Client
ETZ
Location
Tilburg, The Netherlands
Size
4,000 m2
Completion
Ongoing
Collaborators
Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis (ETZ), one of the largest hospitals in the Netherlands spanning over 20,000 square metres, dating back to 1982, will be undergoing a complete renovation of ETZ Elisabeth over the coming decades, as we work with Gortemaker Algra Feenstra architects to reimagine this healthcare icon.
We see that healthcare design has entered a new phase, and ETZ has aligned with this transformation in three smart ways.
First, there has been a noticeable shift in hospital design, focusing more on patient and employee comfort. Gone are the days of sterile, intimidating environments, as ETZ has prioritised creating spaces that are calming, welcoming, and supportive of the overall well-being of both patients and healthcare personnel.
Second, hospital construction is complex and spans multiple years. During construction, societal and technological developments occur, often requiring adjustments to the master plan. As we say, ‘a hospital is never finished.’ By building in phases and incorporating loose pavilion structures, ETZ can respond to insights that are yet unknown.
Third, and perhaps most crucially, is the emphasis on design that facilitates interaction and collaboration. As hospitals become increasingly specialised, with more focus on remote care and technologies to ease pressure on healthcare systems, collaboration between specialists and care partners will become even more important. ETZ has showcased this approach in the first phase of new construction at the entrance area, where acute care from multiple partners is integrated.
