expresso 14 - en

expresso 14 | winter 2018

sharing her vision Lisa Moore Senior Architectural Technologist | Halifax, Nova Scotia

Lisa Moore, a senior architectural technologist for over 26 years, keeps challenging herself, setting and achieving new targets every day. Whether it’s for personal fitness, giving her time to a meaningful cause, or the latest design project for EXP, Lisa tackles each goal with the same drive. Seeing the space through their eyes If you’re designing an entire building, or laying out an office space, the primary concern is to meet or exceed your client’s expectations, but that should always include the people who will actually use the space. “Ultimately, you’re doing the job for the client, but at the same time, you have to think about who is using the space and how they will use it,” says Lisa. Lisa’s thought process is best exemplified in one of her most rewarding projects. EXP was contracted to redesign the interior of a hemodialysis unit (typically used to treat chronic kidney diseases) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Creating an uplifting environment The unit was approximately 7,600 square feet, including 10 dialysis beds, a nursing station and a waiting room. The beds faced the nursing unit, away from any natural light source. Lisa immediately saw an opportunity to use the existing oversized windows to allow sunshine to fill the space, and create a bright and open atmosphere.

“When you’re going for dialysis treatment, you’re expected to spend at least five to six hours in there,” explains Lisa. “No one wants to sit in an enclosed space for that long. It was important to make sure that it was an uplifting environment for everyone.” The new design provides a degree of privacy, but still allows healthcare professionals to stay in visual contact with their patients so they can quickly see and respond to any discomfort or technical issues that may arise. Replicating success Aside from the practical aspects of the space, Lisa also paid close attention to creature comforts, such as integrated entertainment facilities, stylish and hygienic finishes, and soothing color choices that create the right ambience to help with the healing process. The project was such a great success that two other dialysis units in Nova Scotia are using it as a template for their new construction. “I’m glad to see my work being used to improve the quality of life of people having to go through treatment,” Lisa explains. “It’s not easy to spend so many hours in a hospital alone, so I wanted to do what I could to make the patients at this dialysis unit happier.”

Healthcare facilities, from hospitals to dialysis units, need to keep patients at the center of their design process.

Ultimately, you’re doing the job for the client, but at the same time, you have to think about who is using the space and how they will use it.”

women at EXP | 9