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Erasmus Medisch Centrum

For more than 8 years, extensive efforts have been made on the new state-of-the-art university hospital with an area of 207,000 m². On the site of the existing hospital, a completely new Erasmus MC has been realized where care, research, and education come together. ABT worked as the technical designer on behalf of EGM architects bv and was responsible for construction management.

Client	EGM Architecten bv
Completion time	2009 – 2017
Market	Healthcare
Team
3 specialists

In collaboration with	EGM Architecten bv
Location	Rotterdam
Project scope	207,000 m2 bvo
Expertises
Healthy and dynamic indoor environment User comfort Future-proof and climate adaptive Energy Transition

Various functions

The new construction transformed Erasmus MC from a collection of separate buildings—connected by walkways—into a compact, efficient, and integrated hospital. The design by EGM architects is flexible, features many sustainability characteristics, and is inspired by the principles of a healing environment. The new Erasmus MC includes the following functions: clinical and outpatient facilities, extensive radiological and radiotherapeutic facilities, an operating room complex, an intensive care center, laboratories for diagnostics and research, a logistics center, and office facilities for healthcare staff and researchers.

Efficient approach

The new construction Tranche 1 was executed in phases and divided into East and West phases. There was a ‘rolling location’ on a very tight construction site, where over 10,000 m² of old building parts were demolished before the second phase of the new construction could be realized. The demolition included significant asbestos removal. Both phases were divided into multiple construction streams with their own execution organization, resulting in an efficient approach to the project. For the realization of the office tower with a height of 120 meters, a self-climbing assembly shed equipped with two built-in overhead cranes was used. Prefabricated facade elements and floor elements were transported directly from the truck to the assembly location using the overhead cranes of the assembly shed.

Addition of the Rg building

During the West phase, the Rg building was added to the main contract of the contractor. The Rg building was further developed and realized in a construction team context. Additionally, many plan changes were incorporated during the execution phase. For the larger plan changes, ‘Taskforces’ were established with the client, advisors, and contractor to achieve optimal further development and integration within the new construction process.

The new construction was realized on a compact, complex location, on the site of the existing hospital. The main entrance is located at Dr. Molewaterplein, at the corner of Zimmerman- and Wytemaweg. To build on the current location, entrances were relocated, walkways and routes were redirected, access routes for ambulances and fire trucks were adjusted, and the storage of medical gases was relocated. Throughout the entire construction period, accessibility for patients, visitors, and staff was ensured 24/7.

Building with minimal disruption

During the construction work on the new hospital, the existing hospital remained 100% operational. The goal for all parties involved was to realize the new construction with minimal disruption for patients, staff, and visitors. Noise and vibration disturbances during construction and demolition were limited to acceptable levels for the surroundings by adjusting construction methods and monitoring noise and vibration levels. The new hospital is connected to the existing hospital and the education center at various points through public traffic areas. Intensive consultations took place for the connections to the existing buildings. Good coordination and communication with all parties involved were crucial to delivering the new hospital.

Ample room for sustainability

Within the project, various aspects of sustainability have been addressed. Consider: underground heat and cold storage, heat recovery from heat-producing installations, on-site waste processing using the pharmafilter, waterless urinals in the men’s restrooms, and presence detection for lighting. Additionally, rooftop gardens with moss-sedum covering and fruit trees have been installed for delayed rainwater drainage. There is ample daylight, greenery, and a warm interior design aimed at reducing stress during a hospital visit.

In consultation with Erasmus MC, it was decided to hand over the new hospital in phases earlier. This allowed Erasmus MC to start early with further setup, necessary modifications, and the education program. Thus, a functional, full utilization of the new Erasmus MC was maximally secured four months after the total project completion.