COMMISSION

With the new developments of the Alkmaar location of the Northwest Hospital Group, it became clear that there was a need for an urban plan for the entire surrounding area. The municipality of Alkmaar asked SEED architects in corporation with HOSPER to develop this.

CONCEPT

A BUILDING IN A HISTORIC PARK

The influence of the plans for the “North West” hospital turned out to be so large that they did not fit in the zoning plan. In addition, the first phase of the plans was a decisive factor for the subsequent phases of a long-term development that far exceeds the term of a zoning plan. It was therefore important to develop a vision that would add value to hospital and its surroundings. In collaboration with Hosper a vision was developed on the development of the area and how the hospital and environment could make use of each other’s qualities. The two special monuments on the site, the late 19th century Cadettenschool and the former nursing home “Westerlicht”, were made “independent” and were given a special location on the site. The plan shows a future in which the hospital has once again become “a building in the park” and where the park as a whole can function as a real city park.