Pediatric Oncology Concept

HONEYCOMB

The concept of this pediatric oncology center is inspired by the configuration of the honeycomb.  When looking at the structure of the honeycomb, it is evident that its hexagonal formation is functional, efficient, and supportive.  The honeycomb is constructed of several hexagonal tubes that are connected in a web-like manner, each wall having to rely on the surrounding walls in order to create a strong cohesive structure.  This is also true in a pediatric oncology center where the focus is centered on offering quality palliative care.  In a palliative environment there are several different staff members, which will act as the supporting walls for this facility. Each position is important whether it’s a doctor, nurse, technician, social worker or therapist, they all have to rely on one another in order to offer functional and efficient support for their patients.

In a bee hive, the honey bees use honeycomb to store honey and protect larva as they begin develop protecting and nourishing them with the care they need.  By incorporating the honeycomb into the design of this pediatric oncology center the patients are able to feel like they are properly cared for, providing a sense of welcome and comfort through the use of straight, diagonal and enclosing lines.  The use of line should be used in a way that emphasizes importance of space while creating a sense of organized, structured movement.  The form and shape of the honeycomb should be utilized throughout the space to help articulate the idea of the supporting structure of the staff members.  When thinking about the colors produced by a honeycomb one thinks of pure, rich, varying colors. The colors of this space should resemble these characteristics through implementing varying colors that are found in nature.  Because honey is translucent, the use of natural light and the connection to the outside world will also play an important role in this facility.  By incorporating aspects of the honeycomb into the design of this facility, it is possible to physically show the aspects of quality palliative care.

 

Description of Images Left to Right

• Because honey bees gather pollen from different kinds of flowers, the hue and transparency of the honey produced is always different. By incorporating this though into my design I will be able to use a variety of colors with different hues and levels of transparency.
• The design of the honeycomb is centered on its strong structure similar to this crystal that is found in nature.  This image is also represents the penetration of light that is reflected and emitted.
• This image is solely a representation of a structure that was inspired by the honeycomb and how design can transformed and modify its structure.
• This image of a honeycomb puzzle is an example of flexibility of spaces and how offering patients a sense of control can them feel as comfortable and safe.  The ides of moving and modifying spaces in order to accommodate for all needs.
• This image is an example of the protection of the patient. The way the trees curve in an embracive way but do not fully close allowing the patient to have a since of control.
• This image of the multi-colored marbles is an example of the colors, hues and transparency that are derived from the many different flowers that create the honey in the honeycomb.
• These cement blocks are an example of the structure and support that is needed in order to make the patient feel like they are being taken care of. This image represents the structure and support of the honeycomb.
• This image is an example of a stable, yet flexible structure, which are needed characteristics in order to make a pediatric oncology center run properly.
• This image of stacked spaces an example of transparency and support, which are two important factors in the design of a pediatric oncology center.
• This image is an example of different levels of privacy as well as the types of colors that will be utilized throughout the space.  The openings represent public space and the solid parts represent privacy, while the transparent parts represent somewhere in between public and private spaces.
• This image is another example of how structure and support can be transformed and modified throughout the space.
• This honeycomb structure is an example of the equal support that is offered by each staff member and the idea that they all need to leaning on each other equally in order to protect the client.
• This image of a wooden tree tunnel formed by artists is an example of controlling nature and one's surroundings.  This is a great visualization of the importance of patient control of nature (ex. sunlight, temperature) and their surroundings (ex.comfort, privacy).
• This image is an example of the many different colors and variety of flowers that take part in the process of the honeycomb in order to produce honey.