Transforming Healthcare: An interview with Peter Johansson

Currently supporting Stockholm’s initiative to improve healthcare facilities in the city, Peter Johansson explains more about the projects he’s most proud of and the technical challenge of redesigning old hospitals for a new age.

Global | Thursday, June 6, 2024
Reading Time : 5 minutes

What first inspired you to become an engineer and how did you get started?

As a kid I was always fascinated by buildings and liked to play with Lego. I went on to study installation and energy engineering at Karlstad University in Sweden. It was there I met my first employer at a careers event for graduates – a Swedish-based engineering consultancy specializing in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. I worked there for a couple of years as a mechanical engineer, before joining WSP.

Have the projects you’ve worked on helped to shape your career?

Yes, very much so. Before joining WSP I was involved in the design and build of the largest university hospital in Sweden and one of the most sustainable healthcare facilities in the world. I brought that experience to WSP and have gone on to work on a number of hospital projects.

One I’m particularly proud of is Sollentuna Hospital in Stockholm. The project involved transforming an old former hospital built in 1978 into a new modern hospital specializing in geriatric care. WSP project managed the scheme and provided a number of services including HVAC design and environmental consultancy.

It’s nice to be involved in projects that help people and are part of the community. For me, that’s an important part of being an engineer.

Peter Johansson

Sweden

Peter was involved in upgrades to Sollentuna Hospital in Sweden.

What was the biggest technical challenge on the Sollentuna project?

Meeting today’s standards in an older building is always challenging, especially in the healthcare sector. It takes a lot of collaboration between different engineering disciplines. One of the biggest technical challenges was installing large pieces of equipment such as X-ray machines, and the different systems needed to support them. For instance, ventilation to keep them at the optimum temperature and medical gases for patients. Usually, HVAC systems would be installed in the ceiling, but the existing ceilings at Sollentuna weren’t high enough. Instead, we designed and built special rooms around the treatment rooms to house them. We also installed carbon fibre strips under heavy equipment, to support the building and stop any vibration. Things like X-ray machines have to be completely still to work properly.

Overall, the existing concrete structure was retained and strengthened to reduce embodied carbon emissions, together with parts of the old façade which also helped to preserve the character of the building. Inside, the hospital was completely redesigned and rebuilt around patient-centered care for older people.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

The city-wide project to improve the quality and energy efficiency of Stockholm’s healthcare facilities is very exciting. As part of this we’re looking at all the hospitals in Stockholm to see how their HVAC systems were designed, how they could be impacted by climate change, and what we can do to improve them. It’s getting warmer and more humid in Sweden, so we need to know how different operating theatres in different hospitals will need to adapt.

It was also great to be involved in Stockholm’s Gallerian project – a new space bringing people together in the heart of Stockholm. I worked on T30 Gallerian, a former bank which was redesigned and rebuilt to house shops, restaurants and offices. It also includes indoor gardens with trees and a huge glass façade for natural light. Sweden can be quite dark in the winter, so finding ways to bring more light into our buildings is really important. The ground floor and basement level of the building was retained and strengthened so extra levels could be added on top.

Do you have any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice would be to learn from a variety of people and work on as many different projects as possible. For me, it’s important to keep learning new things. I’ve recently started a new role as manager for the electrical team here in Sweden, so I’m sure that will be another opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience.

T30 Gallerian in Stockholm, Sweden

What do you think has been the best innovation in the built environment and what excites you about the future of the industry?

One of the best innovations has been the different software programmes we can use to simplify and speed up mechanical engineering projects. For instance, on the university hospital project there were loads of different treatment rooms requiring a whole range of different HVAC services. Using software programmes, we could easily search and match rooms to the services needed without having to trawl through multiple documents. That saved us time and also improved the quality of our work.

Reaching net zero will be a huge achievement but I’m also finding the journey to get there interesting. For instance, we’re currently trying to build as much as possible with sustainably sourced timber instead of concrete in Sweden and make the best use of our vast forests.

Södermalm

What do you think makes a place and do you have a favorite?

It’s the surroundings and people that make a place and create a vibe. I also like green spaces in cities, where you can enjoy both the greenness around you and the feel of a big city.

My favorite place in Stockholm is Södermalm where I live. It’s an island district connected to the mainland via different bridges. It has lots of trees and is close to the water and the city center – a great combination.