Science and practice form the foundation of the research at Gortemaker Algra Feenstra. Design-driven research helps us gain more knowledge about topics we frequently encounter in our work. Under the motto: “If we understand how it works, we can design it”, we distinguish ourselves as a firm. What makes us unique is that, in addition to our concrete project assignments, we engage in intensive research.
Thanks to science and research, our knowledge grows about how environmental factors and spatial experiences influence users. These insights are an essential part of our design-driven research. We work independently on research questions because we believe it is important to maintain an open, fresh, and forward-thinking perspective within our field, separate from our assignments. Our approach requires an integrated perspective, which is why we frequently collaborate with various disciplines and partners. Research enables us to continuously innovate in our projects, as we directly apply the knowledge we acquire for our clients.
Innovation is not only crucial in our research and projects but also within our firm. We are constantly seeking fresh perspectives and renewal. That is why, at the beginning of this year, we decided it was the right time to expand our management team. A few weeks ago, we proudly announced that Ellen Gedopt has joined as the new Architect | Director of our firm. Her promotion aligns with our tradition of appointing a new architect-director every decade to bring a fresh perspective to architectural developments.
Further on in this Bi-Annual, we will share more about the changes we have made within our organization. As the world around us evolves, it is essential that we continue to develop ourselves in these changing circumstances.
Roelof, Maurits, Femke & Ellen
Architecture — Design research in practice
Research Reactivating Hospital, Diakonessenhuis, Zeist
Research sensory design, Residential Care Center Zierik7, Zierikzee
Research BijOns, Archipel Zorggroep Eindhoven (i.c.w. UKON and Radboud University)
Gortemaker
Algra Feenstra is involved in various studies aimed at promoting health. Our designs are based on scientific insights, available knowledge, and principles from environmental psychology.
In 2015, we started researching how to activate patients in hospitals. We discovered that hospitals often focus on illness, beds, and waiting, leading to a passive attitude among patients. Why do we treat patients so passively? Can the spatial environment contribute to “reactivating” patients?
With the concept of the “Reactivating Hospital,” we aim to offer patients a more active stay by designing environments that encourage movement and independence. Spatial interventions promote health during and after hospitalization. Rather than introducing new activities, we stimulate daily, unconscious movements through a new spatial concept.
In Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, we applied these principles to the Geriatrics and Oncology departments, focusing on movement, relaxation, and nutrition. This promotes patient recovery,
supports healthcare staff, and prevents functional and muscle decline.
Patients engage in daily activities they would do at home, such as eating in the common dining area and dressing themselves. When possible, they only stay in bed to sleep or rest. Nurses assist only when patients cannot perform tasks themselves.
This approach led to a completely new design: open kitchens where patients can take or prepare food with a nutritionist, various areas outside the patient rooms for patients and visitors, listening areas, workspaces, play corners, and reading nooks. In the oncology lounge, patients receive chemotherapy outside of bed. There is also a wellness bath and movement area for both departments, as well as an experience and exercise garden where patients can go outside to move and enjoy nature.
The results are positive: patients and visitors enjoy dining together in the department restaurant. There is more movement, which promotes well-being, and patients spend more time out of bed, increasing their activity levels. The personal daily schedule provides structure, and the experience and exercise garden is highly valued by both patients and visitors.
In a similar way, we applied the Evidence-Based Design (EBD) method at Zierik7 in Zierikzee to create an optimal living environment residents with somatic care needs and residents with dementia. The long-
term care residences are designed with both a front door leading outside and an internal door, enhancing accessibility and promoting residents’ autonomy. Smart home technology (domotics) supports a balance between independence and safety. The building features various routes that encourage residents to explore while also aiding their orientation, both towards their own home and within the communal spaces.
The research project “The Art and Science of Dementia Care” preceded this project. In this study, we explored how people with dementia navigate a built
Reactivating Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem
environment, which elements are recognizable, and how they move through space. How much freedom and autonomy can a design offer while ensuring the safety of a protective environment?
