Discover the new Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network

Community-centred design for better care

Holland consolidated eight existing clinics into a single, centralized facility for the Calgary Foothills PCN at Uxborough. In collaboration with Holland and J5, Calgary Foothills PCN engaged doctors, staff, and patients in workshops to help shape the design around their key needs and priorities. Holland also supported a smooth transition by keeping everyone informed and involved throughout the change. The result is a thoughtfully designed facility with smooth patient flow, efficient staff collaboration, and a warm, community-focused atmosphere.

Establishing design principles with J5

Holland and J5 collaborated to help set the direction for Calgary Foothills PCN’s design and planning by establishing a set of core Design Principles. Workshops with staff and patients were facilitated to gather input, identify priorities, and agree on what mattered most. This process gave everyone a clear direction to follow and made users feel involved and valued throughout the design process.

More than a waiting room

Calgary Foothills PCN wanted to make sure patients and their families feel welcomed right from the start. The Reception Area was placed in the southwest corner of the building, making the most of natural daylight and providing beautiful west-facing views of the Rocky Mountains. The expansive reception desk improves staff visibility and supports efficient check-ins, while varied seating—including an integrated Play Zone—ensures comfort for all age groups. The Play Zone gives kids a calm, contained spot to play without taking over the room. Integrated soft seating and breakout areas that feel more like living rooms than waiting rooms promote relaxation and connection.

Intuitive wayfinding and safety

Wayfinding was thoughtfully designed to be intuitive and calming, with the patient experience at its core. Wide, clearly marked corridors and outdoor views support orientation and ease anxiety. Circulation routes were strategically placed along clerestory windows to bring natural light into interior spaces. Clear sightlines, abundant daylight, and large graphic wayfinding elements make navigation easier—especially for first-time visitors and those with mobility or cognitive challenges.

‍‍Consult Rooms were designed with safety in mind. The furniture is arranged thoughtfully, and doors swing outward, so staff can easily exit rooms in case of an emergency.

Smoother workflows

Holland recommended an On-Stage/Off-Stage Model to help Calgary Foothills PCN plan more strategically. This model creates separate entrances—one for patients and families, and another for physicians. By keeping back-of-house activities out of sight, it improves the patient experience by minimizing disruptions and allows staff to collaborate effectively between patient interactions. This approach makes the workflow smoother, improves communication, and creates a more organized, patient-centred environment.

Going above and beyond for accessibility

Holland took the design principles developed by J5 and Calgary Foothills PCN and created an initial floor plan and set of rendering that reflected the look and feel of the new clinic. J5 then hosted virtual workshops to give over 100 staff the chance to share their feedback and concerns about the clinic consolidation. The workshops helped surface real concerns from those who would be working in and using the new clinic; concerns we could test and potentially address through the design.

Calgary Foothills PCN's facility exceeds standard barrier-free design, ensuring equitable access and dignity for all users. Universal washrooms, generous turning radii, and wave-to-open door operators are seamlessly integrated throughout. This commitment guarantees every patient a consistent experience, no matter which Exam Room or area is accessed.

Connecting staff and community

One of Calgary Foothills PCN’s key objectives was to encourage connections between staff and the community by centralizing resources in one location. Located in the sun-filled southwest corner, the Community Hub was designed to support teamwork, workshops, educational sessions, and informal gatherings. With features such as movable partitions and modular furniture, the space can be easily adjusted to meet different needs.

A mix of lighting, including recessed lights, pendants, and acoustic fixtures, helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere without harsh glare or sensory overload. Sound-absorbing materials were also used throughout to keep the environment calm and support concentration.

Restorative staff amenities

In a fast-paced and demanding work environment, staff emphasized the need for spaces to rest and recharge. The Staff Kitchen and Locker Area is a quiet, restorative space for staff, close to the Community Hub for convenient access, especially during busy events, without sacrificing privacy. Early feedback showed how important private washrooms and secure storage were, so both were included through dedicated facilities and lockers. A dedicated prayer and wellness room was also added to support inclusivity and provide a calming space for everyone.

Café-style areas draw from residential design to encourage comfort, routine, and moments of decompression. A warm material palette—featuring soft greens, natural wood tones, and matte finishes—helps reduce the clinical atmosphere and create a sense of emotional ease.

Collaboration and belonging

Administrative Areas were designed to support collaboration and belonging among administrative groups and staff. The space features an open layout with quiet areas, like phone pods, for focused work. Staff feedback emphasized the importance of acoustic control, natural light, and accessible storage—each of which informed the final design.Special consideration was given to the IT staff, who had expressed a desire to be more integrated and connected.

Promoting cultural safety

J5 worked with Calgary Foothills PCN’s team to uncover what was and wasn’t working about the current clinic spaces, ensuring important aspects were respected and carried over. They dreamt up and prioritized, through a dynamic ranking activity, what elements had to be included in their new space and what it needed to feel like for both them and their patients.

Smudging is a sacred ceremony practiced by many First Nations and other Indigenous cultures. It involves burning herbs such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, or tobacco to cleanse individuals, objects, or spaces. The practice supports spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. A dedicated Smudging Room with proper ventilation and other safety features was included in the building to promote cultural safety, spiritual health, and inclusive care for everyone.