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SPOTLIGHT as a crossroads between the cancer center and the main hospital. It was designed not only for healing, but also as a wayfinding element from all points in the building. As such, it serves as a meeting point for patients, guests and staff. The hospital administration had already embraced and encouraged the use and occupation of outdoor spaces to advance the concept of "mind healing." The cancer center's previous location also included a healing garden and the staff had a clear understanding of how important that space was to the hospital and people it serves. As a result, the healing garden at the new facility was not just a component to the design of the hospital, but was at the forefront of the entire design. Each of the eight floors features views of the garden. A glance outside orients visitors where they are within the hospital. Meanwhile, to accommodate privacy needs of patients in the garden, a clear division within the area helps create smaller, humanscale spaces. Landscape architects incorporated topography changes throughout the planting space while keeping the walking surfaces flush. This technique helps divide the healing garden into different areas, as well as accommodate the roots of the plants. It also creates a sense of privacy and intimacy to those in the courtyard. "Being comfortable within the space is essential for the patients. It is very important for mind healing, and mind healing is very important to body healing," said Dr. Dale. "We don't just want bricks and mortar. We want healing happening in the healing garden." The healing garden incorporates high-level design in a small space. One of the crucial elements to be included LANDSCAPE in any garden is seating. Different seating heights throughout the garden accommodate patients with physical limitations and allow for patients using wheelchairs to sit at the same height as those sitting on the benches. A sense of wonder and connection to nature is also crucial. At MU Health Care, a month-by-month weather analysis was critical in helping determine what vegetation to include in the garden. The analysis ensures that different blooming vegetation will be in full "show" in the garden year round. Low-pollen indigenous plants such as Dogwood, on your next order! Just use promotional code Health14. Good through 04/30/2014 PATIENT ROOM BOAR DS ATIEN DS Communica ion f Communication of key informati to patients and patients' families has a ommunicat f mation ients and patients' mili has nt ti t ' milies strong correlation with patient satisfaction. Patient room d erase b d are t l ti ith ti t ti f P ti t dry boards id l for displaying key ideal f di l i k room care notes. D erase b d provide a f l point t Dry boards id focal i t where information is displayed thereby, reducing anxiety for all. p y y g y Get your FREE E sample pack by calling (800) 824-1482 or visiting www.everwhiteboards.com EverWhite's printed whiteboards are a bestseller in hospitals because they can be customized with any graphics or information needed. www.mcdmag.com November/December 2013 | Medical Construction & Design 19