Newly-Designed Healthcare Centre in Toronto Combines Indoors and Outdoors

West Park Healthcare Centre, founded in the early 1900s, has played an important role in the western Greater Toronto Area (GTA) care community, providing rehabilitation services and care after life‐altering illnesses or injuries, such as lung disease, amputation, stroke, and traumatic musculoskeletal injuries.

A new 730,000 sq. ft. ambulatory care centre, designed by CannonDesign and Montgomery Sisam Architects, is the latest addition to the historic site. The new centre, which replaced a series of aging hospital buildings, was created to meet the evolving needs and set new standards in rehabilitative care through its patient-centred philosophy and the use of nature as a healing ground.

The design of the new facility features the intersection of emotional and therapeutic healing and recognizes that recovery is not just a physical process but also one that must address the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of patients. As a result, the facility incorporates elements of nature both inside and outside the building to foster a holistic healing environment.

The centre also features outdoor spaces, such as sensory gardens, fitness trails, and meditation areas, while the inside features natural materials, abundant light, and expansive views throughout the building.

Terraces on each floor also offer outdoor spaces for therapeutic activities, family gatherings, and personal reflection. Each patient room features operable windows positioned at a low height to promote natural ventilation and allow patients to look outside.

The new facility has three interconnected wings; one dedicated to outpatient services and two to inpatient care. The building exterior reflects West Park’s rich natural heritage through the use of wood-look soffits, aluminum and copper-zinc alloy cladding, brick, and stone.

A few other unique design elements include a fireplace lounge, spiritual care centre, therapeutic pool, rooftop garden, and unique art pieces that were donated to the hospital.

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