Honor Award
M.D. Anderson Access System
Location
Houston, TX
Design
fd2s, inc., Austin, TX
Design Team
Steven L. Stamper (Principal in Charge); Herman Ellis Dyal, AIA; Greg Giordano; Susanne Harrington; Amber Felts; Jon Freach; Suzi Poore; Sharon Silvers; Michael McDaniel; David Hoffer
Fabrication
Graphtec
Client
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Consultants
Handwire (technology), Watershed Five (video production)
Photos
David Omer
The consultant began the project with an in-depth analysis of the needs of patients, visitors, and the staff that serve them. The understanding cultivated during this intense analysis phase led to the development of a strategy that called for the creation of a unified and highly recognizable system to address the needs of users at every possible point of contact. The strategy recognized that an effective system would need to reach across every aspect of the hospital's environment and operations, including architecture and interiors, signage and wayfinding, communications, services, and internal processes.
Jury Comment
"The wayfinding in this enormous medical facility has been humanized and is so refreshing. The color, type, and icons help support the beauty of the program. The reassuring 'pathways and landmark' system is very successful. The introduction of computers in a non-threatening directional system illustrates a great use of technology. The entire program is so well integrated that the jury felt the patient - the ultimate user - benefited and their medical experience was less stressful."