Redefining Men’s Healthcare
The staff bistro at the Cancer Centre is a vibrant retreat designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring comfortable seating, warm earth tones, fun accents, hanging plants, and large windows for natural light.
The Prostate Cancer Centre, spanning 18,920 square feet on the 6th floor of the Rocky View Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, represents a cohesive effort to redefine men’s healthcare. Primarily a men’s health clinic, the space accommodates two key end users: Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC).
Completed in March of 2024, this innovative facility integrates a wide range of services, including a physiotherapy clinic, rehabilitation clinic, and mental health and counseling services. The primary goal was to foster a space that champions wellness, emphasizing recovery and overall well-being rather than the traditional focus on illness.
The design strategy adopted a holistic approach, weaving in biophilic elements to create a healing environment. Key features such as sky imagery on ceilings evoke feelings of openness and connection to nature.
The project was divided into three phases to allow the various hospital spaces to remain operational during the construction process.
Phase 1 concentrated on enhancing the laboratory. The design team conducted test fits and expanded the laboratory space to boost efficiency. They created a dedicated closed lab space and reconfigured the workstation area to accommodate an additional exam room. By utilizing existing millwork and equipment, the team effectively controlled costs.
Phase 2 transformed unused leased space into functional hallways, corridors, and a physio/gym area for the Cancer Centre. The design employed a blend of Falk demountable walls, glazing walls, and bold graphics to craft an inviting and vibrant space.
The public corridors are designed as extensions of the healing environment, featuring a subtle mountain motif in wall designs and flooring patterns, and a back-lit sky ceiling that creates the illusion of walking under a clear sky.
The main reception area is visible from the corridor through full-height glazing partitions adorned with elegant, nature-inspired graphic film featuring intricate tree patterns. This design element, made from Identity Ink vinyl, provides privacy while offering a glimpse of the sleek, modern desk and comfortable seating area, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for patients and visitors.
The patient gathering space is a bright, airy area with computers, educational materials, and comfortable seating, designed to support learning about prostate cancer and treatments. Full-height glazing partitions provide stunning views of the lush landscape from the 6th floor, creating a welcoming haven that promotes comfort and alleviates anxiety.
Phase 3 involved a comprehensive renovation of the reception and counselling area. The design aimed to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients. Recessed alcoves within the corridor offered comfort for guests, while the wall protection design drew inspiration from mountainscapes. Group rooms featured carpets resembling natural moss, complemented by new furniture, blinds, and roller shades to ensure privacy. The Telehealth offices included dual security components meeting IPC standards for both client groups, ensuring airtight security.
The thoughtfully designed spaces have significantly enhance patient experiences, contributing to a sense of calm and well-being, and optimizing operational efficiency for healthcare providers. The wellness-focused approach, enriched with biophilic elements promotes recovery and healing. This holistic environment addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of both patients and staff, setting a new standard for men’s health clinics.
The welcoming waiting and reception area of the Cancer Center features a serene design, bathed in natural light with large windows offering landscape views. Comfortable, residential-style seating in soothing blues and greens, complemented by wooden accents and Division 9 Signature XP flooring, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.