Thoughtfully designed signage on the campus of April Sampson Cancer Center

April Sampson Cancer Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a new cancer facility offering advanced technology and treatment in a healing, comfortable environment. Bryan Health and Cancer Partners of Nebraska collaborated on the 140,000-square-foot building, which unites nearly every element of cancer care and treatment under one roof.

We had partnered with Bryan Health on signage projects before, so we immediately jumped on board when they reached out to us for a comprehensive signage plan for April Sampson Cancer Center.

Concepting a Sign Family

From wayfinding to room identification to dimensional graphics and more, Bryan Health relied on us to produce a complete sign family that would match the facility's function. As we began our brainstorming and design phase, the two words we kept in mind were calming and healing.

Bryan Health allowed the Latitude design team free reign over the creative process. Everything from the materials and colors to the fonts was hand-selected. Our designers work with our in-house manufacturing experts to ensure designs can be built utilizing the best materials for the look and environment. Four design concepts were presented to the Bryan Health and Cancer Partners of Nebraska teams before one was chosen.

Signage ADA Compliance

Interior signage in a healthcare facility must meet ADA compliance standards that allow people of all abilities to easily navigate the campus. Creating clear signage is crucial, especially with a large space like the April Sampson Cancer Center.

But those signs serve another purpose besides being functional. The Bryan Health team wanted the signs to add to the ambiance they wanted their patients and visitors to feel. The design team chose a natural wood grain, soft colors, and finishes that perfectly match the building. The finished signs help build a healing, calming atmosphere for all who visit the April Sampson Cancer Center.

Multiple stakeholder groups throughout the facility had to be looped into design plans and the approval process. Early in the process, some groups had difficulty reading standard project documents, such as messaging schedules and location plans. While some education was needed to make the approval process smoother, the project management team was able to act as a guide for the various stakeholders to ensure each person felt involved, comfortable, and excited about our plan.

“With such a large project, there are always going to be challenges to keep things on track with the timeline and keep everyone in the loop,” said Katie Gunia, project manager. “We really value bringing people together in the process and making sure the right people are making the best decisions possible.”

Stunning Exterior Signage

The April Sampson Cancer Center’s sign family project extended to exterior signage, including a grand monument at the facility’s entrance, wayfinding signage of various sizes throughout the parking lot, and a building logo. The campus has a relatively simple layout, and the signage makes it clear the different entrances and parking areas for visitors, both new and returning.

But perhaps the most rewarding piece of the project was the outdoor donor recognition display. The center is home to a beautiful garden for patients and visitors, called the Garden of Hope and Healing. The garden is filled with native plantings and a walking path around a grove of trees. Community journals are available to share written reflections with future visitors.

Throughout the garden, different styles of plaques pay tribute to donors. You can find signs everywhere you look that symbolize families honoring their loved ones and providing a nurturing place of peace and comfort. Learn more about the gardens here or watch the video below.

The End Result

The April Sampson Cancer Center project took about four years from start to finish. That timeline included rounds of designs and approvals, install trips to Lincoln, and small tweaks that became necessary with a facility this large.

“We created a great space for patients and families to spend time during their cancer journey,” said Danielle Henrickson, director of April Sampson Cancer Center. “This signage makes it easy and user-friendly to navigate the space.”

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