The new central hall connects all these entrances together into a continuous route from the Lijnbaan side to the Westeinde side. By shifting this hall to the focal point of the stairwells, the elevators will become much more accessible.
Central Hall
The new central hall offers the possibility of linear expansion in the direction of the current parking area, so that future construction can also be logically connected to the main structure of the hospital. This main axis of the hospital then runs parallel to the Westeinde. The new main entrance on the Westeinde side connects much better to the parking area and is also much more visible, significantly improving the hospital’s accessibility. The hall includes space for public functions such as dining facilities, hospital shops, and counters.
The new hall features glass facades and a slanting metal roof. To limit the amount of light and sun exposure, the longitudinal facade is covered with a folded metal plate cladding that floats between the lower and upper glass portions. This metal plate cladding transitions into frosted glass cladding around the corner at the entrance facade (front facade). The upper strip of glass is equipped with horizontal aluminum louvers for sun shading. This intricate and delicate architecture harmonizes well with the grandeur of the Hofje van Nieuwkoop. In this manner, the Hofje finds a modern counterpart, separated by a newly created green intermediate space. This creates a better balance in the spatial dynamics of the area, where the robust concrete construction of the Westeinde Hospital still largely prevails.
