Architects for Health, a non-profit organization for architects and others interested in the design and planning of health care facilities, has announced the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) as a winner in its 2014 design awards competition.

UBC Hospital’s newest facility, the DMCBH took second place in the category for best designed health care facility (built project). This category recognizes outstanding health care buildings that help to transform care services, putting the patient experience and staff support at the centre of the project.

Patient-centred design

Designed in consultation with VCH, VCH Research Institute and UBC physicians and staff, the DMCBH is Canada’s largest integrated brain centre uniting research and patient care under one roof.

The centre’s patient-centred philosophy is reflected in its operations and design which facilitate collaboration among clinics and research in the fields of neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry. The Centre is home to clinics for Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and other brain disorders.

The centre’s award-winning features include:

• Simple-to-navigate and non-intimidating environments for patients, balancing a sense of community with privacy to address different patient needs.

• Public and semi-public spaces designed to encourage a high level of interaction and collaboration between users and across fields of research and care. For example, patient exam rooms are shared across programs and booked as needed.

• Environmentally safe and sustainable design, which is expected to reduce energy consumption by 50 to 60 per cent from standard design practices.

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