Gresham Smith designed the THE PLAYERS Championship Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Jacksonville, Florida.

In the face of pediatric cancer, families find themselves navigating a tumultuous landscape filled with stress and uncertainty. That is why we kept them front of mind throughout the entire design process for THE PLAYERS Championship Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville, Florida. A continuation of Gresham Smith’s longstanding relationship with Nemours, the specialty clinic not only represents a landmark moment for cancer and blood disorder care in Northeast Florida, but also serves as a beacon of hope for children, adolescents and their families, reminding them that they do not face this journey alone.

Once visitors step off the elevator and onto the fifth floor, the colorful lobby and waiting room is the first space they’ll see. Designed to reduce anxiety, this distinctive gateway to the clinic features floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of the St. John’s River that runs through the heart of downtown Jacksonville. From the carefully designed flooring patterns and curvilinear forms to the vibrant accent colors on the walls and ceilings, the intentional design elements play a crucial role in aiding with wayfinding while fostering a sense of hope and positivity. Recognizing the innate healing power of creativity, a dedicated arts and crafts space was thoughtfully planned to engage and uplift young patients. The Teen Center offers an array of video games and lounge space for teenagers, providing moments of joy and escape.

The infusion suite features five semi-private infusion bays with large windows that also provide stunning views of the St. John’s River in downtown Jacksonville. Playful floor patterns and color-changing lights that can be controlled from the bays serve as a positive distraction for patients as they undergo treatment. Low walls create a sense of privacy while at the same time provide clear sightlines and easy access for care staff. Providing a new dedicated laboratory space for care testing, the space also includes a pneumatic tube station connecting Nemours’ main laboratory to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, which allows patients and families to receive their care more efficiently and in an outpatient setting.

The clinic also houses exam and consultation rooms, including separate exam rooms for immunocompromised patients to provide an additional level of care. The rooms are located along the exterior walls to maximize views of the waterfront and downtown Jacksonville, as well as provide ample daylighting for patient care. Keeping both staff and patients in mind, the workspace is designed to pivot seamlessly out of the way, allowing for greater mobility and efficient workflow.

The design was thoughtfully structured to offer flexibility, allowing for seamless configuration as the center’s demands shift. For example, demountable partitions in staff work areas can be reconfigured to accommodate changing workflows and staff needs. This creates a work environment that is not only sustainable and efficient, but is also customizable and responsive, enhancing the overall experience and productivity of staff.

Design: Gresham Smith
Photography: Sandy DeWitt