Designing the Future of Healthcare | 626 | Architecture, AI, and Human-Centered Spaces; Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Bassilius of Parkin Architects

Architecture is evolving faster than ever, especially in healthcare, where design intersects with technology, patient experience, and operational efficiency. In this episode, principals Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius of Parkin Architects discuss the changing landscape of hospital design, from universal versus private healthcare systems to the integration of AI and robotics. Discover how architecture shapes outcomes for patients, families, and staff, while anticipating the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.

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Join us for a deep dive into the world of healthcare architecture with Parkin Architects. Rebecca McDonald and Kyle Basilius share insights from decades of experience designing hospitals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. From flexible master planning and lifespan considerations to advanced lighting, patient control systems, and automated logistics, they reveal how design can directly impact health, wellness, and operational efficiency. We explore how emerging technologies like AI, remote diagnostics, and robotics are beginning to influence design decisions and operational planning, creating safer, more adaptive, and human-focused healthcare environments.

Whether you’re interested in the philosophy of design, future-proofing healthcare infrastructure, or the intersection of technology and empathy, this conversation highlights the practical and visionary approaches shaping hospitals today.

Talking Points:

1. Introduction & Context
   • Host sets the stage: the evolution of architecture in healthcare, AI, and technology in shelter and commercial spaces.
   • Brief MIT course on AI and machine learning as inspiration for the discussion.

2. Guest Introductions

1. • Rebecca McDonald: 12 years at Parkin Architects, focus on healthcare planning, personal motivation from family experiences in healthcare.
   • Kyle Basilius: Design and planning across the U.S., Denmark, and Canada; current principal overseeing cancer hospital design, philosophy of integrating empathy into architecture.

3. Healthcare Systems & Design Philosophy

1. • Comparison: Single-payer/universal healthcare vs. two-payer U.S. system.
   • Operational implications: access, staff wellness, patient and family experience.
   • Budgeting and stewardship of public funds in large-scale projects.

4. Hospital Lifespan & Flexibility

1. • Typical hospital lifecycle: 50 years; planning for technological and programmatic changes.
   • Importance of flexible core and shell design to accommodate renovations, evolving patient care, and technology integration.
   • Master planning: phased renewals, mixed-use inpatient and outpatient strategies.

5. Technology & AI in Healthcare Design

1. • AI as a tool for operational efficiency and patient care improvement.
   • Automation: AGVs and AMRs for logistics and staff support.
   • Potential for remote surgeries, telemedicine, and hub-and-spoke care models.

6. Emergency Department Design

1. • Throughput and triage-focused planning: neighborhood-style zones for low, high, and trauma acuity patients.
   • Mental health challenges and patient volume impacts on design.
   • Opportunities for tech integration to improve patient flow and staff experience.

7. Lighting & Environmental Control

1. • LED and circadian lighting systems for patient comfort, sleep, and recovery.
   • Flexibility and control for staff and patients.
   • Integration with intuitive interfaces to improve operational workflow and care delivery.

8. Staff Wellbeing & Operational Efficiency

1. • Reducing injury through thoughtful design and automation.
   • Leveraging AI and technology to improve staff retention and productivity.
   • Supporting patient-centered care while optimizing building operations.

9. The Future of Healthcare Architecture

1. • Planning for technological advances, flexible programming, and patient-focused design.
   • Anticipating evolving care delivery models, population growth, and community needs.
   • Emphasis on human-centered design as the core of architectural innovation.

10. Closing Thoughts

1. • Key takeaways: design is as much about the people using the space as it is about the physical structures.
   • The evolving role of technology and AI as supportive tools rather than replacements.

Thank you Rebecca, thank you Kyle and everyone at Parkin Architects for craft special places with purpose.

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