It has been eight years since Parkin began to formally implement evidence-based design (EBD) principles into our design strategies and build a team that is accredited by The Center for Health Design. This team has helped Parkin become an industry leader in healthcare and rehabilitation facility design and we’re thrilled to celebrate some of these achievements. Read more

Colour plays a large role in architecture and design. While the affective influence of colour on psychology and physiology is complex, its use in different design typologies can have a substantial impact. It is difficult to create universal guidelines for colour use as age, culture and other factors shape how it can be perceived. However, colour can boost a sense of well-being for users of shared spaces, and promote healing in healthcare facilities. Meanwhile, understanding local cultural connections to patterns and colour can also inform contemporary design.

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We thank our staff, partners, and all team members for their continued hard work and dedication over the past year. It has been an exciting and rewarding year, and we look forward to 2020, knowing that together we will continue to innovate, produce cutting-edge design and exceed client expectations.

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Children’s rehabilitation facilities serve a unique purpose that is separate from the function of the acute care offered by hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Rehabilitation centres provide ongoing therapeutic care to support children as they transition out of hospital care, or to promote a sense of autonomy for children who require ongoing therapy. Design plays an important role in helping to deliver a universally safe, therapeutic space for children with varying abilities: an inclusive design that caters to kids and their families who have varying abilities. So how do architects and designers create a truly inclusive design that caters to kids with varying needs? Read more

Stem-cell therapy is often the only line of defence for many who are diagnosed with blood-related cancers like lymphoma, leukemia and other hematological disorders. Hamilton’s Juravinski Hospital received funding to expand its stem-cell therapy unit to a 30,000 SF facility, featuring 15 additional in-patient beds, as well as out-patient clinics and a pharmacy expansion. Parkin’s Evidence-based Design Accredited and Certification (EDAC) team developed a design that positively supports therapy and healing. Read more

Falls can have devastating effects on people’s lives and are a major health concern overall, especially for seniors or those recovering from surgery or who have mobility or sight impairments. Direct costs for falls in Canada are estimated to be as high as $2 billion per year and could have an economic impact of up to $6 billion a year. Healthcare and rehabilitation facilities recognize that addressing the concern is important from health and safety and cost perspectives. Parkin’s architects and designers are uniquely qualified to help healthcare facilities identify risk areas and provide solutions to navigate potential hazards in the built environment. Read more