At Zierik7, residents can independently step outside through their front door when possible and enjoy the sun together with other residents or relatives. The rest of the house is accessible through the back door. A key aspect is that every movement space has direct access to daylight. The studios and communal spaces all feature recognizable points on the exterior to help residents orient themselves. The studios include alcoves with personal belongings. The communal spaces have themes, such as a garden room and a music room, designed to match the interests of the residents, and these are visible
in the hallways. The landscape design offers various gardens and walking routes that encourage residents to move and choose their own paths. Together, these elements contribute to enhancing the wellbeing of residents in their daily lives.
Through evaluations, we have gained insights into the functioning of the concept. These evaluations showed that the working method and the building concept are not yet fully aligned. Together with Zierik7, we are working within the “Bij Ons” research project to improve the integration of the building and care concept. The organization is already working hard on transforming the care concept into socio-therapeutic living environments that align well with the spatial concept of Zierik7. However, the connection to the neighborhood has already been optimally utilized. For example, the nearby elementary school has its school gardens in the garden of Zierik7, where children and residents garden together.
From projects such as Rijnstate and Zierik7, we have learned that integrating elements that encourage movement, social interaction, and independence contributes to an improved care experience and well-being. As designers and researchers, we hope to contribute to the quality of life in this way.
Residential Care Center Zierik7
Meeting spaces with different themes, Residential Care Center Zierik7
G.A.F. wins the EHD Champions Award
The design for Zierik7 has won the European Healthcare Design Champions Award 2025 in the Health and Wellness category. Zierik7 has been named the best healthcare project of the decade!
Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
Research — Spotlight on research
*see back page for source reference
1. Reactivating hospital Research on how spatial interventions contribute to the 'reactivation' of patients, aiming for a more active hospital stay and promoting health during and after hospitalization. Published in HERD.
2. A home for all the senses
A argument for a more humanfriendly design of psychiatric clinics, focusing on the senses and movement as central elements in the research.
3. Art and science of dementia care How do the senses of people with dementia function, and how can we use their sensory experiences to stimulate movement and orientation?
4. Dutch Design Week 2018
Through the Carebnb game, visitors gain insight into a caregiving concept for people who, after hospitalization, have a temporary light care need.
5. EBD research Zierik7
The research provides insight into how residents use and experience the concept. What has the concept contributed
to the autonomy and selfsufficiency of residents and to the working environment of caregivers?
6. ROUTE 53: Adaptive dyke
A future scenario for the IJsseldyke, focusing on more than just safety, with the aim of revaluing the experience and historical value.
7. Dutch Design Week 2019 Through the dioramas of Up Close & Personal, visitors get a glimpse into various scenarios that highlight the future of care and the changing role of hospitals.
8. Competency-based education Research on the spatial changes in learning environments that are becoming more flexible, virtual, and public due to the increasing focus on practical application.
9. Bij Ons A design method to co-create a tangible housing vision for specific resident groups, together with residents, their families, and care providers, helping to adjust the physical environment with tools like workshop boxes.
10. Open the last door A study on spatial alternatives to seclusion. How can the environment within a psychiatric ward contribute to reducing forced seclusions? By offering patients more choices in spaces where safety, autonomy, and freedom of movement are prioritized. This research has contributed to the development of the new field standard for the EBK (extra secure room).
11. The school example An ongoing study aimed at creating a future-oriented learning environment, both inside and outside the school. It seeks to provide more time and space for the individual needs of students, teachers, and parents. A place where movement, nature, and culture play a role, giving children the opportunity to explore the world and develop their talents.
12. Dutch Design Week 2023 A workshop focused on designing healthcare environments, where different users (residents, informal caregivers, healthcare professionals, and designers) engaged in discussions for interdisciplinary collaboration. This resulted in various design solutions reflecting the challenges of balancing different values in healthcare institutions.
13. Streamer A study on the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for energy-efficient construction in the early design phase of hospitals. Many hospitals consume above-average amounts of energy for both the building and the organization. Therefore, they aim for significant energy savings in the coming years to operate more sustainably and future-proof.
14. CareBNB The caregiving concept is a reliable accommodation in your neighborhood where you temporarily live, and the caregivers are the ‘neighbors.’ The concept is focused on supporting people who, after a hospital treatment or rehabilitation, temporarily have light care needs and are unable to return to their own living environment.
