snøhetta has built a pair of secluded wooden shelters a short walking distance from two of norway?s largest hospitals. the structures, which have been designed to make hospitalization easier for patients and their families, can be used for treatment and contemplation, and for spending time with relatives and friends away from the hospital corridors. the cabins are open to every patient connected to the hospitals regardless of their condition, and reservations are managed through a booking system.

all images © ivar kvaal
 
 
designed by snøhetta on behalf of the friluftssykehuset foundation, the outdoor care retreats offer visitors a physical and psychological respite from stringent treatment regiments and the isolation that often follows long-term hospitalization. ?nature provides spontaneous joy and helps patients relax,? states children?s psychologist maren østvold lindheim at the oslo university hospital, one of the initiators of the project. ?being in natural surroundings brings them a renewed calm that they can bring back with them into the hospital. in this sense, the outdoor care retreat helps motivate patients to get through treatment and contribute to better disease management.?
 
 
leaning towards the lush forest and the sognsvann creek, the first building is located only a hundred meters from the entrance of norway?s largest hospital, oslo university hospital, rikshospitalet. its sister building (pictured here) is situated in the deciduous woodland by ...