Abstract

The art of healing: a people-centric approach to healthcare design
In response to exponential local population growth, Milton District Hospital (MDH) underwent an expansion that added 330,000 square feet of patient-centred space to more than triple the size of this existing healthcare facility. Doubling its inpatient bed count from 63 to 129, this redevelopment is now better equipped to serve the needs of Canada’s fastest growing community – aiding patients, families, caregivers and practitioners alike.

The expansion includes 80-per-cent single-patient rooms for improved infection control, patient privacy, and a brighter healing environment. The facility embodies a patient- and family-focused design, as well as fostering a positive work environment, while being community-centric and flexible enough to support emerging thinking, practices and technology.

Taking cues from hospitality principles, MDH features evidence-based healthcare design focused on creating healing environments, blended with a client-oriented approach. Consciously moving away from the creation of formal institutional exterior design, details include materials that connect to the immediate surroundings and larger area, positioning the hospital as a complement to the community and town. Interior design features include the use of colours and materials that create welcoming spaces, while elegant elements combine with advanced technology to create warm and cutting-edge environments. Further enhancing the human experience and often inspired by nature, MDH interiors include artistic design elements that promote the psychological and physical health and wellbeing of all its users.

Targeting LEED Gold, MDH also addresses climate and site-specific design issues that help it achieve a sustainable and resilient design, while built-in adaptability allows for future flexibility. The building design focuses on creating healthy indoor environments, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the efficient use of energy, water and other resources. MDH’s holistic approach to healing includes the hospital building and the design of its overall site plan.

Taking advantage of the healing power of nature, diverse garden areas animate the grounds, help reduce stress, and establish harmonious indoor-outdoor connections, while natural daylight filters through spaces to connect to nature from within. The landscape design responds to the site, urban context, and architecture to reinforce MDH as a welcoming and healing healthcare campus set in a natural escarpment setting.

Despite the complexity of this development, the project was delivered on time against an ambitious 25-month schedule and within budget, and construction was under way while the existing hospital was still in operation.