Embracing Change in Healthcare

At PC CARITAS, change is not just inevitable; it’s essential. As healthcare evolves, so must the campus that houses it. The architects at architecten de vylder vinck taillieu recognize the need for a responsive environment, one that adapts to shifting care paradigms while honoring the legacy of the campus. Each alteration to the campus reflects a deep understanding of its past, present, and future.

Reimagining Campus Identity

The campus of PC CARITAS embodies a unique identity, characterized by diverse buildings nestled amidst greenery. However, recent additions seem to overlook this distinctiveness, failing to integrate seamlessly with the existing fabric. This disconnect prompts a critical examination of how new structures can coexist harmoniously with their surroundings, paying homage to the campus’s rich history.

Transforming Tradition: The Case of Jozef

Jozef, a beloved building on campus, faces the inevitable reality of retirement. Rather than viewing this as the end, architects see it as an opportunity for reinvention. Instead of demolishing Jozef to make way for a square, they propose a radical transformation that honors its heritage while embracing the future. By reimagining Jozef as an open, flexible space, they preserve its essence while accommodating evolving care needs.

The Concept of Encounter

Central to the redesign is the idea of encounter—a space that fosters meaningful interactions among patients, caregivers, and visitors. Rather than simply creating a square, architects envision a dynamic environment where encounters take various forms. This multifaceted approach ensures that the redesigned space serves diverse needs and preferences, nurturing a sense of community and connection.

Rediscovering Loggias: Bridging Past and Present

The loggias, iconic features of the campus’s historic buildings, serve as symbolic gateways between the intimate interior and the expansive outdoors. Architects propose expanding and reinterpreting these loggias, imbuing them with new significance. By enlarging and duplicating them, Jozef transforms into a welcoming space that blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, past and present.

Embracing Ambition: Charting a New Path for Care

PC CARITAS’s transformation embodies a bold ambition—to redefine care in a way that honors tradition while embracing innovation. By leveraging the existing context and reinterpreting familiar elements, architects chart a new path forward—one that is unexpected yet rooted in the fundamental principles of care. This approach ensures that PC CARITAS remains not just a healthcare facility but a beacon of compassion and creativity.