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We help organizations shape the future of their spaces. Through our “listening together” approach, we value every voice and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that adapt to our clients’ ever-evolving needs.

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Healthcare

Edmonton, AB

Teaching & Research Continuing Care Centre

Covenant and NorQuest College partnered to develop the Teaching & Research Continuing Care Centre (TRCCC), a groundbreaking initiative in downtown Edmonton. This project integrates continuing care services with post-secondary education, creating a model that addresses community needs while training the future healthcare workforce.

The TRCCC spans 47,921 gross square meters, combining residential care and educational spaces. It features seven supportive living neighborhoods, NorQuest College’s health-focused teaching and research areas, shared administrative zones, and diverse common services such as retail, dining, wellness, and sacred spaces. Key program elements include high-fidelity simulation labs, multipurpose classrooms, intergenerational interaction spaces, and resident-centered care areas designed to meet Alberta’s 2022 Continuing Care Design Standards.

Functional programming began in September 2019, with major updates in 2023 to reflect evolving care standards, hybrid work models, and post-pandemic learnings. Inform Planning collaborated closely with Kirsten Reite Architecture, Group2 Architecture & Interior Design, Covenant, and NorQuest College, engaging stakeholders through workshops, test fits, and iterative reviews to refine the project vision and ensure alignment with institutional and community needs.

Over 50 user group sessions—including workshops, interviews, and planning reviews—shaped the TRCCC’s functional program, focusing on critical workflows, space utilization, and interdisciplinary opportunities. Facilitated by Inform Planning, KRA, and Group2, these sessions ensured that labs, classrooms, and care spaces reflected the project’s integrated vision of education and healthcare.

 

  • Client

    Covenant & NorQuest College

  • Location

    Edmonton, AB

  • Year

    2023

  • Services

    Functional Program

    Facilitation

  • Massing Site by KRA and Group2 Architecture

The key to success

The success of the TRCCC functional program is driven by a consultant team specializing in both academic and clinical facilities planning. Inform Planning’s leadership bridged higher education and healthcare environments, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and workforce development. KRA’s expertise in healthcare architecture ensured state-of-the-art simulation environments that align with real-world clinical settings. Together, their insights created a functional program that balances operational efficiency with adaptability, inclusivity, and advanced learning technologies.

Designed as a hub for education, innovation, and person-centered care, the TRCCC fosters collaboration among students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and residents. It incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as HyFlex teaching, real-time locating systems (RTLS), and adaptable infrastructure to enhance functionality. With a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the project supports diverse cultural and educational needs.

By integrating education and care under one roof, the TRCCC represents a transformative model for workforce development and community well-being, creating a dynamic environment where life and learning intersect.

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