SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The renewal of two benefactor recognition displays on Mayo Clinic’s Rochester, Minn., campus immerses visitors in the giving nature of the Mayo Clinic legacy. That experience to pay tribute to those benefactors who help make possible the care provided at the world-famous care institution recently earned the design an IIDA Northland FAB Award, the highest interior design honor given by the organization.
Recognized in the healthcare category, the design updates to the Mathews Grand Lobby and the Hall of Benefactors create distinct yet unified spaces, while paying tribute to all levels of donors, through materials that illuminate and elevate the impact of each gift.
“The benefactor displays recognize the legacy and ongoing commitment to the critical role philanthropy plays in health care. These internal public spaces have a spirit of lightness, welcoming people in to discover, acknowledge, and reflect on the generous community that surrounds Mayo Clinic,” said Laura Flynn, a design leader for the project.
The displays embody a personal, meaningful connection point for each visitor via digital displays, touchscreen panels that highlight donor stories, and carefully placed custom lighting features that accentuate interchangeable donor plaques.
In the Mathews Grand Lobby, the key design elements are the expansive, pearly stone panels and integrated light fixtures. The stone provides a connection to Mayo’s legacy while the lighting softly reflects off the stone. The overall effect is elegantly eye-catching.
Mathews Grand Lobby (left) and Hall of Benefactors (right)
The Hall of Benefactors took cues from the Mathews Grand Lobby through the custom integrated lighting nested with white acoustical ceiling panels. The pairing of the lights and panels draw people into the space while illuminating each section of the existing slate plaques.
“These spaces are timeless reflections of Mayo Clinic’s culture,” said Nan Langevin, NCIDQ, IIDA, the project’s senior interior designer. “Solid and steadfast, warm and welcoming, brightly lit and open to everyone. The benefactors recognition displays pay tribute to those who make cutting edge health care possible, and this award is yet another nod of thanks to all the benefactors who contribute to the success stories that happen every day at Mayo Clinic.”
The IIDA Northland FAB Awards celebrate interior design projects that are fresh, artistic, and brilliant, display innovative design solutions, and demonstrate an integrated team approach as judged by a three-person panel of industry experts. The awards are administered by IIDA Northland, the regional chapter for the International Interior Design Association.
