Experience design office MMEK’ is the winner of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2019, a world-renowned design prize. MMEK’ received the award for their fully integrated interior design of Europe’s largest pediatric oncology centre Princess Máxima Center. 

The interior that MMEK’ designed, helps transform the experience of healthcare for children. Space for play and interaction, and creating an environment where the child is central, are important themes. The Princess Máxima Center is a place where young patients can continue developing, despite their illness and treatment.

The medical centre commissioned MMEK’ to create the complete interior design for the new hospital building that was yet to be constructed. They felt the interior of the building should enhance people’s total experience of the care that will be provided and received at the new centre. The centre’s brand identity has been incorporated in the design of the entire hospital, including the entrance hall, treatment rooms, patient rooms, offices, and R&D departments.

MMEK’ did not start off by looking at the architectural construction, but instead the needs and wishes of its visitors. Martijn Meeske, director & co-founder of MMEK. “We’re proud to see that our reversed-design approach worked really well. We loved the challenge of being part of a process where a team of inspired people are developing a new hospital from the ground up.”

Experience-design firm MMEK’mixed activity spaces for adults and children. They created a science centre where children and their families can learn about the illness they face and the treatment they will undergo. There’s also a special hang out spot for adolescents and a café space in the lobby that is a magnet for visitors and staff alike. The hallway is designed to double as a place to explore and to stimulate the imagination of visitors. “The big idea was to provide an environment that keeps patients and guests on their toes; that encourages them to move, learn, and develop,” says Erik van Kuijk the creative director at MMEK’.

Each year, the world’s oldest independent design company, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH, organises the iF DESIGN AWARD. The competition was intense: 6,375 entries were submitted from 52 countries, all in the hope of receiving the seal of quality.

Note for the editor

Click here for a video tour through the Princess Máxima Center.

About MMEK’

MMEK’ is an experience design office based in the Pastoe Factory in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Since 2010 their multidisciplinary and multicultural team creates environments that unite architecture, interior design, and technology which leads to meaningful experiences. Projects range from designing museum exhibitions and health care centres, to brand activations and concepts for future real estate experiences.

MMEK’ has been recognised and praised for its work by German Design Award, iF Design Award, Metropolis Magazine, DesignBoom, Frame, and Dezeen, among many others. Follow the latest developments via Linkedin or MMEK.nl

About the iF DESIGN AWARD

For 66 years, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been recognised as an arbiter of quality for exceptional design. The iF label is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services, and the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the most important design awards in the world. Submissions are judged within the following disciplines: Product, Packaging, Communication and Service Design/UX, Architecture and Interior Architecture, as well as Professional Concept. All awarded entries are featured on the iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE, in the iF design app, and are displayed at the iF design exhibition Hamburg.

Experience design office MMEK’ is the winner of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2019, a world-renowned design prize. MMEK’ received the award for their fully integrated interior design of Europe’s largest pediatric oncology centre Princess Máxima Center.