Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction: Coquitlam, BC | Parkin Architects

Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, situated in Coquitlam, BC, Canada, and designed by Parkin Architects, won the Gold Award for Urban Design & Architecture Design in 2022. Renowned as a pioneering facility in North America, it specializes in addressing concurrent mental health disorders and addictions. With its 105-bed capacity, the center showcases a profound commitment to lasting recovery and cultural sensitivity, meant to redefine the traditional approach to mental health and addiction treatment.

Inspired by nature and Indigenous culture, Red Fish embodies a profound respect for the environment and the ancestral grounds it occupies. Its name, originating from the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation, signifies the journey of the sockeye salmon up the Coquitlam River—a symbol of vitality. Within its walls, clients find soothing hues and abundant natural light, while outside, they are greeted by vibrant yet serene surroundings, featuring centuries-old trees.

Parkin Architects meticulously designed a nurturing and therapeutic ambiance within the facility. Mimicking natural daylight, the lighting systems, coupled with expansive outdoor terraces and spacious interiors, alleviate feelings of confinement. To ensure feelings of safety, living units accommodate only 15 clients, each provided with private amenities resembling a 'home-like' atmosphere. The inclusion of dedicated family lounges fosters ongoing support.

At its core lies the Hummingbird Room, a collaborative effort between architects and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. This sacred space facilitates indoor smudging rituals integral to clients' healing journeys, adorned with cedar accents, a medicine wheel, and an Indigenous mural.

Red Fish caters to marginalized patients, offering a comprehensive range of therapies and amenities to support their long-term recovery. From therapeutic kitchens for culinary education to art and music rooms, the center provides diverse avenues for expression and growth. Clients progress through varying units based on their recovery stages, benefitting from a multi-level structure accommodating different levels of acuity.

Principal architect Shane Czypyha showcased the Red Fish Healing Centre's groundbreaking design at the 2022 American Healthcare Design Conference, underscoring its unique approach to concurrent mental health and addiction treatment. It's believed to be the first large facility of its kind in North America.