All Hail, Hospital Design!

Humanity. Well-being. Comfort. These are the terms that come to mind when we think of the healthcare services professionals provide to patients in need, when admitted to a hospital for a short or long stay.

How can a sanitized environment become human? A particularly topical subject today, here are some recent hospital projects created by architects and designers who reflect the best practices in the field.

Université de Montréal Hospital Centre (CHUM)

Design: CannonDesign + NEUF architect(e)s
Project of the Year GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards 2018 & Health & Research Establishment Award, Shared Space Award and Off-Category Award.

Text: Richard Des Lys (INTÉRIEURS 74). Photos: Adrien Williams.

Proclaimed Project of the Year of the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN 2018 Awards, the impressive achievement of the CHUM is a remarkable victory both in its evolutionary and multifunctional mission and thanks to its iconic cultural qualities.

A massive project that has met great challenges in a hostile and deconstructed environment, to reach solutions on a human scale.

The immediate and beneficial sensation of commonplace by the fluidity of space is the proof. Its axiality and interconnections induce a visual continuity.

Much more than a social requirement, it’s a human invitation that democratizes spaces, where ramps for mobility impaired people are placed in the same places as stairs for all types of us-ers. A unifier through equality, making a beautiful place for art, the building inaugurates a cultural introduction for all. By using glass as the noblest material, the architecture is flooded with natural light for the well-being of both patients and employees.

The reinterpretation of the heritage component of the site, the judicious choice of materials, the perforated steel external walkway that lights up at night and the aesthetic sense, even in the integration of high-tech elements build this goldsmith’s work at the service of mankind.

Innovative and symbolic for the future of hospitals and health in Québec, a reference project in design that adds to the pride of the UNESCO City of Design that is Montréal.

CHU Sainte-Justine – Grandir en santé Pavilion

Design: Provencher_Roy | Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards 2019 – Health and Research Establishment.

Text: Juli Pisano (INTÉRIEURS 77). Photos: Stéphane Brügger.

Provencher_Roy | Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes nailed the challenge of creating a new building at CHU Sainte-Justine, for children to “grow healthy”, that favours innovation and humanizes health care, research and education.

The neighbouring Mont Royal Mountain is a source of inspiration. Hyper nature conquers the inside of the halls, from the pediatric, surgical and neonatal care rooms to the laboratories, meeting and research halls and auditoriums.

The layout favours elements that remind us of the mountain’s animal and plant life, while natural light is maximized to warm the body and soul. Circulation spaces offer green paths that are soothing for the sick.

A natural palette reigns, colour-wise, with shades reminiscent of local plants, stones, water streams and leaves.

The project’s asymmetry, innovation and original use of materials and fine choice of details transport us elsewhere and elevates the hospital experience.

Entrance Courtyard – CHU Sainte-Justine

Design: Groupe BC
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards 2019 – Universal Accessibility

Text: Juli Pisano (INTÉRIEURS 77). Photos: Carole Labrecque.

Turn, swing, slide, walk or run. Making outdoor play accessible to all was the challenge handed to BC2 by the CHU Sainte-Justine hospital for its new playground.

BC2 succeeded in creating an inclusive playground, adapted to the needs of children in care, and welcoming to their families for relaxing, healthy and shared times outside the hospital walls.

The playground was specifically designed to allow all kids to access equipment and play to-gether. Activities are made accessible to all, in a safe, fun and colourful setting.

More importantly than simply being universally accessible, the playground fills a stronger es-sential need: the one to go outside and play to enjoy quality bonding and family time.

Notice the playground’s colourful furniture, made for kids with limited mobility, and the seamless integration of the playground into the hospital grounds.