Visual wonderland

Photo courtesy of MSKCC

Facility: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: New York City
Architect: Richard Choy

A multidisciplinary design team turned to the Dutch for inspiration in creating a state-of-the-art pediatric rehabilitation gym that serves the medically fragile pediatric population of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City.

The space is a visual and audio delight filled with interactive bubble tubes, a sound-activated panel, projector lights, fiber-optic cables, music and a large tactile panel.

The designers utilized a concept called Snoezelen — a combination of the Dutch words snuffelen (explore) and doezelen (relax) — defined in the 1970s by therapists in the Netherlands who were working with patients who had cognitive disabilities.

The concept is now used in various health care facilities around the world and is credited with making positive impacts on pediatric patients with mental health issues, brain injuries and chronic pain.

To submit a Last Detail case for consideration, contact Jeff Ferenc at jferenc@healthforum.com