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Robinwood Construction Update Newsletter

“We remember that you have called us to heal the sick, and minister to those who suffer.
In years ahead, countless people will come here in times of personal crisis.
They will come with their families and those who love them.
They will come with hope of cure and fear of loss.”

The Rev. David C. Baker, PhD, BCC
Director of Spiritual Care Services
Invocation for Ground Breaking of Meritus Medical Center
February 13, 2008

Approaching Meritus Medical Center, your eyes take in a modern, streamlined medical facility. But immediately, your vision pulls to the left. A stunning triangular roof points toward you as you enter the campus. Glass squares in hues of green, violet, and orange stretch upward to the sky. The hospital’s new chapel is a symbol of compassionate care that says, “We are here to serve the whole person—the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.”

The director of spiritual care services could not agree more. “We try to practice holistic medicine,” commented David Baker, PhD, BCC. “Health is not just physical. You need a reason to live and get well.” The new chapel reminds us that mind and body go hand in hand.

The thought behind the chapel’s design was to create a subconscious reference point for visitors and patients. “From the outside, it’s a symbolic icon—a point of reference—clearly set apart from the rest of the space,” explained hospital architect William Heun, AIA. Its triangular shape, diagonal slope, and use of colored glass make it an inspirational area. “Your eyes go up—it lifts you up,” said Heun.

“The location at the front of the building—its height above roof level—makes the chapel highly visible,” added Dr. Baker. And although functionality must drive the design of a hospital, the chapel makes you stop and take in its beauty. “It’s a handsome building with a lot of character, but the chapel really jumps out at you,” agreed Neal McKelvey, project executive of the new medical center.

The chapel sits in a node between the hospital and Robinwood Medical Center, accessible to both communities of patients, visitors, and employees. It is named in honor of the Perini family, who made a generous donation to the fundraising campaign for Meritus Medical Center. Located between the patient/visitor entrance and ambulatory care, the chapel resides in a critical activity area, according to McKelvey. Heun estimates that approximately 95% of the hospital’s foot traffic will pass by the chapel.

Once inside, floor-to-ceiling glass walls fill the chapel with light. “There’s a constant relationship between the inside and outside,” explained Heun. Plants and shrubs flank the chapel and serve several purposes. “The garden will give us artwork of the seasons,” continued Heun. According to McKelvey, the garden will also be a convenient and quiet respite, and a place to enjoy nature. A large fountain will provide a sense of movement and the therapeutic sound of running water.

Most importantly, the chapel will serve as a calming sanctuary for people of all faiths. Functional and moveable furnishings will be respectful of all traditions while offering a place for reflection and prayer. Even the triangular shape of the chapel underscores the importance the number three plays in many faiths from around the world.

The Meritus Medical Center chapel will be many things to many people—and whether consciously or subconsciously, it will be a symbol of compassion for all who come to us for care.