To acknowledge the progress of the South Niagara Hospital, Parkin Associate, Gina Martino shares her insights on the significance of contributing to Canada’s first hospital designed to achieve WELL certification.
No longer is it enough to simply react to illness or injury in healthcare design. Today’s healthcare spaces are being created to proactively promote well-being for patients, staff, and visitors.
Central to this change is the WELL Building Standard. For years now, research and studies have shown that building designs play a vital role in people’s wellbeing. WELL goes beyond safety and accessibility standards to address the emotional and psychological needs of all users. WELL is organized around 10 concepts of building performance — Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind and Community.
The South Niagara Hospital recently achieved WELL pre-certification, and is on-track to becoming Canada’s first WELL-certified hospital. The approach is reflected in several thoughtful design choices.
Take, for example, the typical hospital cafeteria and retail spaces that are historically filled with unhealthy snack options and impulse-buy displays. The South Niagara Hospital is changing that through a design solution focused on steering people toward healthier choices and creating an environment that supports better nourishment options. Movement is another core focus. The hospital features two sets of “wellness stairs” with engaging graphics to encourage stair use over elevators, subtly integrating physical activity into daily routines.
Mental well-being is also prioritized through open spaces featuring art moments, comfortable seating areas, large windows, multiple gardens and designated relaxation areas. These elements provide much-needed respite in an often high-stress environment.
WELL-certified hospitals like South Niagara are redefining healthcare design with environments that support overall health for patients, staff, and visitors. By integrating wellness-focused design elements, these spaces help foster healing, reduce stress, and promote healthier lifestyles to carry beyond hospital walls.
Rendering South Niagara Hospital: 95Degree, designed in collaboration with Parkin and Adamson Associates Architects