HOSPITAL DESIGN
Smart hospital designed ‘through the patient’s eyes’
Rebecca Melnyk, a journalist based in Canada who edits Canadian Facility Management & Design and Condo Business magazines, describes the light, airy, and spacious design of what is reportedly Canada’s first ‘smart’ hospital. In addition to a clear focus on incorporating the latest technology, biophilic design principles, building in resilience to future pandemics, infection control, and reducing patient anxiety, were all afforded a high priority by the architects of the new Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
Hospitals can often feel intimidating. Deep floorplates let little sunshine through to the maze-like corridors, and medical devices can make rooms appear cold and sterile, reminding patients of their own mortality. Through the doors of Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital – the first hospital to ever rise in Vaughan, Ontario in Canada – life’s health challenges are met with comfort, safety, and lots of natural light. The notion of what a hospital should be has evolved greatly over the years, where patient stress now figures highly into early planning. Such was the case as Stantec began designing this facility, which is Mackenzie Health’s second full- service hospital. A mix of inpatient medical surgical units on top of a diagnostic and treatment podium includes the emergency department, as well as core and specialised services, such as a mental health programme and integrated stroke unit. The majority of the 350 beds are
single, with the capacity to expand to 500 beds. A more recent addition is the 4,000 ft2
library that hosts all-age events.
The five-year, $1.7 bn project, of which the Ontario government provided $1.3 bn, was designed through the eyes of the patient.
Privacy, movement, and dignity “Much consideration was given to how patients move through the facility, and how they are transferred through separate corridors,” explained architect and senior principal at Stantec, George Bitsakakis. “Patients are in a very vulnerable state, and we wanted to ensure that they get the dignity and privacy they need so they’re not exposed.” As users navigate the 1.2 m ft2
building,
light and transparency guide them right from the main entrance. The feeling of being lost is an anxiety-causing situation, especially within a healthcare facility – when stress and anxiety levels are often
raised – but in this hospital, there is a perceivable sense of control. “That natural light is both obvious and
intuitive,” said George Bitsakakis. “If you walk in and always have the light coming from one direction, your body (will) adjust and orient itself.” Courtyards carved into the building bring light and outdoor landscaping down to areas that are typically dark and convoluted. A cascading garden, descending 50 feet down, is visible through a glass-enclosed walkway that leads from the parking garage to the hospital, and to a series of courtyards and cafeteria.
Good views Prominently situated 11 storeys up at Major Mackenzie Drive and Highway 400, glimpses of roller-coasters from nearby ‘Canada’s Wonderland’ appear through the building’s glass facades. As people
The Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital – the first hospital to be built in Vaughan, Ontario – was located and designed ‘to expand on site’, in case a larger wing is needed.
May 2022 Health Estate Journal 27
Courtesy of Tom Arban
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