15. Built Water Research on the water resilience of old neighborhoods. Solving water-related issues in these areas presents an opportunity for social improvement. For example, an unused courtyard that frequently floods can be transformed into a pleasant space where residents meet, through a combination of interventions such as green façades, infiltration crates, and permeable paving.
16. Future hospitals; Maia The research involves an advanced healthcare system where technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are used to actively engage patients in choosing the best care locations based on their clinical and emotional needs. Maia, an AI assistant, plays a central role by helping patients find optimal care settings, ranging from home to specialized medical centers.
17. Polyclinics of the future Changes in healthcare, shortages of care personnel, and the rise of E-health are driving necessary transformations in outpatient care. In the research Polyclinic of the Future, we explore how the spatial environment is or can be influenced by these changes.
18. Small hospital, big idea A generic hospital concept that represents a new way of thinking, where the hospital is not just seen as a place of illness, but rather as a ‘home’ of healing, promoted through movement and thus health. Generic building components can be configured in various ways to provide the right hospital for each location
NEW RESEARCH
ZEBAI-project The research focuses on designing climate-neutral buildings using artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to optimize energy efficiency, environmental impact, indoor climate, and costs through an integrated approach. The innovation lies in the combination of AI, scalable applications, and a comprehensive methodology that takes sustainable building to the next level.
News — Over & Weer wins Woonzorgchallenge
We are extremely proud that our concept ‘Over & Weer’ has won the Woonzorgchallenge! Together with an amazing team of designers, specialists, and researchers, we have developed ‘Over & Weer’ as a new vision that promotes social connections and interaction beyond physical building blocks; it focuses on social cohesion and the long-term wellbeing of residents.
Building the future together
The Woonzorgchallenge is an initiative of the Dutch government that focuses on innovative housing and care concepts for the elderly. In this unique co-creation process, we worked together with residents, housing corporation Staedion, care provider Middin, and the municipality of The Hague to develop a new housing and care concept for a residential building on Beresteinlaan in The Hague South West. The complex consists of 74 independent apartments for seniors and Middin’s residential location
with three living groups for people with intellectual disabilities.
Due to aging demographics, the need for housing solutions that support the independence and well-being of the elderly is growing. With “Over & Weer,” we provide an answer to this increasing care demand by creating a safe and social living environment where seniors can live independently for longer. The team focuses on a shift from care to health, from individualism to “everyone involved,” and a combination of short- and long-term solutions.
The location offers great potential, but residents currently live alongside each other without much interaction. “Over & Weer” focuses on social cohesion and long-term well-being on three levels: between residents, between residents and their environment, and between residents and (care) organizations. The concept consists of the following
three dimensions: Living together: Encourages the strength and selfreliance of residents by encouraging and supporting them in cohabitation and communal living. This requires a program that allows for both planned and spontaneous encounters to create a vital community. Healthy living: The physical dimension includes routes and spaces that are crucial for connecting residents with the neighborhood and integrating the Middin groups. Spaces are attractively designed, where people can walk but also spend time. Living with care: The organizational dimension fosters the connection between residents and organizations, as well as between the organizations themselves. This requires an integrated business case and new roles, such as
a (home) coach who helps residents live independently longer and comaintain the community.
With this approach, a sustainable, dementia-friendly living care environment is created where residents are optimally supported. We have already started with the Samenwerkchallenge and look forward to further developing this vision!
Over & Weer consists of: Femke Feenstra, Tess Maas, Rozemarijn Peeters (G.A.F.), Laura Koenen (Studio Laura Koenen), Froukje van der Klundert (PosadMaxwan), Hanneke Noordam (Vilans), Elke Miedema (Hogeschool Inholland), and Clementine Mol (architectural doctor).
Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
In conversation with —
ANOUK MATSER
How can a nursing home be designed to truly feel like home for its residents? With the ‘Bij Ons’ (with us) project, care teams learn how to achieve this together with residents and their families. This research was conducted with various partners, including Anouk Matser, a healthcare psychologist at Archipel. Today, Femke Feenstra speaks with her about this process.
