during may 2018, MMEK’s ‘princess máxima center’ opened its doors in utrecht. from that point forward, all healthcare, research and training in the netherlands related to children with cancer is concentrated in one place. every year, 600 children aged anywhere up to 18 are diagnosed with cancer. fortunately, the treatment options are getting better all the time and more than 75% of patients can now expect to be cured. nevertheless, there is still room for improvement. the proportion of patients cured must be raised to 100%, the side effects and late effects of treatment need to be reduced and by 2020 the ‘princess máxima center’ aims to be one of the world’s top five pediatric oncology research institutes in the world.

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
during may 2018, MMEK’s ‘princess máxima center’ opened its doors in utrecht

 

 

dutch based firm MMEK‘s ‘princess máxima center’ will offer development-centered healthcare. despite their illness, young patients are still growing and it is important to encourage their cognitive, socio-emotional and motor development. this means that the hospital’s organization, interior layout and facilities must meet high standards. the architects involved all stakeholders, such as patients, parents, interest groups, healthcare professionals and building management in the design process to ensure that these standards could be fulfilled. all aspects of the new center have been designed based on a single philosophy and are devoted to development-centered healthcare. the science discovery center, the building site and the park all form part of a seamless concept and contribute to a stimulating environment centered on children and their ongoing development.

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
all healthcare, research and training in the netherlands is concentrated in this center

 

 

the brand identity of the ‘princess máxima center’ is expressed in all elements of the interior. its rooms, furniture and toys form part of an integral design. the interior is styled in a uniform manner, which is recognizable throughout the building, making it an understandable and familiar environment. the center aims to be a safe and stimulating place for patients and their parents where everyday family life can continue as much as possible. MMEK’ designs unforgettable spaces for healthcare, museums and brand experience centers that combine digital, physical and spatial elements into unique experiences.

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
the center aims to be one of the world’s top five pediatric oncology research institutes in the world

 

 

the project team spent a great deal of time working together on the design for the ‘princess máxima center’. their reversed design approach created a holistic interior. in reversed design, it is not the architectural construction, but instead the needs and wishes of the users that are most important. the result is a strong, harmonious design centered on patients, their families and healthcare professionals. during the design process for this integrated design, MMEK’ deployed mock-ups and virtual reality. this made it possible to realistically visualize various areas and facilities at an early stage, allowing them to be discussed and assessed by the stakeholders. through this meticulous approach is the only way to produce a result supported by everyone.

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
MMEK’s ‘princess máxima center’ will offer development-centered healthcare

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
the hospital’s organization, interior layout and facilities must meet high standards

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
the architects involved all stakeholders in the design process

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
all aspects of the new center are devoted to development-centered healthcare

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
all spaces contribute to a stimulating environment centered on children and their ongoing development

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
the brand identity of the ‘princess máxima center’ is expressed in all elements of the interior

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
its rooms, furniture and toys form part of an integral design

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
this meticulous approach is the only way to produce a result supported by all stakeholders

MMEK's healthcare facility in utrecht stimulates an environment centered on children
a stimulating place for patients and parents to continue an everyday family life as much as possible

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom