We designed the Cardinals-themed children's cancer center at Mercy Hospital St. Louis to support treatment by offering a therapeutic place that restores childhood experiences. Our team created an enjoyable and safe place for patients based on the principle to "treat the child, not just the cancer." Four therapy and treatment rooms promote family and staff interaction; provide space for reconditioning and enhancing motor skills; offer young children places to safely explore emotions and the senses; and provide a place for therapeutic activities involving movement, balance and self expression.
Size: 3,000 sf
Status: Completed 2010
Christner designed the playful signage and donor wall with Cardinals baseball themes.
The check-in area, known as the Box Office, welcomes patients and families with comfortable seating and kid-height counters. We positioned this entry in direct proximity to treatment spaces to promote patient-staff interaction.
The Bullpen provides space for physical reconditioning and gross motor skills improvement often necessary for pediatric patients when receiving treatment.
Our designers created Cardinals Cottage to be an indoor playhouse that offers space for engaging and imaginative play.
The 'back porch' of Cardinals Cottage gives older children a quiet place to sit and talk. It offers an 'oasis' in the midst of the medical campus.
Fredbird's Roost, where we incorporated a replica of Busch Stadium's brick façade, lets children participate in organized group activities.
The Jupiter Theater is a more relaxed environment where patients can rest and watch a movie.