FF: We have been working together on ‘Bij Ons’ for a long time. How did the idea originate, and where does the name come from?
AM: The process began with research into socio-therapeutic living environments in collaboration with Radboud University. With funding from the Creative Industries Fund, we engaged architects and interior designers in discussions on creating environments better suited to residents’ needs. During these research discussions, a caregiver—the spouse of one of our residents—came up with the name ‘Bij Ons.’ The idea was immediately embraced because it perfectly aligned with our vision of resident and family participation. The name suggests a sense of home.
That sounds wonderful. ‘Bij Ons’ indeed evokes a sense of community. How important is it for you that residents feel at home?
Healthcare psychologist Anouk Matser
It is essential. For many residents, moving into a care facility is an experience of loss. They often can no longer live with their partner and have to leave behind many of their belongings. That’s why it is crucial that they feel at home with us. Their last move should be a positive experience.
As designers, we have also considered how to create an environment that is both calming and stimulating, depending on residents’ needs. Can you tell us more about the sociotherapeutic concept you developed?
In 2005, we started differentiating residents based on their need for stimuli and social interaction, which led to living environments tailored to individual needs. We researched which elements were essential for this and how we could further develop them.
What challenges did you encounter during this process?
One of the biggest challenges was bringing together different perspectives and expertise. We had to invest a lot of time and energy in bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and designers. But ultimately, this resulted in a beautiful and coherent final product.
Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
What challenges did you encounter during this process?
The impact of the environment on residents’ well-being is a crucial aspect of my role as a psychologist in the nursing home. I was involved in developing socio-therapeutic living environments and helped integrate research findings into practice.
What is the most important lesson you have learned from this project?
That the environment has a significant impact on residents’ behavior and well-being. Small adjustments, such as placing chairs in daylight or creating movement routes, can make a big difference. It’s about designing an environment that stimulates and comforts residents according to their individual needs.
Fascinating to see how small details make a big difference in creating a homely atmosphere. How did you incorporate residents’ needs and wishes into the design process?
First, we had extensive conversations with residents and their families to understand what was important to them. We also gathered feedback from healthcare professionals and visited other care facilities to learn from their experiences. This helped us create an environment that truly meets the needs and wishes of our residents.
How do the different living environments you created differ from each other?
We developed various living environments tailored to residents’ individual needs. Each person is different, and what works for one resident may not work for another. For residents who need more stimuli and social interaction, we designed lively, colorful communal spaces with plenty of opportunities for engagement. For residents who require more peace, there are calm spaces with soft colors and fewer visual stimuli. We also provided a variety of seating options and walking routes to facilitate both movement and relaxation.
Caregivers play an essential role in residents’ well-being. How did you incorporate their input into the design?
Absolutely, we organized workshops and interviews where caregivers shared their experiences and suggestions, which were invaluable. A key insight was the need for spaces where caregivers and residents could spend time together in a homely atmosphere. This led to the creation of cozy seating areas and family rooms that offer privacy and comfort. We also ensured clear signage and accessible facilities to make visiting as easy as possible for caregivers.
How important is technology in this concept?
Technology plays an increasingly important role in our care environment. We have implemented various technological solutions
that enhance residents’ well-being and safety. For example, we use sensors and home automation to monitor residents’ movements without infringing on their privacy. This helps us respond quickly in emergencies. We also provide interactive screens and tablets to stimulate and entertain residents and offer digital communication tools to make it easier for family members to stay in touch, especially those who live far away.
How do you ensure that residents’ personal preferences and individuality are respected within the ‘Bij Ons’ concept?
The ‘Bij Ons’ concept places great importance on respecting residents’ personal preferences and individuality. During the intake process, we thoroughly discuss each new resident’s life history, interests, and preferences. We use this information to personalize their living environment, such as allowing them to bring their own furniture and decorations. Additionally, we offer a wide range of activities and programs that cater to diverse interests, ensuring that everyone finds something that makes them feel at home.
Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
Development — Knowledge and expertise
Continuous knowledge development is important to our firm. We want to ensure that all our employees have access to this knowledge. In addition to our role as architects, we also have an active research group within the firm that focuses on various research projects under the motto: “If we know how it works, we can design it.”
