From radiotherapy to CBOI: adaptive, high-quality architecture
The design of radiotherapy spaces goes beyond merely creating a safe environment. Care for patients and their experience is paramount. Views, natural daylight, the use of natural materials and a green setting establish a pleasant atmosphere and contribute to wellbeing.
View the entire project
Creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for both patients and staff was a central focus in the redevelopment of the Radiotherapy Department at UMC Utrecht. The reception area, waiting rooms and workspaces are intertwined with the landscape; large windows seamlessly connect the interior with the outdoors. The entrance hall, lecture room on the upper floor, and green courtyard together form the heart of the building, offering a warm and inviting ambience.
Green landscape and connection
The architecture seeks to maximise its relationship with the outdoors. Abundant daylight, views over greenery and the use of natural materials provide a pleasant atmosphere and help support recovery. The interior space extends into the surrounding landscape, allowing patients and staff to feel connected with the tranquillity and the changing seasons outside.
Flexibility and future-proofing
The Radiotherapy Department is in a state of continuous development. With ground-breaking research and innovative techniques in ICT, radiation and imaging, the building has undergone several extensions since the first completion in 1989. Thanks to the long-term collaboration with UMC Utrecht, the second expansion not only addressed increased capacity, but above all provided a high-quality and future-oriented addition.
Experience and comfort
The building consists of two wings with staff facilities, connected by a largely transparent volume with circulation areas and educational spaces. Every detail has been carefully considered in the design of the waiting area: a light, open space with views of the courtyard offers patients both calm and comfort. The robust radiotherapy rooms on the ground floor, just like the older adjacent spaces, have concrete walls 2.5 metres thick to ensure safety.
Innovation and expertise
With the addition of the Centre for Image-Guided Oncological Interventions (CBOI), a third high-quality extension has been realised. Here, radiotherapy and MRI scanning technology combine to provide pioneering treatment methods that attract international attention. The CBOI houses five ultra-modern radiotherapy rooms, treatment rooms, a reception hall, teaching facilities and staff areas. The new radiotherapy rooms include MRI-LINACs, enabling leading image-guided cancer treatment.
Healing environment
The architectural design ties in with the existing hospital complex, but stands out through its organic shapes and the use of natural materials. Large windows, gentle forms and contact with green surroundings bring both light and vibrancy to the interior spaces. In this way, a Healing Environment is created where patients feel recognised and at ease.