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FUSION
Chloe Aalsburg
IDES 442 - Fall 2015

53,976
cancer patients in Michigan

Fusion:

Infusion Center &

Assisted Living Facility

Fusion will be a relaxing healing environment

for cancer patients in downtown Lansing, MI.
Located in the Hollister Building, this luxury
infusion center will be coupled with assisted
living. The space will truly provide a home away
from home for cancer patients while receiving
chemotherapy treatment.

Literature Analysis
The Role of Optimal Healing Environments in Patients Undergoing Cancer
Treatment: Clinical Research Protocol Guidelines
by Keith I. Block, Penny Block, and Charlotte Gyllenhaal

Key Points:
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Exercise can reduce chemotherapy-related nausea

Biophilic design and access to the outdoors can reduce nausea
Bright, warm colors may increase anxiety
Dull or gray colors may add to feelings of depression
Yellow-green tones may increase nausea symptoms
Music may reduce anxiety
Cancer patients often feel a loss of control of their lives
Aromatherapy is beneficial to relaxation

Future Design Application:

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Nature-inspired design
Use of textured surfaces, especially in assisted living areas
Calming blue color used throughout
Overhead sound system with multiple music and sound therapy options
Dimming lights
Patients will have control over personal bedrooms (lighting, music, etc)
Be a safe space for patients to work on physical as well as emotional healing
Provide spaces where patients can do hobbies, etc
Aromatherapy treatment and/or scents pumped through HVAC

Literature Analysis
Five Need-to-Know Trends Shaping Healthcare Design
by Karen Edmundson

Key Points:
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less clinical, more home away from home

use of artwork, sophisticated color palette, textures
noise reduction and natural light
reduce patient anxiety and stress through personalization and pre-arrival
patient surveys
patient communication boards
scale and flexibility of patient room furnishings
double duty furnishings
improve infection control through advanced handwashing procedures
easy to clean and disinfect furnishings, antimicrobial finishes

Future Design Application:

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covered headwalls
blue, gold, white, and tan color palette
personalization of rooms through family photos and pre-arrival survey
flexible furnishings (ex: palisade flop sofa by Nemschoff)
sink by door
furnishings with rounded corners and clean lines
high-performance textiles and Crypton finish
silver ion wood, metal, and textiles

Site Analysis & Conditions

Hollister Building - 3rd Floor
The current condition of the Hollister
Building is very good. It has been wellkept by the Boji Group and is partially
occupied by retail businesses and offices.
This historical building was built in 1896
and is very close to the Lansing capitol
building.
There are other cancer facilities in
the area, including Sparrow Cancer
Center, Compass Healthcare Cancer
Center, MSU Breslin Cancer Center,
Center Cancer Care, Breast & Cervical
Cancer Control, Karmanos Cancer
Institute, and McLaren Greater Lansing.
There are several parks nearby,
including Lansing Park Terrace, Frances
Park, Moores Park, Trager Park, Cooley
Gardens, and Adado Riverfront Park.

Building Conditions
On the 3rd floor there is a lobby area with a
working elevator, as well as stairs and a restroom.
The interior of the building is in White Box
condition with plaster walls and gray broadloom.
Columns can be found throughout. There is also an
area of the floor that is raised to create a platform
and a ramp to the womens restroom. There are
many windows throughout the space, providing
lots of natural light. The third floor also has a
dropped ceiling, which is 88.5 above the ground
and fluorescent lighting throughout.

Climate Analysis
Impact on Design
Chemotherapy can have a variety of effects, one of which is getting cold
easily because of hair loss and weight loss. It is important to maximize comfort
through proper HVAC systems. This could include well insulated windows, operable
windows, air conditioning, and heated floors. Chemo can cause sensitivity to light,
often patients have decreased vision and are more likely to get sunburnt. It is
important to have electronic shades for all windows and that patients have visual
access to the outdoors, increasing vitamin D absorption and combatting
depression. These shades will be black-out in order to provide darkness when
napping or resting during the daytime. Including lighting on dimmers will also be
helpful for patients with eye sensitivity. In addition, with the amount of
precipitation the location receives, one of the most important things to consider is
slip-resistant flooring. Patients going through chemotherapy are often very weak
and are more susceptible to injury if they were to slip on wet flooring.

Mission
Fusion will be a relaxing treatment facility for
cancer patients in the center of Lansing, MI. The
primary mission for the renovation of the 3rd floor
of the Hollister Building is to create a comforting
infusion center and assisted living facility for
chemotherapy patients. This new facility, Fusion,
will incorporate luxury design elements and a
healthcare environment. It will include infusion
rooms and bedrooms, as well as therapy,
counseling, and exercise spaces. The space will
truly provide a home-away-from-home for cancer
patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

Project Goals
Comfort

Circulation

Aesthetics

Fusions design will provide

physical and mental comfort for
the patients. This will have a
calming effect on those in the
space.

The renovated space will ensure

safety and accessibility for a
wide range of users by ensuring
simple navigation throughout
the space.

