B+H Architects has been selected by the Hospital for Sick Children as the design architect and prime consultant for the new Patient Support Centre (PSC) project per Ontario Construction Report. The PSC plan, Project Horizon, is part of the hospital's campus redevelopment plan. The building will house the hospital's education, clinical research and administrative services in a 22 storey tower. This will be built on the site where the McMaster Building is currently situated, at the corner of Elm Street and Elizabeth Street.
Project Horizon is proposing to build a 1.3 million square foot new structure on the SickKids campus. This will include the 22 storey PSC and a new Patient Care Centre.
"Our campus redevelopment plan, Project Horizon, will enhance our ability to deliver high quality specialized care by investing in new, sustainable facilities and technology. Project Horizon provides the opportunity to build an inspired, re-imagined hospital of the future that will transform the experience of patients and their families, enable the delivery of state-of-the-art care, and ensure sufficient service capacity to meet the growing needs of the citizens of Ontario."
According to Urban Toronto, during the design phase, B+H will be working with a team consisting of structural engineers from Entuitive, mechanical engineers from TMP and electrical engineers from Mulvey & Banani.
The redeveloping of a wing of the hospital on University Avenue for patient care will be in the second following phase. This will be done once the offices that are there now end up moving into the new Patient Support Centre. Other improvements include the following:
- New frontage and green space while preserving the history and heritage on University Avenue
- Additional green space and use of landscaping to promote an environment of healing and rejuvenation. A "garden heart" or courtyard will reside at the centre of the campus.
- More access to natural light and improved views for patients and staff
- A seamless connection between the North-South and East-West axes of the campus to ensure optimal flow street-level access points to the community
The Patient Care Centre will include the following:
- 430 total beds to meet the demands of modern, family centered care
- 120 critical care beds, a neonatal intensive care unit
- A new blood and marrow transplant unit with specialized ventilation systems to ensure Ontario's sickest children are receiving the highest quality of care.
- 19 operating suites, where space will be adaptable to accommodate new technologies and procedures.
- A new Emergency Department featuring 51 treatment spaces, ultramodern diagnostic and treatment equipment
The Black and Hill Wings, the oldest parts of the SickKids campus located at University Avenue and Gerrard Street, will be demolished to allow for the construction of the Patient Care Centre.
"This building will set a new precedent in workplace design to support integrated health care delivery. As one of the most highly regarded pediatric health care institutions in the world, SickKids requires a first-of-a-kind facility that embodies the institution's commitment to excellence in care, research and education. The building will serve as a vessel for realizing SickKids' preferred culture and its connection to the community."
Project Lead and Senior Principal at B+H | Patrick Fejer