BørneRiget is a hospital created for children, adolescents, and pregnant women, aiming to set new standards for future treatment and care. Developed by Rigshospitalet in collaboration with Arkitema, Niras, and 3XN Architects as lead consultant, the hospital is designed with a groundbreaking interplay between architecture, organisation, sustainability, and operations, creating a holistic and nurturing environment for patients and families.
BørneRiget, also known as Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, represents a transformative step in healthcare for young patients and their families. The hospital’s innovative architectural concept features a unique structure inspired by two hands reaching out – symbolising care and connection. The building’s layout ensures a maximum of 20 metres from every patient ward to the nearest garden, reflecting an emphasis on nature and healing.
A key element of BørneRiget is its use of healing architecture, where physical surroundings, from natural light to thoughtful materials, contribute to the patient’s well-being. The design balances functionality and creativity, with patient areas designed to foster play, relaxation, and emotional recovery. Every space, including the wards, family areas, and public zones, is adaptable, allowing personalisation to meet diverse needs.
Sustainability is central to the hospital’s design. From creating a healthy building with a pleasant indoor climate and using energy-efficient materials to creating a comforting environment that reduces stress and promotes healing, the entire project is geared toward improving the patient experience. The hospital’s design is a product of collaboration between patients, their families, and healthcare professionals, ensuring it addresses real-world needs.
Expected to be completed by 2026, BørneRiget will set new standards in hospital design, offering a nurturing, engaging space where medical care is seamlessly integrated with the comfort and familiarity of home life.
3XN is an award-winning Danish architectural firm renowned for creating human-centred, sustainable designs. Founded in 1986, the company integrates aesthetics with functionality, focusing on how architecture can shape human behaviour and promote well-being. The firm’s work is characterised by bold, contemporary solutions that enhance community, efficiency, and sustainability across diverse global projects.