A future-proof Women and Children’s Centre
Care for mothers and children has changed significantly in recent years. With the closure of the maternity ward in Zutphen, the pressure on Deventer Hospital has increased. In the current situation, it is often not possible for mother and child to stay together when both require intensive care. This is a missed opportunity, as a strong parent-child bond shortens hospital stays and reduces the likelihood of readmissions. To improve this care, the Women and Children’s Centre (WCC) is being renewed and expanded with a separate pavilion. This pavilion will house family-friendly suites where mother and child can stay together. Through close collaboration with the Obstetrics, Neonatology, Pediatrics, and Gynecology departments, we have designed a ward that supports not only patients but also healthcare professionals. A pleasant working environment is essential, especially in light of the increasing pressure in the healthcare sector.
Balance between existing and new
The existing hospital has a clear structure. The outpatient clinic at the front exudes flexibility. The rear building contains the more technical hospital functions such as operating rooms, intensive care, and diagnostic/treatment areas, with the wards extending like fingers into the landscape. The design of the extension is based on two core principles:
- An optimal connection between existing and new healthcare functions, allowing the entire Women and Children’s Centre to function as a single entity.
- The new building maintains distance from the hospital, preserving the existing structure and sightlines to the surrounding greenery. The pavilion stands separately from the main building and is connected by a functional corridor. This ensures that the original architectural concept of ‘fingers in the landscape’ remains intact.
Although the pavilion has its own appearance, existing design principles have been continued. Characteristic elements such as vertical window sections, the glass façade of the connecting bridge, and the V-shaped columns that lift the building above the landscape have been reused. Long corridors with doors on both sides have been avoided; instead, large windows and floor-to-ceiling interior doors create an open and bright atmosphere.
A warm and natural design
The architectural and interior design are inspired by the Deventer landscape, creating a playful, natural, and familiar environment. By incorporating wood, soft shapes, and natural colors, the interior offers a sense of calm and recognition. Familiar elements such as nurse stations and waiting areas reinforce the warm, homelike character—an intentional contrast to the often clinical appearance associated with healthcare environments. The result is a healing atmosphere for patients and families, as well as a pleasant working environment for staff.
A carefully managed construction process
The design process was developed in close collaboration with end users, ensuring that healthcare needs are fully translated into the new building. We are currently working as part of a construction team to further refine the technical design. A key consideration is that the hospital will remain fully operational during construction. This requires thoughtful planning and a phased approach. The new Women and Children’s Center is expected to be completed and operational by 2028.
