Project: University Centre for Psychiatry UMCG
Award: Sports & Wellness Interiors - Hospitals & Clinics, 2024
Location: Groningen, Netherlands
Design Practice: Atelier PRO architects & Vakwerk architecten
Client: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
Atelier PRO and Vakwerk Architecten’s new psychiatric ward for the University Medical Centre Groningen is designed to minimise the patient’s perception of being hospitalised and to maintain a connection with society, as this improves recovery.
It replaces outdated accommodation from the 1960s and is part of a larger renovation. The new building consists of a polyclinic comprising therapy and research rooms, and a clinic for the outpatient wards and rooms for in-house patients; both wings are connected by two 'cloister corridors' which surround a green courtyard.
Three principles play a central role in the design: for people to wake up with the sun; to be surrounded by meaningful spaces, and to experience normality as much as possible.
Design highlights
At the UCP, daylight 'follows' the patients throughout the day, in keeping with their natural biorhythm. The patient rooms in the UCP all receive morning light, allowing people to wake up with the sun, while the living rooms receive light in the afternoons and evenings. There is also an abundance of natural light in the hallways and corridors.
The centrally located patio houses a spacious courtyard garden, which is visible throughout the entire building ánd accessible to everyone within the UCP. By intelligently combining daylight, pleasant views, abundant greenery, broad windowsills, natural materials and balanced colours, the design aims to give a positive impulse to patient’s lives, making for meaningful space. To emphasize the sense of normality, the new UCP doesn’t feel like a typical hospital – windows have curtains and rooms are warmly furnished, and there is even room for family members to stay the night. The new UCP feels less like a psychiatric institution and more like a 'home'.
Photo credit: Eva Bloem, Egbert de Boer
- LEAD DESIGNERS: Dorte Kristensen (atelier PRO architects) and Ellen van der Wal (Vakwerk architecten), Karho Yeung (atelier PRO); Gwendolyn Huisman (Vakwerk)
PROJECT LEADER: Coen Bouwmeester (atelier PRO)