Healthcare Design - December 2017 - 45

BEFORE

allowed the design team to create solutions for a
number of structural, programmatic, and circulation challenges. A large, day-lit courtyard was
created with a series of glass-enclosed pedestrian
bridges. One such bridge is the center's main entrance, which follows the east-to-west arc of the
sun to maximize daylight exposure. This provides
daylight deep into the floorplate and features intuitive reception points with relatively few footsteps to clinical spaces from these points.
The interior concept is based upon a poetic
interpretation of a "walk through the woods"-
blending art and materials with biophilic design
principles to enhance patient and caregiver experience. Patient gardens and views to the wooded
surrounds are intertwined throughout treatment
spaces; all configured to enhance caregiver/patient communication. An addition housing the
linear accelerator infuses the space with bright,
natural light from an overhead skylight.
The design team focused on areas in which
patients would have the least amount of control over their experience (phlebotomy, radiation oncology, infusion), providing experiential
choice wherever possible. In each of the center's
18 private infusion therapy rooms, patient chairs
face the windows, giving the patients views while
providing caregivers a direct line of sight to the
patient for safety. Patients can adjust the lighting
and temperature within the infusion suite and
can surf the web, watch television, and order food
right from their infusion chairs. Lounge spaces
arranged outside the private rooms offer the patient the choice of socializing or resting quietly.

J URY C O M M E N T S :
* Great use of both natural
and artificial lighting to
create a good uplifting
space throughout. The
predominantly white
palette seems clean,
but the splash of color
keeps it from looking too
cold and sterile.
* What a gorgeous design
concept. Natural light
and well-balanced
application of materials
seem to give occupants
a pleasant experience.
I appreciate that the
key focal areas were
those where patients
experience the least
control over the
circumstances.
* Impressive
transformation from
dark floorplates to
welcoming light-filled
spaces. I believe the
attention to detail,
to provide the best
possible experience
for patients, was
thoughtful and carried
throughout the design.
The importance of
incorporating biophilic
design principals and
providing gardens,
views of nature, and
daylight is evident in
this design and was
executed beautifully.

Equally important is the staff workplace, intentionally designed to
support communication. Conference rooms, work rooms, lockers, and
break space are strategically placed near a dedicated staff entry to enhance off-stage collaboration and provide respite.
"Delivering the same high caliber of care and experience to patients
in their community continues to be an institution-wide focus, and MSK
Monmouth is a shining example of the commitment we made 20-plus
years ago," says José Baselga, MD, PhD, MSK's physician-in-chief and
chief medical officer. "Our strong ability to offer patients a personalized
treatment plan, robust and efficient testing, and compassionate care and
treatment near the comfort and familiarity of their home is the experience our staff strives to provide every day."

DECEMBER 2017

Healthcare Design - December 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Design - December 2017