Redevelopment of a university hospital campus
UZ Brussel
Like many university hospitals, the UZ Brussel campus has grown organically over the decades. Successive expansions and renovations have led to challenges such as limited space, fragmented functions, complex circulation flows, and parking issues.
Facts about the project
- UZ Brussel
- Client
- Brussels, Belgium
- Location
- 75.000 m²
- Surface area
- Verne
- Photography
A long-term vision for the campus
In close collaboration with the client and various stakeholders, Sweco developed a spatial masterplan shaping the care strategy for the coming decades. This dynamic plan addresses the urgent need to expand and restructure key facilities such as the emergency department, the entire medical-technical block, the consultation building, specialised care centres, and a new main entrance building.
The plan also optimises the interaction between these functions by restructuring logistics and visitor flows, clearly separating circulation routes. The work is being carried out in four consecutive phases over a period of twenty years. Around 20,000 m² of additional space is planned, enabling a complete reorganisation of the campus with more efficient routing.
A key principle is that specialised care centres will become recognisable, autonomous entities within a coherent whole. All this must be achieved without interrupting daily hospital operations and with minimal temporary housing needs.
Temporary oncology centre
To make room for a new medical-technical block, the original oncology centre was demolished. A temporary five-storey centre – equipped with a day hospital, consultation rooms, and radiotherapy – will accommodate activities for a period of ten years. The steel structure, clad with sandwich panels and façade grilles, connects to the consultation building, preserving internal communication lines.
Expansion of the emergency department
The existing emergency department was completely renovated and expanded with a short care unit, garages for emergency medical services, a reception area, and a triage room. The result is an integrated department with care pathways per pathology, central work areas for optimal oversight, and shorter walking distances. With over 70,000 patients annually, this is one of the largest emergency departments in Belgium. Thanks to careful phasing, the department remained fully operational throughout the works.
New medical-technical block
The expansion and renovation of the medical-technical block – including underground parking levels for day clinic and dialysis patients – will house most acute care functions. This dynamic building will include the new oncology centre, dialysis, medical imaging, intensive care, and the complete hot floor. (Completion: Q3 2025)
Landmark UZB
As the final stage of the masterplan, the ‘Landmark UZB’ will be built, featuring striking architecture and a strong visual identity. This new entrance building will combine a conference centre, offices, and sustainable design principles, serving as the new gateway to the campus. (Completion: Q4 2024)
