ARCHITECTURE
Masterplan Wilhelmina Hospital, Assen
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.
Primary Care Medical Centre, Alkmaar
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.
Masterplan Noordwest Hospital, Alkmaar
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”.
Why Dutch?
Developing a new healthcare facility is not an occasion that arises frequently for most people. If you get this extraordinary challenge you want to build the best possible facility. But what is the best? ‘The best’ involves finance, safety, flexibility, efficiency, usability, sustainability, patient friendliness or perhaps rather the perfect balance between all these aspects.
Maybe because of their specific international trading history the Dutch have proven to be able to balance all aspects, constantly searching for the best value for money. Regarding healthcare facilities the Dutch are famous for their ability to create high-end facilities that are well functioning, comfortable to stay in and within one of the lowest budgets in Western European countries. And last but not least the architecture of the buildings are worth to see as Dutch Design.
But not only the facilities perform well. The entire Dutch healthcare system is an example to many countries. For instance the research on the rate of infections (source: EFSA 2010) illustrates this. Despite the fact that the “flying Dutchmen” tend to travel abroad a lot and the country has one of the highest densities of population in the world, the rate of infections are very low. Also the cost of Dutch healthcare, in relation to its results, is relatively low (source: NVZ, 2012).
It is too simple to say that all answers to the question “Why Dutch?” have been mentioned here. There are far more reasons to add to that. The people below tell you more about their experience with Dutch Hospital Design from different point of views. If you are interested what the Dutch can contribute to your healthcare project please contact us to tell you more.
Why dutch categoriepagina beheer
Freek Jan Kossen, Gemini Hospital: “A pleasant hospital for everyone”
DHD Partners show how to make it
A magnificent hospital on a new site. With promising elements like Planetree and the Living Building Concept. Construction coordinator Freek Jan Kossen is closely involved in the project to design the new Gemini Hospital in Den Helder. Even though the current economic climate has slowed progress, he talks about the project enthusiastically.
The importance of Planetree
“Our patients are our clients. Our existence depends on them. In our world of efficiency, we also want to create the time and space to approach the patient in a friendly manner. Just like in a good hotel.” Freek Jan Kossen supports the importance of Planetree. The idea behind Planetree is that if a patient feels comfortable, he will recover more quickly. “The quality of the patient experience is one of our criteria. A healing environment ensures that visitors like to come here. The design makes that happen.” The building receives plenty of daylight, offers wonderful views from various spaces, and establishes clear contact with nature.
Living Building Concept for now and later
The Gemini Hospital wants a multipurpose hospital building that can adapt effectively to changing demands, wishes and functions. Freek Jan Kossen: “Give us a hospital that is designed and built according to the Living Building Concept. We have opted for a clever, future-proof and economically most advantageous building.”
Top score in design competition
“The guiding principle in the design was a healing environment in the most economically advantageous hospital. In selecting the winning proposal for the 25,000-m2 building, we carefully considered the quality of experience for both patients and staff, as well as the functional and technical quality. Is it cleverly designed? Does the patient like to be in our hospital? How good have the future scenarios been outlined? We discussed everything with the candidates and tested their competence in the area of collaboration. The consortium of partners from DHD came out on top.” *)
All-round quality
“The integrated character of the design is excellent I think. Certainly when you look at the integration of architecture and landscape, installations and construction. And the position of the hospital on the available site is cleverly considered. The local authorities were enthusiastic straight away. The winning design also carefully considered the integration of ICT and the translation of work concepts. Of course some aspects need improvement, but you discuss those together and change accordingly.”
Enduring relation
The design, construction and maintenance of a hospital is a major undertaking. We are only starting that process in Den Helder. Freek Jan Kossen: “You have to deal with the complexity of healthcare and with the hospital as an enterprise. It is then important to establish a good relationship of trust with one another, in which all sorts of arguments are put forward as the design develops. We achieve that excellently in Den Helder!”
*) In the Helder Oranje consortium of contractors and designers, Dutch Hospital Design partners oversaw the design.
Projects2
DHD partner Valstar Simonis in possession of ISO 14001 certificate
Sustainability has become part of our daily routine through the years. Energy saving and sustainable techniques are nowadays a very common part of our conceptual designs. Valstar Simonis itself also undertakes continuous action to reduce its carbon footprint . Since a couple of years we are in the possession of our certificate for ISO 14001 to improve our environmental performance. We want to prove to the outside world and to all of our staff, that we are serious about sustainability. We see Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as the fundament of our existence. It is therefore a natural step that we aim to further reduction of our environmental impact, for our clients by sustainable design as well as our own direct impact.
Read more on Duurzaam Vastgoed (in Dutch)
Heart-lung center designed by Dutch Hospital Design partner is the best in the country
On the ‘Day of the Nursing’ the heart-lung center of the Medical Center Alkmaar (MCA), designed by Dutch Hospital Design partner SEED, was named the best hospital department in The Netherlands.The judges are patients and their family who gave positive feedback of a specific hospital department via the website of the campaign: “The Netherlands thanks the healthcare”. MCA was also nominated for the best Healthcare institution. The results will be made known on the 8th June 2011.
We strive for a HEALING ENVIRONMENT in our projects. This projects shows that the Healing Environment was successfully applied. Click here to see the presentation ‘A Stimulating Environment’.