When you enter Innovative Radiology’s lobby in West Des Moines, you walk into a sleek and contemporary clinical space that combines the biophilic texture of wood on the flooring as well as the ceiling, underscored by wall treatments in black and stone gray. The alternating beams of the wooden slat ceiling traverse the space, meeting on the far wall to enclose a wrap-around reception desk that welcomes patients into the clinic.
The brainchild of Dr. John Teninger, Innovative Radiology LLC, underwent “a transformative remodel and expansion to incorporate the most advanced imaging technology available in MRI, CT, ultrasound, C-arm fluoroscopy, DEXA, mammography, stereotactic biopsy, QT Imaging, and X-ray.” The main thrust was to provide the most complete set of imaging services within the context of a patient-centered environment of care (EoC) that would incorporate biophilic design elements throughout the facility.
Both the entrance and the main reception desk feature graceful columns of round stones that lend it a serene ambiance. These stone cairns with their Zen-like heritage evoke the benefits of balance, harmony, and resilience through calm resolution and surrender. In addition to the modern art that frames the in-take area, echoing the same color palette around the room, groups of glowing pendant lights stream down from the slat ceiling gaps, adding a touch of retro illumination in elegant brass cords.
The imaging suites received particular attention to provide them with restorative sightlines. The sophisticated equipment and sounds inherent to its operation can create an intimidating atmosphere. In order to diffuse these inherent apprehensions, a familiar and reassuring line of sight such as an open blue sky with clouds and beautiful foliage can be a patient’s best escape.
“For the waiting room adjacent to the MRI suite, our design team favored a coastal theme with distressed wood, fishing nets and sea shells, so it made sense to develop that imagery in the diagnostic space,” says Yvonne Grant, Chief Clinical Officer. Sky Factory offered a series of renders of the MRI suite combining both window and ceiling installations. The Earth & Sky collection combines both wall and overhead scenery via Luminous Virtual Windows (now available as OpenView) and a Luminous SkyCeiling as a virtual skylight. [See top image]
The MRI Suite was outfitted with a best-selling window view of Puerto Vallarta’s incomparable bays in the Pacific Ocean (on Mexico’s west coastline) while across the patient bed a 12’ x 6’ Revelation SkyCeiling opens up the ceiling with a commanding view that invites supine patients to relax and explore the sky. “The staff love seeing our guests’ reactions to the virtual skylight. They make the session go very smoothly,” said Yvonne.
Further down the hall, we entered the CT suite that housed a Canon Aquilion ONE, a wide-area 320-row detector CT scanner designed for rapid, low-dose volumetric imaging of entire organs, such as the heart, liver, or brain, in a single rotation. The only clear line of sight in the room was into the control room’s window, a room much smaller than the scanning area, offering no therapeutic prospect.
Working with the design team, the soft curve of a 5’ x 8’ Aperture SkyCeiling became the leading contender as its unique mechanical design, which elevates the illusory sky over the trim adds an extra cue that reinforces the sense of vertical volume. “When the elliptical SkyCeiling is lit, patients can spot a flock of geese passing overhead and the vibrant colors of foliage in a bright, sunny day. The ellipse was aligned along the patient table for maximum effect, inviting the eye to explore the gentle curve of the oculus and its elegant biophilic composition.
Katie Wengert, Chief Strategy Officer, noted that the clinic had opened, but a few more imaging suites remained to be tested before accepting patients. On the far end of the clinic, she also pointed out to a hallway junction where eSea, a Digital Cinema Virtual Aquarium was slated to be installed. This gallery quality virtual window features feature-length 4K footage of assorted underwater environments that provides a relaxing opportunity to see everything from delicate Deep Sea Nettle Jellyfish to Gulf of Mexico Reef Sharks and even the prehistoric Tambaqui, the fruit-eating fish that dwell in the tributaries of the Amazon River.
Sky Factory is the only designer of evidence-based, virtual skylights that also provides continuing education courses on the benefits of biophilic design. Our family of Luminous SkyCeilings, OpenView Luminous Virtual Windows, and Digital Cinema applications are biophilic designed products that provide research-verified, architectural solutions for a range of healthcare and commercial spaces. To find out how Sky Factory can bring the healing presence of nature to your organization, contact us today.
