Gasthuisberg Outpatient Care Centre
Gasthuisberg
Leuven
Belgium
- DETOO Architects
- AAPROG architecten
- PUUR interieurarchitecten
UZ Leuven
The university hospital UZ Leuven and the University of Leuven are jointly building the Gasthuisberg Health Sciences Campus. With the completion of the new outpatient care centre, the hospital is prepared for the increase in outpatient care.
With its five levels, this new wing, designed by POLO, DETOO Architects, AAPROG Architects and Studieburo De Klerck, is a significant expansion of the existing polyclinic. These two buildings make up the new outpatient care centre, which will bundle several hospital departments that were previously scattered across the various campuses.
Polyclinic based on practical concepts
concept 1 | sufficient daylight
Three light canyons will let natural light penetrate into the relatively closed shell. The storey-high open galleries will run from top to bottom, allowing plenty of natural light to enter on each of the five storeys. They are located in the middle of the building, forming a natural barrier between the back office section and the patient waiting rooms.
concept 2 | separate staff and patient flows
The question to establish a strict separation between circulation flows and rooms for patients and doctors has led to a rational and generic plan allowing flexible usage. The medical offices are organised around three light canyons. The result is a series of pleasant spaces bathing in natural light. The circulation of doctors and other staff members is organised via walkways in the galleries, whereas patients can reach the medical offices through a hallway on the other side.
concept 3 | generic medical offices
After careful consideration, the steering committee opted for two different types of medical offices, measuring 12 m² or 18 m². These rooms will be equipped for multiple purposes, so that they can be used for any type of consultation.
concept 4 | one stop principle
With the one stop principle, UZ Leuven wants to avoid situations where patients are invited for a consultation one day and have to come back the next day for a functional examination or a check-up.
Healing environment
With the new polyclinic, UZ Leuven is not only aiming for a more efficient patient flows and smoother internal operations. How patients feel during their visit to the hospital is at least as important. In the health sector, the term ‘healing environment’ refers to an environment that contributes to the patient’s physical, mental and social health. A pleasant setting reduces stress levels in patients.
The Outpatient Care Centre design is marked by comfort and efficiency, both for the patients and the health care professionals. The result is a situation where the best care in the best conditions is guaranteed.
