Alexander Monro: A cozy and friendly hospital for breast cancer patients by Casper Schwarz-C4ID.

Nothing can ease the process of going through treatment for breast cancer but a hospital designed with deep empathy at least can make it a little more bearable for sure. That is what Casper Schwarz from the C4ID Interieurarchitecten studio thought when he projected the new interior for the Dutch hospital Alexander Monro which is specialised in these types of cancers.

Starting from the main entrance, Casper Schwarz devised a welcome zone that instead of being intimidating is warm and friendly, since the very first delicate moment of the process is when the patient definitely faces the illness the first day of treatment at hospital. The wide hall and cafe are presided over by a homely fireplace and decorated with domestic pieces of furniture, almost more like a home setting than a hospital.

Karim Rashid’s Float sofas from the Spanish firm Sancal are the star of the room. The funishing and lighting list also includes pieces from established firms such as Arper, mobles114, Globezero4, Arco, B&B Italia, Gervasoni and Foscarini.

The patients’s rooms seem more like the ones you would find in a hotel. They hold an abundance of details, and are intimate in their design, creating a private and agreeable stay for the patients. Without doubt the most important touch is the inclusion of a double bed so that their partners can stay overnight.

On top, the consulting rooms have been decorated with large graphic elements inspired by strong female figures famous for their courage, such as the scientist Marie Curie, the anthropologist Jane Goodall and the artist Frida Kahlo.

 

Photos: Han Nooijen