Designing spaces that simulate high-pressure scenarios to safely train health sciences students

Red River College Polytech Health and Community Services Simulation Centre

The Red River College (RRC) Polytech Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre offers simulation-based education for nursing, allied health, and paramedicine students. To advance this program, RRC wanted to renovate the fourth floor of a 1960s building, requiring significant reimagining to meet contemporary standards. They engaged us to help create a comprehensive hands-on learning environment where instructors can create a variety of simulations and students can develop essential skills under real-life scenarios.

Our design focused on creating two low- and three high-fidelity simulation labs, including functioning headwalls, an apartment simulation, and seven control rooms. These labs are supported with prep rooms, four debrief rooms, and a paramedicine lab, as well as a triage station, exam and quiet rooms, storage, AV, and staff spaces. We designed distinct interdisciplinary nursing simulation and paramedicine suites, establishing clear thresholds to define the transition between real and simulated worlds. The simulation lab is accessed through two teal-colored portals while the remaining spaces are accessed through black portals, clearly separating the high-pressure simulation environment from other areas.

Other renovations included an open, light-filled public square surrounding a theater, which provides a new student lounge and meeting room. We also carefully integrated an Elders room and spaces for smudging, ceremony, and cedar bath. Large-scale colored pencil drawings by local Metis artist Christine Kirouac of native plants known for their healing properties adorn wall coverings located in debrief rooms. The art helps facilitate conversations leading to a holistic understanding of alternative medicine, healing, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

With this design and renovations creating simulated real-life experiences for students, RRC offers a contemporary learning experience, providing a more complete learning environment for the next generation of health care providers.