Zorg voor zorg, een tijdelijk thuis

GGZ High Intensive Care Centre, Heiloo - Redesigning Psychiatry, Mecanoo Architecten

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This project is now archived and was part of DDW24

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Embassy of Health

A dignified welcome at HIC Heiloo

Mecanoo architects

The collaboration between Redesigning Psychiatry and Mecanoo architects on the vision for the new HIC Centre in Heiloo demonstrates how thoughtful care design can support healthcare, and how soft values such as connection, diversity, and dignity can be embodied in the design.

Care for care, a temporary home

Redesigning Psychiatry places human values at the center of their future scenario for a desirable mental health care system. With a focus on restoring disturbed relationships with the body, self, others, environment, and time. Mecanoo used this vision as the foundation for their design of the High Intensive Care (HIC) clinic in Heiloo, creating a "healing environment" at all levels, from the estate to the building and interior. The pavilion is integrated into the landscape and offers a wide variety of indoor and enclosed outdoor spaces. Natural materials and colours create a warm atmosphere, making clients, staff, and visitors feel welcomed and safe. The interior 'street,' overlooking courtyard gardens, offers low-stimulation and high-stimulation areas, allowing clients to gradually expand their environment. This central street also provides space for connection and a sense of future possibilities. Throughout the design process, 'soft values' were prioritised, even when faced with difficult choices. This approach brings Redesigning Psychiatry’s vision of mental well-being to life.

Redesigning Psychiatry

Redesigning Psychiatry is an innovation network where designers, philosophers, healthcare professionals, and experts by experience come together to develop a desirable future scenario for mental healthcare and a resilient society by 2030. Alongside the scientific and philosophical foundation of a new mental healthcare concept, the designers visualize what care and support could look like from a different paradigm: new forms of support, new environments, a new language, new technology, and new connections with other sectors.