In healthcare, the end goal of any building project is to create a space conducive to healing. Lighting design is now seen as an important element of healthcare building design and construction.
At the new Virtua Samson Cancer Center, built by P. Agnes, Inc., with structural engineering by O’Donnell & Naccarato, architect and designer Francis Cauffman Architects designed a space that incorporated both natural and artificial lights to create a sense of hope for patients and visitors. Large windows and skylights connect the inside to the outdoors, reducing the feeling of a sterile hospital. In completely interior rooms, light panels and artwork show scenes of nature, again, making rooms feel more natural and comfortable.
Read more about the lighting concepts used in the Virtua Samson Cancer Center:
At the Medical Behavioral Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), lighting is used to help address and maintain the moods of children with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and autism. Circadian lighting mimics the changes in brightness and color spectrum of the sun throughout the day. This type of light exposure helps keep people’s circadian rhythms, even though they are completely indoors, and impacts their sleep, mood and metabolic functions.
Read more about CHOP’s circadian lighting:
Two GBCA members specialize in lighting design and lighting solutions:
Photo Credit: Image of Virtua Samson Cancer Center from Francis Cauffman Architects
