The Healing Space within Virginia Commonwealth University’s cancer center is an interactive room designed to provide a serene, restorative environment for patients and their loved ones.

Incorporating lighting and technology that is not overtly visible creates a setting conducive to reflection and immersion. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the “welcome mode,” in which the video wall mimics the surrounding wall covering.  Warm and cool white lighting tones complement the scene.

From this initial setting, visitors can select from a variety of nature-oriented videos and soothing audio experiences using an iPad touchscreen, enabling them to journey to tranquil, scenic environments. The colors and brightness levels of the architectural lighting are calibrated to harmonize with the nature scenes on the video wall.

“This is just part of the expectation of what a comprehensive cancer center really is,” said Becky Massey, volunteer leader and chair of the advisory board. “It’s exciting, it’s groundbreaking, it’s unique, it is the most fabulous advance that we’ve had in integrative health in a long time.”