Amita Health sculpture brings the outside indoors

Photo by Attic Fire Photography

Anchored by oncology services, the AMITA Health Cancer Institute & Outpatient Center is designed to uplift patients by bringing the outside indoors. The two-story gathering space, at the heart of circulation in the building, features a hanging leaf sculpture that appears to float above those accessing medical oncology, radiation oncology, imaging and the clinic.

The multiple leaves of the 3-D metal sculpture are attached to the ceiling by aircraft cables. To create the delicate lacelike pattern in each aluminum leaf, a computer numerical control router was used. The leaves were then bent to provide an organic shape and coated with automotive clear coat. Pigment was added to create subtle color variations in soothing greens, blues and golds.

Air movement from the linear diffusers creates subtle movement in the leaves, while light from the second-level clerestory creates reflection and shadow play on the floor.