Designed by the Swiss firm Rui Meng between 2019 and 2021, the Shanghai East Regional Medical Center is situated in Pudong, Shanghai, northeast of Xigou Port. The facility encompasses a total construction area of 169,800 square meters and integrates medical treatment, scientific research, and education, serving as a model for the close collaboration between research, teaching, and clinical practice.
The complex consists of two L-shaped buildings positioned in the north and south, connected by outpatient and medical technology facilities centrally located. The northern building primarily houses research and teaching activities, while the southern building is dedicated to inpatient care and emergency services. Tumor and cardiovascular diseases are identified as the key future specialties. Each major discipline center spans clinical, outpatient, medical technology, and research departments from south to north, fostering a symbiotic relationship between clinical and scientific fields.
△ Aerial view © LEMANARC Swiss Design
Integration of scientific research, teaching, and clinical medicine © LEMANARC Swiss Design
△ First floor plan © LEMANARC Swiss Design
The open public service areas on the ground level create a seamless connection between urban spaces and the riverside landscape. Additionally, a sunken plaza adjacent to the river extends the natural scenery into the building’s underground areas.
Connection between urban space and riverside landscape © LEMANARC Swiss Design
△ Section diagram © LEMANARC Swiss Design
△ The lower open public space introducing the riverside landscape © LEMANARC Swiss Design
△ Central area hall © LEMANARC Swiss Design
The building’s clean, prefabricated facade is organized into modular grids, contrasted by curved spatial boundaries that create a dynamic tension between rationality and emotion. The overall architectural form, featuring a prominent bend, integrates smoothly from south to north, bringing a sense of calm and simplicity to the hospital nestled within a bustling urban environment.
△ Riverfront perspective © LEMANARC Swiss Design
△ Elevation drawing © LEMANARC Swiss Design
The modular design strategy enables flexible internal department arrangements and promotes standardized construction methods, which reduce building time and lower costs. Interior lighting is thoughtfully designed to provide ample natural light and ventilation, benefiting spaces from operating rooms to outpatient and medical technology areas. Furthermore, a rooftop garden atop the podium enhances the building’s overall greenery.
△ Modular design concept © LEMANARC Swiss Design
△ Section diagram © LEMANARC Swiss Design
△ Courtyard perspective © LEMANARC Swiss Design
Project Information
Location: Hudong Community, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Floor area: 31,486 m²
Total building area: 169,800 m²
Number of beds: 700
Client: Shanghai Oriental Hospital
Investment: 2 billion RMB
Status: Under construction
Design period: 2019–2021
Scope of work: Planning and design, medical function planning, feasibility study, medical process design, conceptual and architectural scheme design
Principal architect: Vincent Zhengmao Zhang
Medical function and process design: Vincent Zhengmao Zhang, Daniel Pauli, Liu Zhongmin
Design team members: Zhao Ruojun, Florian Thomas, Dong Weibin, Sun Quan, Zhang Guojian, Kok Kian Tew
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