Biophilic Design in Healthcare

The WRCLA has partnered up with BC Cancer to create a healing space for families 

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How do you create a healing environment? More and more studies show that incorporating elements of nature into indoor spaces is key to improving the well-being of its occupants. It’s called biophilic design, and it’s proven to provide substantial therapeutic benefits including reducing stress and anxiety. This, in turn, expedites the recovery process.  Thus, biophilic design in healthcare has many benefits. 

Accordingly, many architects recognize that woods, such as Real Cedar, are essential when it comes to designing health care facilities. With that in mind, the BC Cancer design team is building a new Supportive Care Centre that will include Real Cedar features within the reception area, waiting room, main corridor as well as two boardrooms. This way, families facing cancer will feel the calming effects of warm, soothing cedar throughout the building. And by decreasing nervousness and anxiousness, patients and their loved ones will be more receptive to the many healing services the center has to offer – including physical, psychological and spiritual. From the time of diagnosis and up to 18 months after treatment, patients can receive support by the center’s dedicated healthcare professionals. 

Why Real Cedar for Biophilic Design? 

The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA) is proud to provide the materials to help make this vision of holistic healing a reality. Many of our members know from personal experience that supportive care services are an integral part of the cancer journey. We also know, from extensive research, that our wood can help promote wellness and therefore result in better outcomes.

For this project, cedar, in particular was an optimal choice. The wood’s rich tonal range and beautifully pronounced grain immediately connects people to nature. It’s also a top-performing building material that will enhance the wellbeing of patients and healthcare providers for decades to come. 

Western Red Cedar also comes in a wide range of sizes, grades and profiles. This gave the BC Cancer design team a lot of flexibility when it came to creating their desired look. And since this Vancouver location is the pilot site, it was especially important to use a tried and true building material that can be easily installed with maximum visual impact.

How Can You Help this Healthcare Initiative?

Did you know that one in two people will hear the words “you have cancer” in their lifetime? That stat may seem overwhelming at times. But you can help. Whether it’s an emotionally drained spouse trying to juggle work and kids while their partner goes through treatment, or an adult child sick with worry about an elderly parent – we can help lessen their burden by contributing to a place dedicated to healing.

That’s why the WRCLA respectfully invites our partners to join us in this initiative to help support BC Cancer. All funds raised through this initiative will support the establishment of a stand-alone Supportive Care Clinic at BC Cancer – Vancouver. Our fundraising goal is $75,000. Please note that any funds raised above the target or above the actual installed cost, will be donated to BC Cancer.

To learn more about donating, visit the BC Cancer Foundation

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