pharmasave hospital pharmacy - toronto - canada
825 Coxwell Ave C114, East York, ON M4C 3E7, Canada
OBjective
The project involved the complete transformation of an existing 1,100 sq ft pharmacy inside Michael Garron Hospital, located in central Toronto.
The goal was to turn a highly functional, high-traffic hospital pharmacy into a warm, intuitive, high-performance retail and clinical environment.
Pharmasave’s requirements included:
- Expanding product exposure using customized RAL 9 wall units with additional shelving to increase linear merchandising capacity.
- Creating clearer, more intuitive category navigation, with vibrant colors and sharp messaging to guide stressed or mobility-limited users.
- Managing two separate entrances, one for the general public and one dedicated to hospital inpatients, requiring a carefully designed front-end organization.
- Designing three consulting/office rooms directly connected to the dispensary — with the central room designated as a vaccine clinic.
- Positioning a Canadian-standard key stock examination desk facing the OTC area, logically organizing flows between patient types and staff.
- Integrating a structural load-bearing pillar in the center of the space, converting it into a design feature rather than a constraint.
- Establishing a functional, calm waiting area between the Baby and Home Health Care sections.
- Designing both the interior layout and the external façade concept, and supervising construction on-site to ensure consistent execution.
The overarching goal was to create an experience that helps patients — especially those in post-hospital recovery — navigate effortlessly and feel supported at every step.
CONCEPT
The concept revolves around transforming a long, rectangular space — with two entrances at opposite ends — into a welcoming, clearly organized, emotionally supportive pharmacy environment.
1. A Structural Constraint Transformed Into a Landmark
A large load-bearing pillar near one entrance was clad in a warm wood-like finish and creatively turned into a sculptural tree.
This tree became the visual and emotional centerpiece of the pharmacy, guiding orientation and softening the clinical feel of the hospital corridor.
2. Clear Category Identity Through Colors and Graphics
Around this central landmark, categories such as Make-Up & Wellness, Baby Care, Nutrition and more were organized with distinct colors and graphic identities.
For the Mobility Solutions zone — crucial for post-hospital rehabilitation — category visibility was amplified through color, text, and positioning.
3. Dual OTC / Hospital-Focused Retail Strategy
The space was divided to meet both commercial and hospital-related needs:
- Two main OTC counter desks (mod. Oliver) face the retail space around the tree.
- Additional counters are positioned perpendicularly to serve the hospital-focused categories such as Analgesics, First Aid, Cough & Cold, etc.
This dual arrangement supports both general consumers and inpatients seamlessly.
4. RAL 9 Wall Units With Hospital-Inspired Graphics
Merchandising is displayed on uniform RAL.9 wall units, characterized by aluminum posts, adjustable glass shelves, and large visual panels featuring graphic patterns inspired by the Michael Garron Hospital logo.
These bright, airy panels compensate for the lack of natural light and help create a fresh, contemporary environment.
5. Flow Optimization With Transparent Go-Plexi Stands
Patient movement toward the prescription desks was carefully choreographed using transparent Go-Plexi central stands, ensuring smooth, intuitive flow from both entrances.
6. A Dedicated Consultation Room Cluster
The three office spaces behind the dispensary — including the vaccine room — expand the pharmacy’s ability to offer clinical services in a professional, private setting.
This reflects the evolving role of pharmacies as healthcare hubs within hospitals.
CONTACT US:
ROME – VIA TRIONFALE 13592
TEL: +39 06 9558 1450 r.a.
NEW YORK: +1 646 5699 091
email: info@sartorettoverna.com
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