- May 20, 2026
Chambre 2.0, an applied research initiative developed in partnership with CHU de Québec–Université Laval, has earned a distinction at the European Healthcare Design Awards 2026 in the category Design research for healthcare environments.
The submitted research, titled Optimising the Inpatient Room: A Performance-Based Reassessment of Hospital Room Typologies, explores how evidence-based and patient-centred design can reshape the contemporary hospital environment.
Presented as part of the European Healthcare Design Congress in London, the awards recognize projects and research advancing healthcare environments through innovation, operational performance, and user-centred approaches to care.
Developed during a transformative moment for Quebec’s healthcare infrastructure, Chambre 2.0 rethinks the hospital room as both a restorative environment and a high-performing clinical space. The project brought together healthcare designers, clinicians, engineers, industrial designers, and technology partners to develop a new patient room and care unit typology informed by digital modelling, thermodynamic simulation, and immersive augmented reality.
Using virtual environments integrated with real clinical equipment and furniture, the team tested workflows, ergonomics, and user experience before construction. The resulting prototype proposes a more restorative care environment supporting autonomy, dignity, and wellbeing through daylight, ergonomic layouts, integrated family spaces, and improved clinical workflows.
The research also explored modular construction, ventilation, and lighting strategies aimed at improving flexibility, reducing costs, and supporting energy savings of 5 to 15 percent.
This distinction highlights the growing international recognition of research-driven healthcare design and interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping more adaptable and people-centred care environments.
Congratulations to the team and collaborators!