Vlietland Hospital stems from a merger of two hospitals in Vlaardingen and Schiedam (the Netherlands). EGM architects designed a highly flexible building that can properly anticipate fluctuations in functions. The hospital has a colourful, friendly and very human character defined by natural materials, abundant natural light and outdoor access.
The main goal was to create a warm people-friendly atmosphere. Therefore we chose a shallow oblong building that is spread out over the site like a folding ruler. This kind of design brings in vast amounts of daylight, allowing patients and visitors to adapt easily to the space.
At the heart of the building lies the central hall with its friendly wood-lined interior. Here, as with the other waiting rooms, large prints of Rotterdam’s harbours and surroundings have been hung on the walls. On the outside the building is covered with dark ceramic tiles, while inside the walls take on a remarkably fresh colour palette ranging from lemon yellow to salmon to orange. The building’s technical infrastructure provides plenty of flexibility for the long-term and, therefore, possibilities for customisation. The integrated concept of landscape, building, engineering and interior has blended proportionately to create a hospital with the right balance between a healing environment, flexibility, scale and experience.
The Vlietland Hospital took home the 2010 NVTG Construction Award in the category 'Cure'.
