Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Healing Spaces
At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, biophilic design and nature-based photography are transforming clinical spaces and improving well-being for patients, caregivers and staff.
Like many artists, nature-based photographer Larry Emerson’s inspiration is rooted in his own experiences. The U.S. Army veteran spent nearly 14 months in hospitals after being severely wounded while serving in the Vietnam War. During that time, he became acutely aware of how a patient’s surroundings influence their recovery, as well as how images of nature can offer moments of relief, hope and quiet strength.
Today, Emerson channels that understanding into his striking photography. His larger-than-life images depicting the simplistic beauty of nature are sought by health care and hospitality facilities seeking to incorporate biophilic design, the concept of bringing the outdoors inside to promote health and well-being, into their spaces.
“As an artist, I specialize in nature-based photographs that create moments of calm and connection, helping patients and staff feel more grounded and at ease,” said Emerson. “The work is meant to quietly support healing, reduce stress and soften the clinical environment.”
The Power of Biophilic Design in Cancer Care
Two of Emerson’s photographs, “Abstract Water 32” and “Key Biscayne II,” were curated for the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Emerson’s photographs are part of Sylvester’s Art Is Medicine program, the cancer center’s multifaceted commitment to lifestyle medicine, which includes healing through art.
“Larry Emerson’s work resonated thematically with the experiential design intention in the building to spark curiosity for doctors, researchers and staff while infusing images of peace, hope and quiet reflection for patients and caregivers,” said Desert Horse-Grant, Sylvester’s Art Is Medicine curator. “Larry is a tremendous talent and his work, which beautifully expresses texture, color and physical movement, enhances the biophilic design featured so intentionally throughout the Griffin Cancer Research Building.”
Nature Photography Meets Clinical Innovation
There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of biophilic design, with research demonstrating that incorporating images and elements of nature into a cancer hospital environment may create a less stressful environment for patients and improve health care quality.
“Research suggests that exposure to art, particularly nature-based imagery, may help reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms and distress among patients undergoing cancer treatment, while also supporting overall quality of life,” said Frank Penedo, Ph.D., director of the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute, associate director for population sciences and the Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship. “Sylvester’s physicians and scientists may also benefit from nature-based imagery. Research in environmental psychology suggests that exposure to natural scenes can support attention restoration, reduce mental fatigue and potentially enhance cognitive functioning relevant to problem-solving.”
Art Is Medicine: Supporting Patients and Staff
Emerson says it is an honor to have his photographs chosen for Sylvester. He hopes that viewing images that are in tune with the natural beauty of South Florida, the gentle ripple of water and the pounding surf, will provide comfort and calm to patients, caregivers and staff.
“I hope it reminds people that there is beauty in everyday life,” said Emerson. “This is a particularly poignant message at a cancer center. Try to look to the bright side. There’s always something beautiful out there. You just might not recognize it right now.”
Get Involved
There are numerous ways to philanthropically support the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more information on donating notable works of art, please contact Desert Horse-Grant.
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Tags: Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center