A Principal and shareholder at Parkin, Lynne Wilson Orr is an architect and interior designer with a particular interest and expertise in the design and delivery of health facilities. She is an accomplished medical facilities planner and designer who focuses on conceptual planning, space programming and design.
In her own words: Healthcare facilities design makes a difference to the healthcare delivery experiences of patients and their families. Historically dark, dingy hospitals, painted in depressing shades of green, with tiny windows and no sense of caring about people were simply wrong-minded. People should feel that they are cared for, that their mental and emotional health is just as important as their physical health, and that healthcare buildings can be places that foster community. Access to natural daylight and views of landscaped areas are important for not only patients and visitors, but also for staff whose work can be difficult and whose days are long. Shopping centres and offices are easier to design than hospitals. We deal with concerns of: infection control, occupational health and safety, accessibility, budgetary restrictions, etc., that are difficult to manage and reconcile, but I have a strong sense that by doing this really, really well, we make healthcare better for people.
As the Principal-in-Charge/Clinical Planner for HSC Women’s Hospital, Lynne had a vested interest in the hospital as a former Winnipegger. Parkin has developed a series of videos that focus on Lynne’s experience designing and planning the hospital. The first video in the series “History and Design Process” is posted for viewing. To view these insightful videos, please visit us on youtube.