Zaans Medical Centre

In general, a hospital is a public building where you would rather not come. The ZMC is committed to a personal connection with the people from the region. The design of the illustrations support the orientation in the building and provide positive distraction. Patients, visitors and staff respond very positively to the distinct environment of the new hospital. Never before so many selfies were taken in a hospital. This is my hospital!

The idea was to give a personal touch to the hospital with handicrafts. We did not limit ourselves to the size of mainstream art in hospitals, but a solution which fully integrates with the architecture.

The outcome of the project includes two years of illustrative work, 3,500 m2 of hand-drawn illustrations scattered throughout the hospital walls, glass facades, light boxes and elevators. Upon entering the main hall an extra large illustration measures 120 x 12 meters. The performance consists of the human body in the shape of a reclining woman from Zaandam. The body is made up of components of the industrial history of Zaandam, known to all residents of the region.
Walls, lightboxes and glass facades are illustrated throughout the hospital building, with an animal wayfinding specially created for the children patients.

For two years we worked together with Mecanoo Architects to design a ‘healing environment’ for a new hospital: Zaans Medical Centre (ZMC). This means patients and visitors experience an environment that contributes positively to recovery.

Concerning the developments in the healthcare sector it is increasingly important as a hospital to be distinctive. The essence is the provision of care. However, another large part of the distinctiveness lies in the perception that one has to reside and move in the hospital. An experience which depends on the type of coffee you buy, the way you will receive a welcome, and not least the distinctive look and feel of the spatial environment.

Jury Feedback

EXPERIENCE / BRONZE 

‘Original and fun. Unique to the place. Sense of discovery. Makig use of emotions.’