Fusions design will have the

comfort of home with luxurious
details, providing patients with
an environment that is less
sterile than the average
healthcare facility.

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The space will follow ADA
guidelines to accommodate all
users.

1
The design of Fusion will have a
residential feel throughout.

1
The design will focus on physical
comfort in functionality.
2
Fusions design should provide
mental comfort to patients
through biophilic design and
positive distractions in their time
of need. Special attention will be
given to the infusion rooms in
hopes of creating a more
comforting environment.
3
Fusion will provide hospitality
amenities to their patients by
incorporating access to
technology and activity spaces.

2
The design should have clear
traffic paths, allowing users to
easily move through the space.
3
Fusion will ensure simple
navigation.

2
Fusion will use color and lighting
to create a calming effect on its
patients.
3
Patient rooms will be
personalized.

Personalization
Adjustable lighting

Project Goals
Healthy Environment

Cohesion

LEED certification, FF&E and

sustainable practices will create
a space that is healthy for both
users and the environment.

Fusions interior should be

cohesive throughout. Bedrooms,
infusion rooms, fitness facilities,
etc will all be similar in design.

1
Fusion will be LEED certified.
2
Careful FF&E selections will help
create a healthy environment for
the patients.
3
Fusion will provide systems that
focus on the physical health of
the patients to aide in the healing
process.

Geriatric furnishing options

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Infusion rooms should contain
the same elements as the
bedrooms in order to create a
cohesive environment for the
patients.

Control

Giving cancer patients control

over their daily activities and
environment benefits their
mental health, because they
often feel out of control
after diagnosis.
1
Patients at Fusion will have
control over their treatment
plans.

2
The healthcare environment will
be cohesive to benefit nurses and
workers in Fusion.

2
Patients will have control over
their schedules and will decide
when to have infusion
treatments, get a massage, eat, or
have visitors.

3
The time spent inside Fusion will
be cohesive with normal life for
patients.

3
Patients will have control over
their environment, specifically in
their bedrooms.

Standardized rooms

Individual HVAC thermostat

Target Client
Fusions target client will be any cancer patient that
is 18 or older. This infusion center will be slightly
more expensive because of its luxury design,
amenities, and assisted living quarters. The typical
client will probably be off middle to upper class
because of this.

focus on
helping people
regain control
of their lives

Activity Requirements
In-Patients: Chemotherapy patients staying in the assisted living facilities and receiving treatment in
the infusion center
Out-Patients: Chemotherapy patients receiving treatment at the infusion center
Guests: People visiting patients in the assisted living facilities
Nurses: Healthcare professionals who will provide care to patients, update guests, and utilize all spaces in
Fusion
Medical Oncologists: Healthcare professionals who specialize in chemotherapy treatment and will
access all spaces
Social Workers: Professionals with access to assisted living facilities and counseling offices who will
advocate for patients and help improve their well-being
Therapists: Healthcare professionals with access to assisted living facilities and counseling offices who
will help patients with change management
Aromatherapy and Massage Therapists: Professionals with access to dedicated massage rooms who
will provide relaxation
Infusion Administrators: Healthcare professionals with access to infusion centers will administer
chemotherapy
Assisted Living Professionals: Healthcare professionals with access to assisted living facilities who will
help in-patients with anything they may need, including providing food, cleaning, and helping them get to
the bathroom
Hairdressers: The salon will be accessed by professional hairdressers who will provide salon treatments
and wigs to the patients
Facilities and Maintenance: Staff that will handle laundry, food services, and cleaning, with access to
all facilities

IBC Code Analysis

Occupancy Classification
Assembly Group A-3: Assembly uses intended for worship, recreation or
amusement and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A.
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Reception & Lobby, Lounge, Art Space Fitness Center

Assembly Group A-2: Assembly uses intended for food and/or drink consumption.
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Dining Area, Kitchen

Institutional Group I-1: This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or

portions thereof for more than 16 persons who reside on a 24 hour basis in a
supervised environment and receive custodial care. The persons receiving care
are capable of self preservation.
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Assisted Living Bedrooms, Infusion Rooms

Business Group B: Business Group B occupancy includes, among others, the use of
a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for office, professional or service-type
transactions, including storage of records and accounts.
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Nurse Station, Aromatherapy & Massage Space, Counseling Rooms, Laundry

Services, Salon

Storage Group S: Storage Group S occupancy includes, among others, the use of a
building or structure, or a portion thereof, for storage that is not classified as a
hazardous occupancy.
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Maintenance & Storage Closet

ADA Code Analysis

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305 Clear Floor or Ground Space 305.1 General. Clear floor or ground space
shall comply with 305.
+ 305.3 Size. The clear floor or ground space shall be 30 inches minimum
by 48 inches minimum.
306 Knee and Toe Clearance 306.1 General. Where space beneath an element
is included as part of clear floor or ground space or turning space, the space
shall comply with 306. Additional space shall not be prohibited beneath an
element but shall not be considered as part of the clear floor or ground space
or turning space.
308 Reach Ranges 308.2 Forward Reach. 308.2.1 Unobstructed. Where a
forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches
maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the
finish floor or ground.

