Monthly Archives: January 2017

Wilhelmina Hospital Assen is housed in a building dating back to the late eighties. It has undergone a few minor expansions which are in use since the last two years. During the same recent period there have also been refurbished a number of departments. Nevertheless the hospital experienced a lot housing problems. Because these problems manifest itself in several places a clear overview of the issues had to be made. WITH INSIGHT

Initially a global spatial brief was defined based on a description of the principles for the Wilhelmina Hospital of the future. The spatial brief gave a floor area range for each function and in total for the whole hospital. In four different models focused on different priorities (eg. order of realization, construction costs, overall size and functional classification) the program was translated. Using the BIM functionality and a link to Excel it was made clear what the cost differences, building intensity and timing (both delivery and cost) were. Wilhelmina Hospital made a choice out of the models and renamed it the Master Plan.

Included in the master plan is to clarify the main routes spatially by distinction in head and departmental routes and by making the central hall more clear and with the introduction of a spatial link (void) to the first floor.

This medical centre will cater for the primary healthcare needs of the new surrounding residential suburb which will conveniently house various medical functions under one roof. These functions include a doctor’s practice, a pharmacy, a dental practice, physiotherapy and space reserved for a possible future partner.

The site is ideally located close the residential suburb and at the same will have plenty open space around it. The Southern side will look onto a small man-made lake and the Northern side faces a tree lined road.
The medical centre has been designed as a rectangular block which has been ‘broken’ apart to create a light and transparent central entrance foyer area. These two ‘broken’ blocks have also been diagonally shifted apart to create a sightline from the approaching road through the transparent foyer to the lake on the South side. This shift correspond to the principles of the urban plan of the surrounding area.
The central foyer is a communal space which connects the various functions and is also a pleasant area with abundant daylight and views to the outside where one can wait for their appointment or prescription.

The choice of materials reinforces the concept. The block is externally clad in a ‘hard’ face brick shell while the break reveals a ‘soft’ interior which has been clad in timber. The entrance foyer has a glazed curtain wall to keep it as transparent and as light as possible.
An added feature are images which have been applied, with an relief effect, to the longer face brick facades. The images are based on the theme of water in relation to life. On the one side there is an image of clear water which refers to the water essential to life. On the other side there is an image of choppy water which refers to the water in our surroundings that we need to live with. This image is also an historical reference to the management of water in these typical low lying areas of The Netherlands.

After it became clear that a new hospital at the location in Heerhugowaard turned out to be difficult financially viable, the question was to find out whether refurbishment at the current location Alkmaar feasible. The big challenge was the almost built-up site. Its beautiful park setting also offered opportunities.

Primary a global spatial brief was drawn up for 6 scenarios. It was decided to choose the worst-case scenario, base rule for the other choices during the process,. The idea was that if this scenario convinces, the other will also meet. Based on the Schedule about 6 models of development were outlined, each with its pros and cons. The preferred model has been further developed into functional, logistics, phasing and cost plans. A major focus has shifted to the integration of the building in the special environment. Together with the landscape designers of Hosper is a vision on the development of the area was created and how the hospital and the park environment could mutually use their qualities. The two special landmarks at the site, namely the Cadet School from late 19th century and former nursing home “Westerlicht” were made autonomous and thus get a special place in the environment. The plan shows a future in which the hospital has become “a building in the park”.