Smart hospital designed ‘through the patient’s eyes’

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 fullservice 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.