Welcoming, calming and human.
Combining thoughtful architecture with high-performance flooring, to balance wellbeing, hygiene and durability.
Designing healthcare with wellbeing in mind
Saint-Luc University Clinics
At Universitaire Klinieken Sint-Lucas in Brussels, architecture, healthcare and wellbeing come together in a campus-wide transformation. As part of the ambitious Hôpital 2025 masterplan, the new Institute of Psychiatry and the King Albert II Institute for Oncology and Haematology have been designed to redefine the patient experience through the principles of the Healing Environment.
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Designing healing environments
Designed by MODULO architects in collaboration with Gortemaker Algra Feenstra, both buildings place people at the heart of healthcare. Rather than creating purely functional medical facilities, the design teams set out to develop welcoming environments where patients, families and healthcare professionals feel supported, reassured and connected.
A patient-centred vision
The starting point for both projects was simple: create healthcare environments that contribute positively to wellbeing and recovery.
At the King Albert II Institute, outpatient consultations, day treatment, inpatient care, paediatric oncology and highly specialised medical services are brought together under one roof. This integrated approach simplifies the patient journey and creates a more coherent care experience.
The Institute of Psychiatry follows the same philosophy. Here, the design focuses on creating a safe and comfortable environment that supports recovery, dignity and human connection. Spaces are organised on a human scale, helping patients feel at ease while providing healthcare professionals with efficient and supportive workplaces.
Inspired by nature
The Saint-Luc campus is surrounded by greenery, and this connection with nature became a defining element of the architectural concept.
Large windows frame views of the landscape, while daylight penetrates deep into the buildings. Natural materials, warm finishes and carefully selected colour palettes create a calming atmosphere that contrasts with the often clinical character of traditional healthcare environments.
Within the oncology institute, each floor is inspired by elements of nature such as sky, sea and flora, helping patients and visitors intuitively navigate the building. In the paediatric oncology department, playful themes and dedicated spaces provide comfort and distraction for younger patients and their families.
At the Institute of Psychiatry, the surrounding landscape is equally important. Patient rooms and communal areas are oriented towards green views, reinforcing the connection between nature, wellbeing and recovery.
Spaces designed for comfort and care
Throughout both buildings, every design decision supports the Healing Environment philosophy. Short walking distances, intuitive wayfinding and welcoming communal spaces contribute to a calmer and more reassuring experience.
One of the most remarkable spaces is the wellbeing centre within the King Albert II Institute. Inspired by the Maggie's Centres in the United Kingdom, it offers patients, families and caregivers a warm, domestic setting where they can meet, relax and find support outside the clinical environment.
Together, these spaces demonstrate how architecture can actively contribute to comfort, emotional wellbeing and quality of care.
Flooring solutions
Flooring played a key role in translating the architectural vision into everyday experiences. Across the Saint-Luc campus, more than 37,000 m² of Forbo flooring solutions were installed to support the diverse functional and emotional needs of the healthcare environment.
Approximately 24,000 m² of Sphera homogeneous vinyl was specified for its durability, hygiene and ease of maintenance. Sarlon acoustic flooring contributes to quieter interiors, helping create calmer spaces for patients and staff.
Around 2,000 m² of Flotex was selected for areas where comfort, acoustics and a welcoming appearance were essential, combining the benefits of a textile floor with excellent hygienic performance.
Additional installations of Step safety flooring, Modul'up adhesive-free flooring and Onyx solutions ensure that every area can meet its specific performance requirements while maintaining a consistent design language throughout the campus.
Sphera homogeneous vinyl - Enegetic 52222 | shimmer lace
Flotex sheet - Calgary s290004 | menthol
A milestone in healthcare design
Together, the Institute of Psychiatry and the King Albert II Institute represent a major step forward in the transformation of Universitaire Klinieken Sint-Lucas. More than new healthcare buildings, they demonstrate how thoughtful architecture, carefully selected materials and a patient-centred vision can create environments that support healing, comfort and human connection.
The result is a healthcare campus designed not only to treat people, but also to make them feel welcome, supported and at ease.
Architects: MODULO architects & Gortemaker Algra Feenstra
Flooring company Institute of Psychiatry: Sepcco
Flooring installer King Albert II : Veldeman
Photos: Lucas van der Wee