In May 2018, the Princess Máxima Centre in Utrecht opened. From that point onwards, all healthcare, research and training in the Netherlands related to children with cancer is concentrated in one place.

Every year 600 children aged anywhere up to 18 are diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, the treatment options are getting better all the time and more than 75% of patients can now expect to be cured. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement. The proportion of patients cured must be raised to 100%, the side effects and late effects of treatment need to be reduced and by 2020 the Princess Máxima Centre aims to be one of the world’s top five paediatric oncology research institutes in the world.

The Princess Máxima Centre will offer development-centred healthcare. Despite their illness, young patients are still growing and it is important to encourage their cognitive, socio-emotional and motor development. This means that the hospital’s organisation, interior layout and facilities must meet high standards. MMEK’ involved all stakeholders, such as patients, parents, interest groups, healthcare professionals and building management in the design process to ensure that these standards could be fulfilled.

The brand identity of the Princess Máxima Centre is expressed in all elements of the interior. Its rooms, furniture and toys form part of an integral design. The result is a strong, harmonious design centred on patients, their families and healthcare professionals.