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The Institute for Specialized Medicine & Intervention (ISMI)
By : HOK
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Education, Institution & Healthcare / Professional Office & Clinic : Platinum Winner
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our client, a leading radiologist at McGill University Health Centre, recognized an increased distrust of the healthcare system and therefore, a discomfort in his patients. The pandemic had exacerbated an already existing, underlying fear of medical procedures and the professionals administering them. Our client’s goal was to build a place where patients would want to come because they know they would receive state-of-the-art care, and an unparalleled experience that would banish their anxieties and promote healing.
Promoting an inclusive environment is paramount to the client, who had recognized that negative experiences disproportionately affect marginalized people. The clinic needed to eliminate the boundaries that typically prevent these groups from accessing timely, quality care. For our client, the objective was for everyone who comes to the Institute for Specialized Medicine & Intervention (ISMI) to leave better than when they came – this needed to be true of the staff as well.
ISMI was designed to emulate a spa-like experience. The patient journey begins at the approach to the front doors of the clinic, which are full height glazed doors; these enable the approaching patient to view the reception area before stepping in. Throughout the space, the design team has undertaken great diligence in developing intuitive wayfinding using illustrative icons for signage that ensure there is no language barrier. The waiting area is designed so that the patient has several options of where and how they would like to sit. The exam rooms are designed with adjustable lighting, individual climate control, and elevated finishes to create a therapeutic, rather than medical atmosphere.
In a traditional clinic the exam would have marked the end of the patient’s visit. However, at ISMI two additional options exist. Firstly, the patient can see a radiologist immediately following their visit and receive their diagnosis. Secondly, a relaxation room provides a space for the patient to decompress following a difficult procedure.
For optimal privacy, double-glazed office fronts provide acoustic separation from the main corridor, enabling private and sensitive conversations to take place with dignity and in confidence. Concealed power is provided at millwork locations along the windows to give staff options on where they would like to work.
Before this project was even completed our client was able to use our design package and visualizations to attract exceptional talent – some of the best radiologists in the city are now working at ISMI as a result. Even though most of the medical staff at ISMI split their time between the hospital and the clinic, while on call they prefer to come to the clinic to do their work instead of staying at home. Our client shared with us that the access to areas of respite, even for short periods of time, to decompress and recover has drastically improved his productivity, and is the reason he chooses to return to the space.
Collaboration
General Contractor : Broccolini
