Natural light streaming through windows of the Chan Soon-Shiong Center for Life Sciences provides a crucial connection for patients to nature. It also brightens and warms interior spaces. Wherever possible, soft lighting effects throughout the facility are used in place of harsh fluorescent lights that can create a stark, artificial environment. The emphasis is on bringing nature and natural light into the Pavilion as much as possible, to maximize patient comfort and promote an atmosphere of healing and well-being.
To bring natural sunlight into the Chan Soon-Shiong Center for Life Sciences, all of the patient rooms are positioned on the perimeter of the building with large, full-size windows overlooking the mountains, trees and landscaped gardens. The blue-tinted windows filter harmful light rays and are designed to protect patient privacy while giving patients an attractive view of the outdoor greenery. Even surgical suites have windows to the outside, which provide a more comforting environment for patients and is soothing to the medical staff as well.
Hospital corridors feature full-length, glare-resistant glass windows at each end to brighten hallways and visitor areas, eliminating dark corners. To prevent overhead lights from shining directly into patients' eyes as they are lying in bed or being transported on gurneys, patient rooms feature indirect lighting and corridors are fitted with back lighting along the walls.
Outside views of daytime and nighttime environments help patients feel less disoriented by enabling them to keep track of time. The healthful benefits of sunlight can also boost patient and employee spirit and morale, helping to reduce stress in a hospital environment. An added benefit in this light-filled design is reduced dependence on electrical lighting and lower energy consumption.