Opened in November 2016, the Edson Healthcare Centre in Edson‚ Alberta, Canada, is a full-service rural healthcare facility located in the Canadian Rockies foothills. Operated by Alberta Health Services and designed by Dialog (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), the center houses a range of services, including emergency, diagnostic imaging and laboratory, surgical suite, inpatient care units, ambulatory care, long-term care, and a physicians’ clinic.

Simplifying navigation within the often-complex medical environment was paramount to the design of the new facility. The two-story building takes advantage of its sloping site by using a two-level design with a main level and a walk-out lower level, which allows for intuitive wayfinding as well as daylight to flow throughout the facility. Generous floor-to-ceiling glazing in the hallways creates a link to the exterior to help guests orient themselves.

The interior finishes were inspired by the picturesque foothills and forest surroundings and include soft colors, warm wood tones, and nature photography of local landmarks. Within the center, the 48 long-term care beds are organized into three 16-bed residential units. Each room has a large, operable picture window, which provides a visual connection to the outdoors. The continuing care facility is centered around a courtyard and consists of four houses of 19 patient rooms each.

Recognizing the size and scale of Edson Healthcare Centre and the potential environmental impact of its carbon footprint, the project team sought a sustainable design process for the project, including designing the building to target LEED Silver certification.