In modern healthcare design, there is a growing focus on creating environments that heal both the body and spirit. The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project stands as a leading example, integrating art as a transformative force to foster community healing, by combining Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®) – guided Indigenous art, and evidence-based design (EBD). The hospital seeks to promote a welcoming environment with local cultural connection and enhance the overall patient experience, while also aiding in physical recovery.
Indigenous art is thoughtfully included in the project, reflecting the deep cultural values of the first peoples of the land—the quw’utsun mustimuhw (Cowichan People)—and neighbouring communities. It reflects the richness of the Quw utsun Peoples and their culture and history. The artwork featured in the hospital resonates with the community’s emotional and spiritual heritage, and inextricable connection to the land on which the hospital is being constructed, and the region within which the hospital serves. This approach transforms the hospital into more than just a place for medical care—it becomes a space that honors cultural identity and fosters a profound sense of belonging for patients, all staff, and visitors alike.
Evidence-based design (EBD) reinforces the importance of art in healthcare settings. Research shows that art can reduce stress, accelerate recovery, and contribute to the overall well-being of not just patients, but also staff. By thoughtfully integrating Indigenous art throughout the design of the Cowichan District Hospital, the project leverages these findings to support both emotional and physical healing.
“We’re not just filling sterile white walls with art. At Cowichan District Hospital, we’re creating spaces that reflect community heritage and provide comfort, helping to transform hospitals into places of healing and connection.” – Tanvi Grover, Healthcare Designer, Parkin
This inclusion of art is not just about aesthetics; it plays a functional role in improving patient experience. For instance, art can assist with wayfinding, help create calming environments and improve how people navigate and feel within healthcare spaces. Art that reflects the familiar local landscapes also helps ground patients, providing a connection to their surroundings and reducing feelings of isolation that can often come with hospitalization.
However, incorporating art into hospital design is not without challenges. Coordinating with artists, cultural consultants, and project teams to ensure that artworks are meaningfully placed while aligning with construction timelines and stringent Infection Prevention and Control standards requires careful planning. Despite these challenges, the outcome is the creation of welcoming, healing environments that serve as cultural bridges between healthcare institutions and the communities they are designed to serve.
The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project exemplifies how the integration of OCAP-guided Indigenous art and evidence-based design can create spaces that promote community healing and cultural connection, ultimately enhancing the healthcare experience for all. Through art, this hospital not only becomes a place of medical care—it transforms into a sanctuary of cultural respect, healing and community engagement.