Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre | Parkin Architects

The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre (BLCOC) is a vital component of the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s master plan, strategically situated west of Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada, offering breathtaking views of the Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. Its mission is to decentralize services from the Halifax Infirmary site, providing ambulatory care closer to patients beyond the Greater Halifax Region.

This three-storey facility, designed for efficiency, accessibility, safety, and sustainability, accommodates approximately 100 clinical spaces. These spaces cater to various medical needs, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, high blood pressure, diabetes, orthopedic assessments, dialysis stations, diagnostic imaging, and blood collection. The two main patient entrances on the east side are distinguished by wood look canopies, while a separate entrance on the west side is exclusively for staff. At the heart of the architectural design is the Great Hall, a double-height glazed space housing the Welcome Centre, a Cafe, waiting areas, and offering opportunities for relaxation and socialization.

Natural materials create a visual connection to Nova Scotia’s landscape, complemented by heritage-inspired patterns, nature graphics, and vibrant colors for wayfinding and departmental identities.

This contemporary healthcare design prioritizes quality, wellness, and a connection to nature. The Great Hall on Level 2 serves as a central hub visually connected to both Level 1 and Level 3, facilitating intuitive wayfinding for patients and families. The BLCOC not only represents cutting-edge healthcare facility design but also fosters a welcoming environment that prioritizes the privacy and dignity of patients, families, and staff.