Hof ten Bos – Eating Disorder Clinic 

Eating disorders are often overlooked, with only 6% of affected individuals being underweight, making the condition largely invisible. Many patients struggle to find appropriate treatment spaces, frequently ending up in psychiatric hospitals where they feel out of place. Moreover, there is a notable shortage of specialized centers for eating disorders. My ambition is to create a supportive environment by repurposing the modernist Hof ten Bos in Brasschaat, a former children’s sanatorium.

The foundation of my design is to create a home-like environment for people with eating disorders, integrating essential care functions. Key elements include contact with nature, permeable transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, natural light, and a sense of security. This work also attempts to redefine mental health facilities’ pattern. The design features a new organizational structure with alternating open/public and closed/private spaces, breaking the linear corridor layout. Integrated functions like group, individual, and physical therapy promote recovery. Research highlights that well-designed spaces improve satisfaction, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality, emphasizing patient-centered care and social engagement.

By dividing the building into zones transitioning from public to private, and leveraging the structure of Hof ten Bos, we achieve this with minimal interventions, respecting the heritage. This strategy narrows the gap between living and care, forming a new care model balancing the patient, their environment, and their care. This project demonstrates that carefully considered spatial interior interventions can support complex healthcare needs and stimulate healthcare institutions towards innovation.