ark-shelter and archekta combine neuroscience with design to comfort patients

Warm nest provides a calming environment for recovery

Ark-shelter and ARCHEKTA showcase their expertise in creating calm environments with Warm Nest, a Maggie Center in Belgium. The healthcare facility is designed to provide a comfortable setting while patients receive cancer treatment and heal. Maggie Keswick Jencks conceptualized the Maggie Center after experiencing cancer diagnosis, treatment, remission and recurrence. Her insights were valuable in pioneering a new architectural approach to cancer care. In Warm Nest each room is specifically designed to reflect the level of intimacy and the emotions that occur within.

Ark-shelter and ARCHEKTA showcase their expertise in creating calm environments with Warm Nest

images by BoysPlayNice | @boysplaynice

architects use neuroscience to design better spaces

The design practice Ark-shelter specializes in prefabricated dwelling constructions with organic materials, dark tones and heavy glazing, exuding a sense of peace. The feelings evoked in these dwellings are what AZ Zeno wished to capture in the healing center. In the design process, Ark-Shelter teamed up with ARCHEKTA, and collaborated with a neuroscientist in order to better grasp the influence of space on the human consciousness. The task was to carefully analyze the various emotional touchpoints that occur through cancer treatment and to construct ‘brain healthy spaces’.

the healthcare facility is designed to provide a comfortable setting while patients heal

a calming and comfortable space where patients regain strength

The concept for Warm Nest is a welcoming, non-intrusive space that focuses on calm gatherings, time to regain strength, and the journey to recovery. A soft ramp leads to the entrance and almost every inch of the building has views to the outdoors. The light wood interiors coupled with abundant windows removes the hospital look and feel from the facility. A comfortable courtyard provides a serene slice of nature while protecting from the wind.

Maggie Centers pioneer a new architectural approach to cancer care

Ark-shelter specializes in prefabricated dwelling constructions with organic materials, dark tones and heavy glazing

large openings exude a sense of peace

almost every inch of the building has views to the outdoors

light wood interiors coupled with abundant windows removes the hospital look and feel from the facility

the task was to carefully construct ‘brain healthy spaces’

Ark-Shelter and ARCHEKTA consulted a neuroscientist in order to better grasp the influence of space on the human consciousness

a comfortable courtyard provides a serene slice of nature while protecting from the wind

Warm Nest is a welcoming, non-intrusive space that focuses on time to regain strength

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project info:

name: Warm Nest

studios: Ark-shelter | @ark.shelter & ARCHEKTA

authors: Viktor Mikovčák | Martin Mikovčák | Michiel De Backer

design team: Radovan Hnidka | Ondrej Vavro | Milan Ščury | Monika Balalová |Barbora Šimašková

location: Kalvekeetdijk 260, 8300 Knokke-Heist, Belgium

year of completion: 2021

client: AZ Zeno Campus, Knokke-Heist

photographer: BoysPlayNice | @boysplaynice

neuroscience consultant: Menno Cramer