DIALOG’s Diego Morettin, Dorsa Jalalian, Stuart Elgie, Nancy Logan, Nick Kennedy, and Cohen will present sessions at the 2025 European Healthcare Design Conference in London, UK, from June 9 to 10, exploring the latest research, policies, and practice examples in healthcare design and planning.
About the sessions:
St. Mary’s and Grand River Hospitals: A unified vision for community wellbeing, collaboration and innovation
When: June 9 at 10:45 a.m.
Presenters:
- Diego Morettin, Partner and Architect, DIALOG
- Dorsa Jalalian, Associate and Senior Urban Designer, DIALOG
- Clifford Harvey, Joint Vice-President, Grand River Hospital/St. Mary’s General Hospital
The session will explore how St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital are planning a new, unified hospital to address key healthcare challenges in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Morettin and Jalalian will highlight how the Community Wellbeing Framework (CWF) and an inclusive engagement strategy guided the project’s vision and design. Attendees will learn how partnerships with academic and tech sectors are helping shape a more integrated, patient-centered healthcare system. The session will also examine the role of community engagement, digital tools, and cross-sector collaboration in reimagining healthcare infrastructure for the future.
Planting seeds for a healthy ecosystem: A case study
When: June 9 at 2 p.m.
Presenters:
- Stuart Elgie, Partner and Architect, DIALOG
- Chuck Wertheimer, Senior Principal, Resource Planning Group
- Gavin Wardle, Partner, Preyra Solutions Group
The session examines how a fast-growing, multi-site health organization west of Toronto is addressing Ontario’s urgent healthcare infrastructure challenges, including low hospital bed availability, long wait times, and rising demand. Using a 100-acre greenfield site and existing facilities, the case study explores strategies to reshape inpatient demand and develop sustainable, community-focused healthcare. The discussion will focus on three key strategies: leveraging population health data to shift care into the community, rethinking health planning and investment to prioritize equity and wellness, and designing climate-smart healthcare infrastructure.
Weaving the threads: Embracing cancer care through humanistic interior design
When: June 10 at 2:20 p.m.
Presenters:
- Nancy Logan, Associate and Interior Designer, DIALOG
- Nick Kennedy, Associate and Interior Designer, DIALOG
- Nancy Maerz, Senior Associate, Stantec
The session explores how the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre – Canada’s largest cancer treatment and research facility – was designed to balance clinical complexity with a human-scaled, supportive environment. Presenters will explore how extensive engagement with patients, families, and clinicians informed interior design strategies that promote wellness, comfort, and adaptability. Key themes include creating a sense of place through biophilia and regional context, supporting wayfinding and identity with thoughtful design elements, and integrating stories of survivorship to foster dignity and empowerment. Attendees will learn how collaborative, patient-centered design can enhance care delivery and the healing experience.
Video + Poster Gallery | Crafting excellence: The art and science of patient experience at UHN Toronto Western Hospital’s new surgical and patient tower
When: June 9-10
Presenters:
- Cohen, Partner and Interior Designer, DIALOG
- Rebecca Repa, Executive Vice President, University Health Network
Attendees will explore how the UHN Toronto Western Hospital New Surgical and Patient Tower balances advanced medical care with human-centered design to transform the patient experience. Presenters will highlight how elements like space, light, nature, and technology were integrated to create both cutting-edge clinical environments and calming, healing spaces. Through the collaboration of University Health Network and the DIALOG design team, the project redefines what healthcare spaces can be, setting a new standard for patient-focused, civic-minded design.
About the 2025 European Healthcare Design Conference
Organized by SALUS Global Knowledge Exchange and Architects for Health, the annual Congress, Exhibition, and Awards will explore the latest research, policies, and practice examples in the streams of design and planning. The event running from June 9-11, 2025, will host insightful talks, workshops, and panel discussions, featuring leading industry professionals who will demonstrate innovation and the application of new ideas on the future of health systems and hospitals that are better connected to cities and communities.