A forward-looking approach for healthcare facilities

In a rapidly evolving world, it is crucial that healthcare institutions build for the future. Technology is innovating faster and faster, and it is also helping the healthcare industry operate more efficiently, improve quality of care and personalize treatments. In doing so, it is important to remember that innovation and technology are not ends in themselves. At the heart of healthcare efforts remains patient and staff comfort: an optimal working environment and pleasant patient experience as the basis for high-quality care.

Modular design for optimal flexibility

This rapid evolution poses challenges for the design and construction process. Erik Vereecken, project director at Sweco: "For the new hospital in Charleroi, CH Les Viviers, the design phase started in 2013. You don't have a crystal ball then that shows how the medical sector and healthcare model will have evolved upon completion." The design team made the hospital's 116,000 square meters optimally flexible and combined the shell method with the hospital's care model.

In AZ Jan Portaels, too, the structure is modular. Kenneth Groosman, healthcare expert at Sweco: "Together with design partner Wiegerinck, we took maximum account of future medical developments. We realize the entire building according to the same dimensions. That way, spaces can easily be given a different function and departments can easily scale up or down." AZ Jan Portaels is also taking changing patient needs into account. Day hospitalizations in the healthcare region are expected to increase by 50%: more treatment and fewer beds. With 300 beds, the new building will be noticeably smaller. 

UZ Brussel illustrates how short-term reactive building can hinder a campus. In 2010, growing lack of space, fragmented services and problems with circulation and parking required action. A space plan redesigned the campus for a more efficient future. "This living document includes expansion and reorganization for most services, optimizes their interaction and separates circulation flows," said Wim De Vos, senior architect at Sweco. Thus, by 2029, UZ Brussel will create a logical and accessible hospital with 67,000 m² of renewed care.

Experience with impact

A systematic approach seems to get in the way of experience, but nothing could be further from the truth. The design of a healing environment relies on scientific insights into user experience and impact on well-being: materials, colors, daylight and nature are also thoughtfully and systematically integrated. For the CH des Viviers, the design team optimized the experience very methodically, much needed on a scale of 1,000 beds. Vereecken: "When designing a space, several layers come together. In addition to the mental and emotional experience, there are practical considerations, such as orientation and functionality. A design system with clear basic principles promotes coherence and legibility throughout the hospital." In future renovations or expansions, the hospital can work with the basic principles itself, ensuring consistency. "We also made the most of the exceptional environment on top of the slag heap. The windows bring in daylight, help with wayfinding and overlook the green landscape."

A healthy environment

According to the World Health Organization, 24% of global mortality is due to modifiable environmental hazards. Emissions, climate and other environmental factors affect our well-being. Here too, technology can help, for a more sustainable world. While this is less obvious in a healthcare environment, due to the vulnerability of patients, architects and engineers are nevertheless looking for creative solutions. For example, the new AZ Jan Portaels hospital will be "all-electric," a first within Belgian healthcare. It also makes maximum use of renewable resources.

Systematically tailored

By methodically approaching the needs, wants and requirements of healthcare professionals, unique solutions emerge, from new construction to expansion and renovation, from local hospital to university hospital. The combined expertise of designers and healthcare professionals creates a healthcare environment where comfort and efficiency meet in a healthy environment, ready for the future.