The Niches are a beautiful story of the elements, flowing beaches, grasses, birds, air and sky, that unobtrusively hold images of the important founders and medical staff in a fresh and new “history” solution. The management was gracious in giving the artists Jeff Schaller, free reign to design something that is art first and function second.
 

Background:

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is part of the Meridian Health System. With a long history dating back to the 19th Century, it has grown in stages. The Medical Center offers services in all major medical disciplines, including a full range of cardiology services, pediatric sub-specialties, orthopedics, and cancer care. They are home to the region's only Trauma Center as well as one of the most respected cardiac surgery programs in the state.

In 2006, JSUMC embarked on what they were to name The Transformation Project. Awarded to WHR Architects from Houston TX, the new structure was designed to echo the sails of a sailing boat with an atrium forming the hub of the building from which radiates the various entry ways and patient treatment areas. The 4 story building connects to the old buildings and has its own new entrances and parking garage.

Challenges:

Getting up to speed on such an enormous project and clarifying the cohesive vision for the shore based hospital required in depth study of the concept designs. We worked closely with Tushar Gupta and Gail Sterling from WHR, as well as the administrative staff to echo their plans for the facility. Their concept encompassed ideas of earth and water, land and garden, wind and sky. This is a shore based hospital and we made obvious use of the natural world in those spheres. We were entrusted with a complex area called the North South Spine in which we were to create a backlit art installation in niches that not only gave a feeling of the location but a history of the development of the hospital. We were also given the opportunity to commission a piece of kinetic sculpture for the impressive atrium.

Results:

We commissioned Tim Prentice to create a subtle and impressive sculpture in nine parts for the circular rotunda in the atrium. It is visible from all angles and balconies, and never looks the same twice. Its’ various reflective surfaces although primarily neutral, pick up light and color from the surrounding architecture and quietly pull the space inwards and upwards to include the viewer in a scale appropriate experience.

The Two Dimensional art is a massive collection of photography and posters presented in various ways, standard framing as well as Sintra, that gives the staff and patients endless reminders of the joy of living with nature while referring to light, flora, ocean, harvests and people.
We also commissioned one of the two major paintings in large waiting areas on the 2nd and 4th floors. They are scale and subject matter appropriate.
The staff and the administration as well as guests, express a unanimous sense of awe and appreciation for the artwork. To please them and create an artistic whole, is the most difficult challenge of all.