DESIGNWORKS 2019

FreemanWhite Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Jacksonville, FL

FreemanWhite (Designed in partnership with HKS Architects)

Frank Brooks (Client Executive), Troy Seanor (Project Manager), Michelle Mader (Healthcare Trends Expert), Leigh Walker (Interior Designer; Lead), Rebecca Ladnev (Design and Planning), Dina Kanawati (Furniture Specs and Coordination), Jorge DeLaRosa (BIM Specialist)

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center is an iconic symbol of hope across the region. It inspires and contributes to the vitality and growth of the Jacksonville community while providing an environment of optimism, care, and support for cancer patients and their families.

Patient experience was a key driver to every design decision made. We collaborated with the Patient Advisory Committee throughout the design process to ensure our vision aligned with how they wanted the space to function and feel: Warm, bright, and life-affirming.

Starting from the entry, we intentionally kept the welcome desk low and open so it would feel more welcoming and approachable, rather than create a visual barrier. We coupled this with a clear and simple wayfinding strategy that eases patients’ initial experiences with the facility.

The environmentally friendly space provides access to natural daylight and indoor plants to inspire healing. The infusion center is located on the top floor, affording patients breathtaking views of the St. John’s River while they receive therapy. The natural setting extends outdoors to a courtyard that offers a respite for patients and families.

Artwork procured from the local community provides positive visual distractions. We intentionally used a neutral interior finish palette to allow this artwork to be the focus to help calm and heal the human spirit.

We are proud to have helped create a heroic space that inspires a feeling of safe harbor for all who enter with the hope of healing and for the staff and physicians providing care.