Psychiatric Clinic - Radboud University Medical Center

After twenty-five years, the clinic of the psychiatry ward of Radboudumc in Nijmegen was outdated and no longer corresponded to the newest insights in the field of clinical psychiatric care. Inspired by ambition, Radboudumc decided to transform the existing building into a modern psychiatric ward. The is completely based on the principles of a Healing Environment, in which extensive use was made of the knowledge of Evidence Based Design. 

Psychiatric care with a wellness-like quality
The existing building is carefully renovated, transforming the outdated clinic into an innovative, psychiatric care environment for patients with complex psychiatric and physical conditions. The healing environment gives the clinic a wellness-like quality that fully contributes to the health and recovery of a vulnerable patient group, offering professionals an optimal, safe and smart working environment.

The clinic contains 27 single-patient rooms with private bathroom and ‘rooming-in’ facilities; an open and closed department that offers High & Intensive Care, each with its own living, dining and outdoor space; a central reception area with desk and supporting service spaces; flexible workspaces for staff; and space for mother and child.

Homely and safe
The design of the clinic focuses on atmosphere and perception. Careful renovation transformed the sombre clinic into a homely, clearly organized, safe environment full of character and with plenty of daylight and views, a comfortable interior with various gradations of privacy.

Healing environment
Natural and artificial illumination, views, layout, greenery and gradations of privacy create a Healing Environment indoors. Spaces with character stimulate encounters and interaction, allowing patients to retreat into their rooms, and providing space where family members can sleep. Healing Gardens ensure inspiration, encounters, rest and movement. Natural materials create a healing environment indoors, benefitting the wellbeing of patients and staff.

Autonomy and independence
A clear structure, short operating lines and innovative safety techniques such as a track and trace system and individually adjustable electronic ‘hotel locks’ on the doors of patient rooms create maximum safety, efficient working procedures, and enhanced autonomy and independence.

Non-traditional and innovative
The academic clinic treats patients with complex psychiatric and physical disorders. This unique combination makes Radboudumc the first Dutch hospital with a High & Intensive Care (HIC). The design breaks with tradition: in psychiatric care, it is innovative to focus not only on functionality but also on atmosphere and perception. It appeals to the imagination and has generated interest nationally and internationally.

EGM

Interior design: Suzanne Holtz Studio, the Netherlands
Garden design: Copijn tuin- en landschapsarchitecten, the Netherlands