ADA Code Analysis

223 Medical Care and Long-Term Care Facilities 223.1 General. In licensed medical
care facilities and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay
exceeds twenty-four hours, patient or resident sleeping rooms shall be provided in
accordance with 223.
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EXCEPTION: Toilet rooms that are part of critical or intensive care patient
sleeping rooms shall not be required to comply with 603.
Advisory 223.1 General. Because medical facilities frequently reconfigure
spaces to reflect changes in medical specialties, Section 223.1 does not include
a provision for dispersion of accessible patient or resident sleeping rooms.
The lack of a design requirement does not mean that covered entities are not
required to provide services to people with disabilities where accessible
rooms are not dispersed in specialty areas. Locate accessible rooms near
core areas that are less likely to change over time. While dispersion is not
required, the flexibility it provides can be a critical factor in ensuring cost
effective compliance with applicable civil rights laws, including titles II and III
of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Additionally, all types of features and amenities should be dispersed among
accessible sleeping rooms to ensure equal access to and a variety of choices
for all patients and residents.

Code Analysis
LEED v4 for BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Healthcare
LEED Certified (42 points)
LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT) - 5 points
SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS) - 2 points
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) - 7 points
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INDOOR WATER USE REDUCTION

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE - 1 point

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) - 7 points
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FURNITURE AND MEDICAL FURNISHINGS

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ) - 14 points

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INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

THERMAL COMFORT
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DAYLIGHT
QUALITY VIEWS
ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE

INNOVATION (IN) - 1 point

REGIONAL PRIORITY (RP) - 4 points

Bubble Diagram 1
Dining
Area

Kitchen

Fitness
Center

Counseling
Rooms
Infusion Rooms

Reception & Lobby

Nurse
Station

Lounge
Aromatherapy
& Massage
Space

Public
Restroom

Assisted
Living
Bedroom

Art
Space

Salon

Maintenance
& Storage
Closet

LEGEND

Laundry
Services

IMMEDIATE

ACOUSTICS

SOMEWHAT

REGULAR

PUBLIC

SEMI-PRIVATE

PRIVATE

Bubble Diagram 2
Art
Space

Counseling
Rooms

Infusion Rooms

Fitness
Center

Reception & Lobby

Aromatherapy
& Massage
Space

Nurse
Station

Lounge

Public
Restroom

Assisted
Living
Bedroom

Kitchen

Salon

Maintenance
& Storage
Closet

LEGEND

Laundry
Services

IMMEDIATE

ACOUSTICS

SOMEWHAT

REGULAR

PUBLIC

SEMI-PRIVATE

PRIVATE

Block Diagram 1
2

LEGEND

Hollister Building
3rd floor

PUBLIC

11

SEMI-PRIVATE

10

NORTH

PRIVATE

7
3

4
12

14

15

8
13

Block Diagram 2
2

LEGEND

Hollister Building
3rd floor

PUBLIC

8
9
SEMI-PRIVATE

NORTH

PRIVATE
10
5

6
11

13

14

6
3
2

12

Space Program
SPACE

# OF SPACES

SQUARE FOOTAGE

OCCUPANCY

NET SQUARE FOOTAGE

RECEPTION & LOBBY

750

50

750

ASSISTED LIVING BEDROOM

360

1800

INFUSION CENTER

200

1200

NURSE STATION

850

850

LOUNGE

1000

66

1000

DINING AREA

200

13

200

AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE SPACE

200

400

COUNSELING ROOM

300

1200

ART SPACE

200

200

FITNESS CENTER

800

16

800

KITCHEN

500

33

500

LAUNDRY

280

280

SALON

930

930

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE CLOSET

130

130

TOTAL NET SQUARE FOOTAGE: 10,240 square feet

CIRCULATION & WALLS (35%): 3,584 square feet
TOTAL GROSS SQUARE FOOTAGE: 13,824 square feet

Inspiration - Conceptual

These inspirational images represent a variation in the colors and textures found in
nature. The contrast of smooth (water) and rough (earth) textures will be the of the
basis of the design. Water will be Fusions main focus because of its calming nature.

Inspiration - Spaces

Fusions assisted living spaces will each be unique, either contemporary, eclectic,
vintage, or traditional, to fit the patient's style. Rich textures and playful patterns
will add interest to the healthcare facility. The end result should be a residential
feel throughout the spaces, creating cohesion and comfort.

Conceptual Rendering - Infusion Room

Conceptual Rendering - Bedroom

Synthesis & Conclusion

Through the programming process for Fusion,
I learned what methods of research are most
beneficial. I found that literature analysis was
extremely helpful and was able to provide me with
detailed information about cancer patients and
what they go through everyday.
I was successful with my mission and goals.
Although, I did run into some issues, specifically
with LEED certification. Not only was doing LEED for
healthcare extremely difficult and time consuming,
but I nearly failed getting certified. Now I
understand why very few healthcare facilities
complete LEED certification.

Without feeling negative

energy, we would not
know what positive
energy is.