In Their Own Words

The Family Room at St. John's Mercy David C. Pratt Cancer Center

Creating a fun and rejuvenating retreat for young cancer patients

Christner transformed a small space in the David C. Pratt Cancer Center (also designed by Christner) into a safe, active and engaging retreat for young patients. We worked closely with Dr. Bergamini, the Center's leading pediatric oncologist, nurses, patient and parents to create a therapeutic environment that supports the specialized meditation and light therapy program offered within. The family room design effectively combines private and social spaces for patients in an environment that is a complete departure from the traditional treatment setting.

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Size: 700 sf
Status: Completed 2005

<p>We outfitted the community area with flexible furniture, a flat panel tv, marker boards on the walls and plenty of cabinets for games and toys. Kids can work on art projects, participate in group sessions, or do their homework.</p>

We outfitted the community area with flexible furniture, a flat panel tv, marker boards on the walls and plenty of cabinets for games and toys. Kids can work on art projects, participate in group sessions, or do their homework.

<p>Computers were incorporated for kids to use the internet or do their homework. Power outlets are everywhere so patients can plug in IVs, and the curved walls accommodate the IV poles and wheelchairs.</p>

Computers were incorporated for kids to use the internet or do their homework. Power outlets are everywhere so patients can plug in IVs, and the curved walls accommodate the IV poles and wheelchairs.

<p>These cocoons are cozy places for patients to practice the therapeutic meditation they are learning. Patients have control over music, video, and lighting which are all part of their treatment.</p>

These cocoons are cozy places for patients to practice the therapeutic meditation they are learning. Patients have control over music, video, and lighting which are all part of their treatment.

<p>The Quiet Room is a retreat with a window nook for solitude or contemplation. The warm-toned bamboo paneling, comfortable upholstered furnishings, adjustable lighting and outdoor views create a supportive, non-clinical environment.</p>

The Quiet Room is a retreat with a window nook for solitude or contemplation. The warm-toned bamboo paneling, comfortable upholstered furnishings, adjustable lighting and outdoor views create a supportive, non-clinical environment.