Maastricht UMC+

Medical Instrumentation and Information Technology (MIT)

Various MIT disciplines were spread over a number of buildings and floors of Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUCM+). The goal was to physically house as many MIT employees as possible together on one floor of the main building. That has largely succeeded. Architectural firm Architecten Aan de Maas designed the interior for this. As a preferred supplier, Ahrend set up the hybrid floor in accordance with the Physical Work Environment State, government policy that creates conditions for working (together) flexibly, regardless of time, place and device. 'A nice thing about the collaboration with Ahrend was that in addition to paying attention to content and aesthetics, the implementation was also constructive and smooth.'

Hybrid design

MUMC+ is a partnership with the Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences of Maastricht University. In addition to top and top clinical patient care, scientific research, education, training and valorisation, MUMC+ also provides basic care for the city and its surroundings. To ensure that the computers, servers, systems and medical equipment always run optimally, the university hospital has its own ICT department (MIT), located in the main building. The (agile) working method, flexible services and working from home required a hybrid design.

Work- and task-oriented

Interior, colour scheme and layout have been taken from one of the atmospheric images of MUMC+. Ahrend has brought the sketches to life with functional and circular furniture. All parts and raw materials of the new furniture must remain in the chain after use in accordance with MUMC+'s sustainability requirements. John Claessens, account manager at Ahrend: 'Ahrend furniture meets this requirement. In addition, for MIT, the focus is on function in every piece of furniture and for every room. The furniture must be work- and task-oriented and support employees.'

‘'The Ahrend Qabins are always occupied'’

Richard van Bernebeek Consultant Furnishing Technology & Sustainability at Maastricht UMC

Undisturbed in Qabins

For example, the client opted for sit-stand workstations with Ahrend Balance desks and A2020 office chairs. The choice for mainly duo workplaces is also deliberate; many ICT people work together on a project. 'If more consultation is needed for this, it can be done undisturbed in the Ahrend Qabins; in a Call for online or telephone consultations or together in a Chat. If a meeting requires a more informal setting, it can be done at one of the places with soft seating, for example at the Ahrend Retreat or a Casala sofa.'

Concentrated and individual

In addition to working together, concentrated and individual work is also a requirement for MIT staff. 'This has been filled in with concentration workplaces. Part of the requirement "Physical Work Environment Rijk" are flexible landing places: desks where you can work for a shorter period of time, for example between appointments or sprint sessions. Finally, the meeting rooms: we have designed these in a hybrid way, with flexible and easily movable furniture, making the rooms multifunctional. The entire MIT department now has its own face and atmosphere, so that the MIT staff can perform their task optimally in various ways.'

Maastricht UMC+ about Ahrend

'Working from home was quite common among the MIT staff, but their work also requires on-site collaboration for certain tasks and problems. For this department, work and task-oriented spaces and workstations are important. Hybrid design and layout according to the Physical Working Environment Rijk were leading for the architect and furnisher. They have fulfilled this assignment well; the work and landing areas, meeting and concentration rooms and Ahrend Qabins are increasingly well occupied. And not unimportantly: the result is beautiful and in keeping with its surroundings.
What was pleasant about working with Ahrend was that in addition to paying attention to content and aesthetics, the implementation also went constructively and smoothly. To keep everything on track, Ahrend offered project management in addition to furniture. That worked very well.'

Richard van Bernebeek, Advisor Furnishing Technology & Sustainability at Maastricht UMC+

Photography: Stijn Poelstra