Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center

"The Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center adds unique features to the national health and life sciences cluster. First, it is by far the biggest concentration of cutting-edge medical imaging techniques available in Europe which enables reduced waiting lists, early diagnosis and treatment selection, as well as a better clinical treatment. Second, because of the availability of the latest innovations in diagnosis-support, radiologists and nuclear physicians are able to look with more detail into the anatomical structures and physiological, metabolic and molecular processes of the human body. This enables them to select the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. Third, a uniquely equipped lab is created to speed up medical and pharmaceutical research and cutting the costs of development of new medicines and treatments. Fourthly, a radiopharmaceutical manufacturer ensures the availability of medical isotopes. The realisation of the Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center is an essential step in the redevelopment of VUmc Campus. The Imaging Center is the first in an ensemble of buildings that will eventually enclose the entire courtyard garden. These buildings will all be linked with each other and the hospital in a coherent arrangement by means of a three-storey logistics ring. This logistics ring consists of a colonnade for visitors that encircles the courtyard, a continuous walkway that takes visitors and staff members past each of the buildings, and a logistics route below street level. The main themes for the design of the new Imaging Center are meeting, communication and cooperation. Meeting between patients, caregivers and researchers. Communication and collaboration between these groups will stimulate the development of knowledge and expertise. This creates the synergy that will ensure an world-class institution. The Imaging Center is designed specifically with the patient experience in mind. Patient flows are optimized, with fast and accurate service from the staff at the welcome desks and information desks. Waiting areas will be comfortable and pleasant for both children as adults. The facade represents the identity of the building, reacts to the context and changes its openness on each side, while it also ensures that the building behaves as one entity. The transparent facade of the Imaging Center makes the inside subtly visible. It offers an image of the building like glass photo plate, like a photo light box. The architectural appearance tells something about its interior. In addition, the facade elements form a mediator with its surroundings from the inside out. They regulate the building physical conditions (light, air, sound, sun protection) and the interaction with the outside. In this way conditions can be created that are ideal for professionals (rest and concentration) and offer the patient the opportunity to find a place where contact can be made with the outside.".