UHN Toronto Western Hospital New Surgical and Patient Tower
Redefining patient care and wellbeing
Healthcare & Wellness
DIALOG is leading the design of the University Health Network’s New Surgical and Patient Tower at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH), a visionary project poised to solidify TWH’s reputation as Canada’s leading neuroscience centre of excellence and leader in performing complex surgeries. Situated in downtown Toronto, this landmark tower is set to revolutionize patient care, offering state-of-the-art surgical capabilities across a wide range of specialties, including neurosurgery and orthopedics.
Spanning 380,000 square feet over 15 storeys, the tower will introduce 82 new beds – 16 in critical care and 66 for acute medical and surgical needs – significantly enhancing the hospital’s capacity to deliver exceptional care. Central to this expansion are 20 new operating rooms, including three Hybrid ORs with cutting-edge imaging technology, expanding the hospital’s capacity to perform highly complex procedures.
UHN’s commitment to patient care aligns with environmental responsibility. The New Surgical and Patient Tower strives to minimize its carbon footprint. By utilizing UHN’s new wastewater energy transfer system for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water, the project has been able to eliminate all on-site carbon emissions (scope 1).
The design targets a 32% reduction in energy use below the Ontario Building Code and includes design measures like: high-performing building envelope, LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and efficient air-side energy recovery ventilation units to precondition incoming fresh air.
Beyond further facilitating clinical excellence, the tower is designed to provide a holistic healing environment. Essential support facilities, such as a pre-operative care unit, post-anesthetic care unit, inpatient rehab gym, medical device reprocessing department, and pharmacy, ensure a seamless continuum of care. The interior design exudes tranquility, with soft, organic forms and natural materials that enhance biophilia, creating a calming atmosphere for patients, visitors, and staff. Natural light fills patient and staff spaces, reinforcing a strong natural connection. Spectacular views of the cityscape enhance the overall wellbeing of patients and staff.
The design also embraces the outdoors with a Healing Garden adjacent to the Community Room and an Outdoor Terrace on Level 11, offering serene spaces for reflection in the heart of the city. This leading-edge facility notably combines advanced technology within expansive clinical environments, embodying UHN’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive care and well-being.
- Location
- Toronto, ON
- Size
- 380,000 sq ft
- Client
- University Health Network
- DIALOG Services
- Collaborators
HH Angus & Associates
RWDI
Entro
ONE EQ
LRI
Valcoustics
RDH Building Sciences
Soberman Engineering
Kaizen Food Service Planning & Design
Spyder
Level Playing Field
BA Consulting Group
Artificiel
Urban Forest Innovations
WSP
Architecture
Electrical Engineering
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Planning & Urban Design
Sustainability + Building Performance Consulting
The New Surgical and Patient Tower stands as a landmark new entry to the Toronto Western Hospital Campus, viewed from the northwest along Bathurst Street.
The Drop-Off Area features expansive glass, offering a view into the Lobby beyond and allowing light and connections to nature to permeate the interior.
The Lobby features soft, organic lines welcoming patients and families into the space, with abundant daylight, views of the outdoors, and flexible seating to complement the dynamic environment.
The new Tower will be directly connected to the existing Atrium and will provide opportunities for a café or food service vendor.
The Community Room is a versatile space for waiting, gathering, community engagements, and meetings, offering views of the Healing Garden and the vibrant city beyond.
The Healing Garden forms a natural buffer along Bathurst Street, surrounding the Community Room with a soft, landscaped edge and creating an inviting outdoor gathering space.
The Family Lounge is a serene, reflective space providing families with a quiet and comfortable area to wait while their family members are undergoing procedure.
Communication Desks link staff to all patient bays, allowing for easy monitoring of patients while supporting staff workflows and communication.
Patient bedrooms offer expansive outdoor views, technology for displaying essential patient information, and furniture designed to accommodate family and friends.
The Center for Spiritual Reflection, located on Level 11, provides a flexible area for contemplation, wellness, and ceremony with views of the Outdoor Terrace.
Level 11 will feature an Outdoor Terrace adorned with native plantings, providing outdoor space for staff, visitors, and patients to enjoy.
The northeast view highlights the connection between the existing Atrium, the elevated Drop-Off area, and the entrance to the underground parking below.
View along Bathurst Street showcasing the circular Community Room with the Healing Garden, and the Family Lounge above.
The Team
Optimal floor plates proportions to accommodate various program components while maintaining program required relationships.
The massing clearly expresses the program, with three stepped volumes retreating from the main road, creating a sense of lightness and reducing the building’s scale to harmonize with the neighborhood. Vertical circulation is emphasized and celebrated as a space for movement, gathering, and respite.
The entire building mass is elevated, extending the surrounding public realm and opening up the northwest corner to maintain pedestrian pathways and seating areas. Recognizing the importance of respite spaces in healthcare, a garden near the main entrance and an exterior terrace on Level 11 offer outdoor sanctuaries in the heart of the city.
