The Women and Newborn Hospital in Winnipeg has been named ‘Highly Commended’ in the Future Health Project Award category at the International Academy for Design & Health Winners 2012, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia sponsored by World Health Design. This prestigious honour was awarded on the basis of the project’s ability to recognise the changing role of the hospital within the wider healthcare system and its demonstration of a ‘salutogenic’* vision for healthy environments that addresses anticipated socio-economic challenges of the future. Designed in conjunction with Smith Carter Architects of Winnipeg, bids have just closed and construction is anticipated to start in September 2012, for opening in 2014.
*Salutogenesis is a term coined by Aaron Antonovsky, a professor of medical sociology. The term describes an approach focusing on factors that support human health and well-being, rather than on factors that cause disease. More specifically, the “salutogenic model” is concerned with the relationship between health, stress, and coping.