IWK Health displays LEGO model of new emergency department opening in 2027

LEGO brick artist Shawn McLeod unveils a small-scale model of the future IWK Health Emergency Department.

IWK Health in Halifax is now displaying a LEGO installation that gives a glimpse at its new emergency department (ED) set to open in 2027.

The display opened Friday at the Goldbloom Pavilion in the IWK Health Centre.

The model of the ED was built by award-winning LEGO brick artist Shawn McLeod. McLeod, from the Halifax-based design company HOLDFAST Bricks, is known for his buildable-brick kits of different Maritime icons such as the Bluenose, Pier 21, the Habour Hopper and the Halifax Town Clock.

The display was built out of 25,000 bricks of LEGO and took about 400 hours to put together, McLeod said.

“It’s gonna be something fun to look at,” McLeod said. “For the children who are coming here and just want a little bit of distraction.”

McLeod said he saw the prototype for the new IWK ED two years ago and immediately began putting together a model.

“Over that last two years we have gone from being just a whim, an idea to coming up with the official design, actually starting assembly about a year ago, and here we get to finally unveil it,” McLeod said.

McLeod’s work has been featured in exhibits across Canada, the U.S., Scotland and Denmark.

Rebecca De Champlain from the IWK ED Redevelopment Clinical Lead said the kids have been enjoying the new display.

“Kids are really engaged with the LEGO model, I think its naturally a fun thing for them to get to see,” De Champlain said. “They love to get to find all the little interesting elements inside the model.”

The model features elements of what will be found in the actual ED once it opens.

“Some of its many features will include specialized equipment for pediatric emergency care, a child-friendly environment with distraction and entertainment technology, dedicated family space in exam rooms, improved privacy, dedicated space for mental health and addictions care, a breastfeeding/chest feeding room, light and sound controls and sensory care space, as well as process improvements to better streamline care,” a release from the IWK Health reads.

The LEGO project was made possible through funding from the IWK Foundation.

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