Utrecht, the Netherlands, 19 March 2019– Experience design office MMEK’ is the winner of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2019, a world-renowned design prize. MMEK’ received the award for their fully integrated interior design of Europe’s largest pediatric oncology centre Princess Máxima Center.

The interior that MMEK’ designed, helps transform the experience of healthcare for children. Space for play and interaction, and creating an environment where the child is central, are important themes. The Princess Máxima Center is a place where young patients can continue developing, despite their illness and treatment.

The medical centre commissioned MMEK’ to create the complete interior design for the new hospital building that was yet to be constructed. They felt the interior of the building should enhance people’s total experience of the care that will be provided and received at the new centre. The centre’s brand identity has been incorporated in the design of the entire hospital, including the entrance hall, treatment rooms, patient rooms, offices, and R&D departments. 

MMEK’ did not start off by looking at the architectural construction, but instead the needs and wishes of its visitors. Martijn Meeske, director & co-founder of MMEK. “We’re proud to see that our reversed-design approach worked really well. We loved the challenge of being part of a process where a team of inspired people are developing a new hospital from the ground up.”

Experience-design firm MMEK’mixed activity spaces for adults and children. They created a science centre where children and their families can learn about the illness they face and the treatment they will undergo. There’s also a special hang out spot for adolescents, and a café space in the lobby that is a magnet for visitors and staff alike. The hallway is designed to double as a place to explore and to stimulate the imagination of visitors. “The big idea was to provide an environment that keeps patients and guests on their toes; that encourages them to move, learn, and develop” says Erik van Kuijk the creative director at MMEK’.

Each year, the world’s oldest independent design company, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH, organises the iF DESIGN AWARD. The competition was intense: 6,375 entries were submitted from 52 countries, all in the hope of receiving the seal of quality.