The John Theuer Cancer Center by J/Brice Design International, Inc. nominated for 2013-14 ADEX Awards.

All Projects

The John Theuer Cancer Center

J/Brice Design International, Inc.

PROGRAM STATEMENT To create a Cancer Center in which the design supports the patient in the emotional response to healing. Our goal was to establish a center which reinforces and aids in the spiritual, physical, and social healing processes - an inspirational design which reinforces the power of our own life forces of rejuvenation and a positive mental outlook. DESIGNERS CONCEPTUAL RESPONSE TO CLIENTS ASPIRATIONSWhen we spent time with the staff at John Theurer Cancer Center, we were advised of the high levels of anxiety patients experience upon their arrival and throughout their treatment. In essence, from the moment patients place their hands on the front door, their heart begins to race, as they enter to face the uncertainty of their future. Our challenge was to soothe the patients through visual and sensory cues, providing for them a sense of hope, comfort and familiarity. Our response was to establish The Center as a place of hope and healing. We proposed a Living Wall, which is a self-supporting system that fosters plants growth year round. It features over 40 species of flora, all hydroponically growing on a network of contained irrigation panels. Not only aesthetically beautiful, it purifies the air much the same as our Rain Forest do, through a system of ventilation that filters ambient air inward through the foliage, releasing back into the space a purer, cleaner air to breathe. Commonly found in Europe, this is one of the first installations in The United States, and was incorporated as a symbol of rejuvenation and strength of life forces, which all living things share. Incorporated into the living wall is a 25’ waterfall which results in an acoustically soothing component to the nature inspired theme. Taking advantage of the soaring 6o’ foot atrium, we filled the space with over 200 hand blown Murano glass “birds”. The shape and color of the “birds” were taken directly from the Logo of the Center. Starting low as you enter, they start to soar in clusters to nearly 50’ overhead, leading you to the living wall, waterfall, and the entry to the sun drenched south corridor. All patients are greeted at the front desk which is softly lit and features a back-drop of river stones. The logo/bird shapes are also incorporated into the terrazzo floor, in whimsical pattern, which complements the sweeping curve of the corridor. Just off the South Corridor we have a Tranquility Room, lit indirectly through a diffused architectural detail, where patients can have personal time to reflect, pray, or meditate.We provided a research library and a cyber café where, patients and their families can investigate details on their conditions with staff to guide them.. A 3000 sf garden on the second floor has areas for reflection, as well as a natural herb and vegetable garden, which provide ingredients that are used in the Demo Kitchen created for patient’s nutritional education. This residential styled kitchen hosts local and national chefs who are focused on an “eating healthy to stay healthy” approach to cuisine. Classes are also provided on how to cook on a budget for the single elderly patients. It also serves as a communal activity for patients to bond with others who face shared challenges. There is also a café serving healthy foods in a sun-drenched environment where patients relax and socialize, as well as Yoga Room providing daily classes for patients and families.A 200,000 sf state of the art facility, built for a cost of $160 Million.

J/Brice Design International, Inc.

J/Brice Design International, Inc. (www.jbricedesign.com) was founded in 1989 by leading hospitality design authority Jeffrey-Brice Ornstein.rnrnIt is a global design firm, having directed projects in excess of $5 Billion since its founding. The firm\'s most recent signature engagements worldwide include the fabled HMS Queen Mary, 1934 luxury ocean liner that is one of North America\'s most popular tourist destinations, the iconic urban landmark The Helmsley Hotel in New York City, and The Grand Heritage Hotel and Spa, the premier destination in Doha’s Aspire Zone, executed for the Royal Family of Qatar rnrnJ/Brice Design Studios and Offices are located in Boston, MA and Dammam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.rnrnJeffrey Ornstein CEO is a frequent guest lecturer throughout the Middle East, Europe and North America. He has been a featured speaker at HD Expo, HD Boutique, HOTEC, and Hospitality Match , and Concepts Middle East has spoken on numerous occasions at Heimtextil, the world’s largest international commercial textile trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany. rnrnJeff was the first American named keynote speaker of the 2009 Kingdom Hotel Expansion and Investment World Summit in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 2009 he was called upon by his colleagues to judge the annual Hotel World Platinum Circle Awards, and again in 2012 to judge Boutique Design Gold Key Awards rnRegarded for transformative hotel designs, he has been a contributing editor to Hotel Executive, and featured in Boutique Design, Hospitality Design, Lodging & Hospitality and Young Hotelier. rnrnHe was named one of Boston\'s 12 Most Influential People in 2005 by Insight magazine. In addition, J/Brice Design was twice awarded as one of the Top Ten Fastest Growing Design Firms nationwide by Interior Design magazine.rnJ/Brice is the preferred design group for all full service Hilton Hotels, Marriott International / Ritz Carlton, Starwood Hotel, The Intercontinental Hotel Group, Hyatt Hotels, and Trump International and International credentials include work for TAJ Hotels and The Kempinski Hotel Group.rn

326 A Street
Boston 02210
United States
(617) 695-9456
http://www.jbricedesign.com/