The design of open spaces at care facilities is critical in creating an attractive and stimulating environment for residents, workers and visitors. Studies have shown that exposure to the natural environment can reduce blood pressure, lessen the necessity for drug treatment and provide busy staff and visitors with a reprieve from stress.

In 1999, as part of a team with IBI/Henriquez & Partners and Karlsberger Architecture Inc., Durante Kreuk Ltd. contributed to the open space planning for the Children’s and Women’s campus in Vancouver. We were then able to realize the master planning concepts for a number of projects within the campus. These include:

• Ambulatory Care Building, including reconfiguration of part of the campus ring road

• Child and Family Research Institute, including outdoor green space

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Play Area, Vancouver, BC

• 1A Ground Level Play Space

• Children’s Hospital Third Floor Terrace - an outdoor play and family respite space