Client: Jefferson Health Cherry Hill Hospital
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ, United States
Completion date: 2019
Project Team
Artist
Talley Fisher
Talley Fisher Studio
Project Coordinator
Christina Romano
Jefferson Health New Jersey
Project Manager - Planning, Design & Construction
Paul Stridick
Jefferson Health New Jersey
Overview
Nature’s Symphony is a monumental suspended sculpture designed for the new atrium of Jefferson Health Cherry Hill Hospital in Cherry Hill, NJ. Its brilliant copper and feathered blue petals cascade down the vast five-story lobby, creating a peaceful environment for healing and reflection. At around 50′ high, 25′ wide, and 15′ deep, the sculpture consists of over 30 large “petals,” fabricated from perforated aluminum with anodized copper and powder coated blue finishes. The abstract, floral elements bring nature indoors, welcoming and soothing patients and visitors while complementing the architecture of the building. Natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows brings out the shine in the beautiful copper elements and ensures that the piece is visible from the outside, particularly at night. Patients and visitors have ample spaces to relax and enjoy the sculpture from all levels of the lobby, which offers a unique take on the standard hospital layout.
Goals
Jefferson Health was interested in a large suspended sculpture to balance the grand architecture and immense space of the lobby. A natural theme was the focus, with the goal of bringing nature indoors and promoting a healing environment. The artist worked closely with the client’s team to design a sculpture to fit the theme and unify the interior spaces. The artwork was generously funded by donations from Jefferson Health New Jersey Medical Staff, and coordinated by the Jefferson Health Foundation.
Process
To meet the engineering requirements of the ceiling support structure, close collaboration between the client, contractor, structural engineers, installers, and artist were essential. The suspension grids were a necessary design element, to reduce the number of suspension points in the ceiling and length of time spent on the installation itself. The complicated architectural design of the atrium created a very difficult installation situation; including the requirement of a specialty aerial lift, which was provided by Mid Atlantic High Reach. After many site visits and deep coordination, a detailed installation plan was developed, and the successful installation occurred over only two long nights.
Christina Romano and Paul Stridick of Jefferson Health were extremely important to the overall success of the project. They worked closely with the artist and team throughout the process to make sure the building was prepared for installation while ensuring as little disruption to the patients as possible.