is integrated into the course of treatment so the play does not disturb the staff and the daily life of the hospital. Instead, games and fun activities become part of the healing interior design and contribute to a better and shorter treatment course at BørneRiget.