VGH Operating Room Redevelopment

Project Details

As part of a major transformation at Vancouver General Hospital, CDm2 LIGHTWORKS delivered advanced lighting and control systems that support the next generation of surgical care. The Jim Pattison Pavilion redevelopment reflects a bold step forward in healthcare design and technology.

Working in close collaboration with dys architecture, WSP Canada, and the VGH project team, we helped ensure lighting performance aligns with the evolving complexity of today’s surgical procedures and patient care standards.

A Surgical Centre Built for the Future

In Phase 1, completed in 2021, the project delivered:

• 16 new state-of-the-art operating rooms
• A 40-bay pre- and post-operative recovery area
• Lighting designed for high precision, with tunable white technology to adapt to varying clinical tasks and surgeon preferences.

Currently underway, Phase 2 will add:

• 15 more operating rooms, including a hybrid OR supporting robotic and image-guided surgery
• 38 new perioperative patient bays
• Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades across mechanical, electrical, and medical systems
• A universal design approach, allowing any room to support any type of surgery

Upon completion, the Gaglardi Surgical Centre will house 32 operating rooms, enabling over 19,000 surgeries annually—a 43% increase in capacity.

CDm2’s Role

In both phases of the redevelopment, CDm2 LIGHTWORKS delivered intelligent lighting control systems designed for critical healthcare spaces.

Key contributions include:

• Tunable white OR lighting to optimize visibility, reduce glare, and support circadian needs for clinical staff

• Redundant lighting control systems developed in collaboration with WSP and the client in Phase 1, providing reliable backup in the event of component failure. This system was further refined in Phase 2 to enhance resiliency and operational continuity

• Integration with smart building systems for seamless control, energy efficiency, and staff workflow support

• Collaborative design development with WSP and dys architecture to uphold lighting intent while meeting clinical and regulatory standards

Our approach supports not only surgical precision, but also enhances patient recovery and staff performance through well-calibrated lighting environments.

Learn more about our insights in Future-Proofing Healthcare Facilities with Intelligent Lighting Systems