An international hub for robotic surgery
ORSI Academy
Located in Melle, Belgium, ORSI Academy is Europe’s largest training centre where surgeons and medical teams master robotic surgery techniques. The centre brings together expertise, advanced technology and an inspiring learning environment to ensure safer and more efficient surgical procedures.
Facts about the project
Project facts
- ORSI non-profit
- Client
- Melle
- Location
A forward-looking project
Sweco designed a completely new training complex with four clusters of operating labs, meeting rooms, a restaurant and an auditorium for 120 people. The building provides a professional yet welcoming environment where knowledge development takes centre stage.
Why robotic surgery makes such a difference
In robotic surgery, a surgeon performs a laparoscopic procedure using a robot capable of extremely precise movements. The surgeon controls the system from a console offering a three-dimensional view of the surgical field.
This method offers clear benefits for patients:
- fewer complications
- faster recovery
- smaller scars
- shorter hospital stays
Robotic surgery is now widely used in urology, gynaecology, neurosurgery and orthopaedics.
A campus where technology and well-being come together
Sweco’s design team created a recognisable and inviting environment. The intention was to create a campus with a hotel-like atmosphere: lounges, relaxation areas and a restaurant that offers tranquillity within a high-tech setting.
Connection with nature
Although the building is located next to a busy motorway, the interior benefits from maximum daylight and unobstructed views of the surrounding nature. Large glazed surfaces reinforce the feeling of openness. Terraces, a pond and green zones promote both mental and physical well-being for visitors and staff.
Smart spatial concept
- Public areas overlook the green surroundings.
- The auditorium is completely shielded from road noise.
- The operating labs are located at the rear of the site and visually connected through transparent glass walls.
- Offices and meeting rooms on the upper floor offer open views of the landscape.
In addition, the building is nearly energy-neutral thanks to an optimised building envelope and solar panels.
Growth and future expansion
Robotic surgery is evolving rapidly. New players and technologies are driving a growing need for specialised training. ORSI Academy is therefore already planning further expansions of the campus to meet this increasing demand.
The story behind ORSI Academy
ORSI Academy was founded in 2010 as a spin-off of the OLV Hospital in Aalst, supported by the Flemish Government, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Vattikutti Foundation and Ghent University. In collaboration with the universities of Ghent and Leuven, the centre grew into an important European reference for robotic surgery training.
Since 2016, ORSI has operated as an independent organisation under the name ORSI Academy. With its five robots, it became the largest robotic-surgery training centre in the world.