The new Radboudumc Main Building was named the best of the best from the past decade in London. A truly remarkable achievement. Competing among the top international hospitals of the last ten years, EGM architects presented the new Main Building to the jury and conference attendees during the European Healthcare Design Champions Award ceremony. Taking home the overall winner title is nothing short of a top performance. Each year, the organisation reviews dozens of hospitals from around the world, all vying for the award. That Radboudumc came out on top once again confirms that the most innovative, patient-friendly, and sustainable hospital in the world is right here in Nijmegen.
This award is the most prestigious architecture prize for healthcare environments. It recognises an outstanding project that excels in sustainability, optimises patient care, and enhances the well-being and comfort of staff, patients, and their families. The new Main Building, previously a category winner in 2023 for healthcare facilities over 25,000m², was reassessed alongside all winners from the past decade. Jury chair Kate Copeland (Chair of the Australian Health Design Council) presented the award during the ceremony in London.
The new Main Building is designed to feel welcoming and friendly for both staff and patients. Its opening marks a major step in the transition towards a new healthcare campus—one that was first envisioned 30 years ago. Spanning 11 floors and covering approximately 46,000m², the building offers a bright and green environment that supports health and well-being. It’s a place where meeting, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing take centre stage. This is where Radboudumc’s mission truly comes to life: leading the way in shaping the future of health and healthcare through innovation, a personal approach, and strong partnerships.
Natural light pours in from all sides, and every space offers views of internal courtyards and rooftop gardens. Unexpected sightlines make every room feel open and pleasant. Working and recovering in natural light—throughout the day—supports the body’s natural rhythm and is vital for both physical and mental healing. Mature trees and lush greenery bring nature indoors. The tiered outpatient plazas, reception areas, and restaurant open onto a garden, all positioned behind a glass façade that seamlessly folds into a glass roof. This way, nature is always present and tangible.
The Main Building was the first university medical centre (UMC) in the Netherlands to receive both the BREEAM-Excellent design certificate (2014) and the as-built certificate (2023). It also achieved the highest sustainability score of any hospital. During the opening of the new building, Board Chair Bertine Lahuis stated
We are the most sustainable hospital in Western Europe. And we take sustainability in its broadest sense—ensuring healthcare remains accessible and available to everyone. This building embodies that vision; it is a true representation of vitality
Read all about the Radboudumc Main building here
Londen/Dordrecht, February 13, 2025