Highlight: Interior Design Inspiration and Colour Schemes

REGIONAL INSPIRATION

The concepts for the interior design of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital draws inspiration from features of the surrounding environment; the FLOW of the Pouce Coupe River and Dawson Creek, the CONNECTIONS along the Alaska Highway, and the railroad as important gateways to the surrounding region and the northern lights of the BIG SKY which offers a full spectrum of colour palette.

INTERIOR DESIGN APPROACH

The concept of FLOW has been translated in a consistent design approach for wall, flooring, ceiling finishes, millwork design and lighting applications throughout the hospital. Flooring patterns, unique acoustical ceiling treatments and strategic use of colour and accent finishes have been considered in the design of key spaces to help guide and direct patients and visitors through and to key spaces.

Major destinations become CONNECTION points throughout the hospital and are reinforced in wall, floor and ceiling treatments along with accent lighting, colours and graphics to support wayfinding for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. Public elevator lobbies, prominent public corridors, patient waiting areas, care team stations, department and clinic entrances are all areas where accent finishes treatments have been considered to make these spaces unique and recognizable.

The seasonal light changes of the BIG SKY and northern lights of the region offer a full spectrum colour palette for the hospital. One unique and prominent colour accent is applied to accent wall treatments and graphics to distinguish each floor throughout the hospital.

FINISH SELECTION CRITERIA

LEVEL 0 – MOUNTAINS

The mountains surrounding this region provided inspiration for the colours used in public and staff areas in the lower level. This colour palette is bold but timeless and it helps emphasize the strong foundation the facility is built on.

LEVEL 1 – RIVER

The Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe River, and Peace River that wind through the region serve as the main inspiration for the design of the main public spaces on Level 1, to provide a welcoming, calming and serene first impression for patients, staff and volunteers. The deep aqua colour combined with warm neutral tones and graphic references of river grasses are applied to floors, walls and ceilings to support the FLOW concept throughout this main floor, and on signage to assist with wayfinding.

LEVEL 2 – PRAIRIE

The surrounding prairie fields are an important feature that inspired the development of the interior design and wayfinding approach for the inpatient level. The abundance of natural light that floods the canola fields in a golden glow creates a prominent element on the exterior of the building that not only enhances the visual appeal of its design but also fosters a sense of vitality and rejuvenation within the interior spaces.

LEVEL 3 – FOREST

The depth of the forest colours combined with fir and pine needle imagery inspired the colour scheme for the mental health floor. We aimed to design a space that is reminiscent of the tranquility and calmness felt walking in nature.

PUBLIC ELEVATOR LOBBIES

The application of the four colour schemes is more evident at the public elevator lobbies, where each geographical feature is prominent.

The design features of the public elevator lobbies include durable wall cladding material with back lit graphic floor identification, colour accent treatments that wrap around recessed glass display cases, unique to each floor, which will feature original art and Indigenous artifacts.

Acoustical wood ceiling treatments have been designed at each elevator lobby to assist with acoustics and help with orientation and wayfinding.