London-based Van Heyningen and Haward has been commissioned to design a new entrance, foyer and forecourt for Guy’s Hospital. Along with integrating a large and slightly bland glass foyer, a new public space next to it will also be created.
A wing of the tower with bare concrete shaft will receive honeycomb glass cladding. This is expected to create a unique blend of concrete and glass portion in the facade.
The refurbishment is designed to improve access and provide a modern and welcoming entrance, with two new revolving doors and glass façade. The project will be completed in December 2009.
Although there are apprehensions on the expensive glass cladding to improve the external appearance of a purely functional building, the hospital is going ahead with the re-cladding project.
Guy’s Hospital is a large NHS hospital which is administratively a part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. It is a large teaching hospital and is home to King’s College London School of Medicine and Dentistry. It is the second tallest hospital in the world, beaten by the O’Quinn Medical Tower at St Luke’s Hospital, Houston, by two meters.
