Sanatorium Zonnestraal is considered one of modern architecture’s most important buildings. The project was designed by architect Jan Duiker, a major representative of Het Nieuwe Bouwen, “The New Building”, the Dutch exponent of the international modern movement in architecture. The architects of the Nieuwe Bouwen movement focused on the world of modern technology and new building materials that would enable efficient, functional and hygienic schools, homes and factories. This building didn’t just transform how society thought about building materials but also how they thought about healthcare. Most of the patients here lived and worked in dirty, dark and crowded conditions where tuberculosis spread unabated. In a real departure for tuberculosis treatment at the time, the steel and concrete buildings were designed so all the rooms were flooded with light and had balconies that allowed the patients to spend their days in the fresh air. The principles established in Zonnestraal were repeated throughout the world.

How Did It Happen

In the early 1900’s Amsterdam was the largest producer of diamonds in the world. Most of the diamond workers were Portuguese Jews living in incredibly cramped conditions. A family of ten living in one small room was common. Factories were also crowded with poor lighting and terrible ventilation, and were rife with tuberculosis.

In 1926 Jan van Zutphen, “Uncle Jan”, the Diamond Workers beloved Union leader saw the resale potential of the residual products of diamond processing. He began collecting the copper stalks used to hold the diamonds in place during cutting and polishing. He also discovered a method of removing the impurities from diamond dust. He then sold the copper and diamond dust back to the industry. The money poured in and the union commissioned the Zonnestraal Sanatorium to provide care for stricken workers. 

So what’s needed to change the world? It would seem to require a kind generous heart and a clever mind.