Currently, we are documenting our research findings in concise publications that are easily accessible to all our colleagues. In this way, we ensure that acquired knowledge is available and can be applied to
ongoing and future projects (see ‘Spotlight on research’).
In addition to these studies, several employees have completed a course in Environmental Psychology. To share this knowledge within the agency, we have developed an online learning module. Through this learning module, employees understand how the interaction between people and their environment contributes to the well-being of users. With this knowledge, we can guide our clients in making specific design decisions.
Lunchlecture by SILO creative Agency
environmental psychology
Materials with different colors and textures
The “Bij Ons Boxes” (see ‘In conversation with’) were developed to support designers and care teams in co-creating a tangible housing vision together with residents and their families. These boxes emerged from the “design-lab method” that we have been using with our clients for many years.
The workshop boxes used in this method were due for an update. They have been made more specific for different target groups, expanded, and redesigned to ensure that we can co-create new and surprising concepts with our clients.
Word cards
Image cards
Reference cards
Color cards
In the office — About us
Our office has undergone a number of important changes. Changes that bring new energy.
We are proud to welcome Ellen Gedopt as our new Architect | Director. Ellen brings a sharp design vision, strong social involvement, and international experience. Her appointment aligns with our tradition of enriching the firm every ten years with a fresh perspective.
Pim IJsendoorn has also taken on an important new role within our firm. Since January, he has been appointed as Managing Director. Pim has quickly demonstrated that his broad international experience and strategic insight make him a valuable addition to our team.
Martjan den Hoed has a new role within the management team: Director of Information & Innovation. With his analytical perspective and years of experience, he strengthens our knowledge base and helps further integrate innovative
design strategies and digital transformations.
As Business Developer, Constance Pope-Verkerk focuses on strengthening our business position and expanding our network, both nationally and internationally. With this reinforcement in leadership, we continue to work on innovative designs and inspiring collaborations.
In addition to these significant changes, we bid farewell to a colleague who was a constant presence within our firm for no less than 25 years: Senior Architect Rien Trouborst. In his career, Rien not only realized beautiful projects such as the Goudse Waarden, Óscar Romerocollege, Zierik7, and Deventer Hospital, but he also inspired many of us with his patience, expertise, and humor. We said goodbye to Rien at a fitting location: his last project, the Goudse Waarden. Now that he is retiring, we wish him much enjoyment in his new adventures.
The new management team of G.A.F.
Rien Trouborst as a model in his own project, Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam
Constance Pope-Verkerk
Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
COLOPHON
Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
Wilhelminakade 310
Postbus 51113
3007 GC Rotterdam
The Netherlands
+31 10 297 3030
Havenlaan 86C bus 203
1000 Brussels
Belgium
+32 23 72 33 31
info@gaf.eu www.gaf.eu
Editor
Femke Feenstra
Merel Heeris
Claudia Briggeman
Design
Merel Heeris
Claudia Briggeman
Photography
Ronald Tilleman
Federico Castelli
Corporate identity
Jim Jansen
Print
G.B. ‘t Hooft -
Rotterdam
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Subsidy: The European Union / Horizon 2020 | Collaboration: 20 international partners from 7 countries, including hospitals and research institutions | Duration: 2014-2018
Subsidy: Creative Industries Fund | Client: City of Rotterdam, BNA, Hoogheemraadschap Delfland, Havensteder, Evides | Collaboration: with 8 Rotterdambased architecture firms | Duration: 2016 - 2017
16. Future hospital; Maia
Collaboration: Developed by Gortemaker Algra Feenstra, Johan van der Zwart, Nirit Pilosof, Andrea Möhn for the Wolfson Economics Prize 2021 | Presentations: European Health Property Network 2023, University of Stavanger 2023, European Health Design 2024 | Duration: 2021 - present
17. Polyclinics of the future
Development: Developed by Gortemaker Algra Feenstra | Duration: 2022 - 2024
18. Small hospital, big idea
Client: Kaiser Permanente | Collaboration: Fernando Donis | Duration: 2010 - 20111
This index has been carefully compiled, but it is possible that some information is inaccurately displayed or missing.
