Built in a suburban development in the early 1990s, the original MSH was set far back from roads and was isolated from pedestrians and neighbourhood activity. In recent years, the area has become more urban and densely populated. The vision contained in a new masterplan for the hospital and its large landholdings was to create a true wellness community – one that would capitalise on land transfers from the municipality to surround the hospital and its expansion with a library, a large community centre with a swimming pool, additional medical office buildings, and an ambulance station. The redeveloped MSH would also be adjacent to a long-term care facility, a residence for severely disabled adults, and a district energy plant.

The completed redevelopment features an innovative and remarkably efficient co-location of programme space. With a direct indoor bridge to the community centre and library, the hospital is now a public hub for promoting wellness through outreach programmes. MSH uses the community centre’s gyms and pool for therapy, and the community library houses the medical library. A strong circulation spine links the new wing, the existing hospital, and the community centre. The new hospital wing aligns with the new orthogonal, urban street grid and allows for both expansion and regeneration over a 100-year life cycle.

The hospital and other facilities all have access to a wellness green (public parkland). MSH has become the heart of this area’s growth and intensification, and a model of a community’s approach to health and wellness. Renovations to the existing facility have optimised care station functionality, and the design strengthens connections to nature.

Through analysis of the research and design principles used to inform the patient- and community-centric design of MSH, this paper will demonstrate how a dated healthcare facility was transformed into a modern, integrated wellness community.