“ An abundance of natural light , outdoor views , green spaces , warm materials and colours , and art characterize this calming new healthcare space .
designed to strike a balance with the residential character of Vitré Street to the east and the more institutional character of the esplanade and basic research centre to the west , which stands prominently on Henri-Bourassa Blvd .
A north-south traffic route connects the CIC to the future research centre and to the critical care wing of the existing hospital . The CIC ’ s foyer marks the end of a long corridor which , like a timeline , starts in HEJ ’ s oldest buildings . This passageway is punctuated by hallways where different public traffic hubs are found , originating the themes that inspired the interior design of each wing : earth , water , fire , air and light .
The CIC project ’ s architecture , which uses the themes of air and light , is restrained and recalls the key characteristics of the existing buildings , such as the use of brick and continuity in the cornice lines . “ The contemporaneity of the groupings is characterized by the desire to fill the project with light . The shades of ochre bricks , the pale mortar joints and the white steel and aluminum components and cladding reflect light , which dances across the surfaces over the course of the day ,” said Rémi Morency , partner , architect and urban planner at Groupe A / Annexe U and project leader for volumetrics , the building envelope , urban design and landscaping at the new hospital complex .
A pattern inspired by the Art Deco turret of wing A , which was situated above the hospital ’ s main entrance when it was built , was developed to provide shade and privacy to the large glassed-in areas . “ It is composed of a multitude of small lozenges arranged in a large-scale three-dimensional interlocking pattern , inspired by
ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
research that focuses on the infinitesimal while seeking infinitely large advances .” The pattern , silkscreened on glass , is first visible on the large façade of the basic research centre and continues in the CIC ’ s inner courtyard , illustrating the essential synergy between the basic and clinical research that is conducted daily in the centre .
A COMFORTING ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES WELLNESS AND HEALING
The CIC embodies changes in the way cancer patients are treated . Using a holistic , interdisciplinary , human-centred approach , it was designed both for technologically advanced equipment and cutting-edge treatments and to provide psychological support to patients at every step of their care . In keeping with the theme of air and light , the team of professionals strove to develop a “ healing environment ” by designing facilities that are ultra-modern , spacious , well-lit , green and highly functional . The well-being of both patients and care staff was at the heart of each decision : the implementation of best practices combining facilities that facilitate way-finding through the use of colours ; the placement of landmarks and views of the outside ; the maximization of natural light ; access to therapeutic gardens ; the careful selection of finishing materials and furniture to create comfortable spaces that feel more like a place for care and wellness rather than a sterile hospital environment ; and the ingenious integration of specialized equipment for an elegant and streamlined result free of visual distractions .
While the CIC ’ s volumes were determined during the early phases of planning for the entire new hospital complex , the design of the centre was also refined from the inside out during the subsequent steps . Thus , the courtyard was reworked in tiers with the creation of the rooftop gardens . “ The centre was designed to make the gardens visible from all levels . A system of rooftop patios and gardens was developed and refined in the inner courtyard to give it a human scale , so that each treatment space benefits from a garden ,” said Lucie Bégin , architect and director at Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes , in charge of design for the integrated cancer treatment centre . Ms . Bégin is an expert in architectural design for the healthcare sector and in landscape architecture , and this is not
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