Do you know the Mussel Bench

The Mussel bench was conceived on the edge of Scheveningen (which features in the famous Dutch children’s song Do you know the mussel man) where our office is located. But it stands somewhere where the real mussel men are: Zeeland!
 
Next step
The placement of these seating elements in the new interior marks a new step in the progress of phase one of the revitalisation of the Admiraal De Ruyter Hospital in Vlissingen. With this, the new entrance building welcomed the public on Monday 15 August.

The character of Zeeland province
Atelier PRO designed both the architecture and interior of the hospital. For visitors, the waiting process, often in stressful circumstances, becomes more pleasant in the new atrium thanks to its spaciousness, finishing and layout. This lounge-like space is light, has green views and visitors can wait on the striking seats – the Mussel benches. With mussels being a symbol of the province of Zeeland, the design couldn’t have been more local. This strong regional character is also reflected in the colour palette, materials and forms of the interior as a whole. The freestanding seating elements are designed by atelier PRO in collaboration with Weststrate (office service supplier) from Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland.

New entrance building
The new entrance building structures the logistics of the hospital immensely and gives coherence, thereby promoting good wayfinding and a sense of calm.  
During phase one, the north side of the Admiraal de Ruyter Hospital also gains a completely new identity. The disorganised and cluttered paved entry area will be replaced by a calm, green courtyard with vehicular access to the main entrance allowed only for visitors in emergency circumstances.   

Phase one is scheduled to be completed at the end of the year. Phase two follows on incorporating the renovation of the south section and construction of the new parking lane. 

For more information about the Admiraal de Ruyter Hospital, please visit the project page on our website. 



Menno Roefs, senior architect
Wessel Reinders, interior architect