In the 1970s, Buro Mien Ruys developed a small-scale plan for the garden of the Amstelhof nursing home, a historic site in the heart of Amsterdam. The decision was made to convert the nursing home into the Hermitage Museum. The site was subdivided. Michael van Gessel designed the area surrounding the museum.

Buro Mien Ruys created the new design for the Diaconie section. The garden no longer serves as a nursing home garden. The original design has therefore been significantly simplified. There is a central lawn, a plane tree lane, and a pond. In addition, the various old buildings each have their own outdoor space along the edges. The Diaconie is now an urban oasis, a surprising green courtyard, frequently used by local residents.