Creating comfort and connection at the Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital
The new Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, IN, was thoughtfully designed to promote healing and reduce anxiety through intentional choices, while honoring heritage and community.
From the earliest sketches to the finishing touches, every element of the hospital’s design was carefully selected to serve a purpose. To create an environment that promotes health and healing for patients and their families, reflecting the rich heritage and local character of the community it serves. Here, thoughtful design and the healing process are intertwined to remind us that we are caring for more than just the body, but also the mind and spirit.
Rooted in Indiana
The colors chosen for the hospital do more than fill a space; they tell a story. Inspired by Indiana’s natural beauty and cultural identity, the design palette reflects the vibrant blues of the Indianapolis Canal and skyline, paired with warm neutrals that mirror the golden tones that
define Indiana's agricultural landscape. These hues also pay tribute to the rich golds and bronzes found in the sacred artistic depictions of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, connecting visitors to a sense of purpose, tradition, and quiet inspiration.
As light pours into the hospital’s main lobby at sunrise, it illuminates a striking ceiling sculpture. An abstract interpretation of the human spine. This glowing cluster of forms, suspended against the glass backdrop, reminds us that this space is dedicated to restoring movement, health, and life.
Design that reflects our Mission
Upon entering, guests and associates are greeted with a warm welcome by a heritage wall that celebrates our Mission, Values, and historical imagery, reflecting who we are and where we've come from. The bronze and gold accents draw inspiration from the golden hues of Mother Seton's rosary, tying in the golden touches seen throughout the building’s architecture, including the elegant lettering of the hospital’s name.
Outside, you’ll find a modern art installation that reimagines St. Vincent's previous hospital emblem: doves. Set inside a tranquil garden, it stands as a beacon of peace and hope, an intentional expression of our healing ministry.
Easing anxiety by connecting with the senses
Hospital visits can be stressful. That’s why every design decision was made to promote a peaceful environment and reduce anxiety, impacting the senses: hearing, touch and sight.
The background music plays quietly throughout the space and has been carefully selected for its calming 60 beats per minute tempo, which mimics the rhythm of a relaxed heartbeat. The playlist avoids jarring instruments, allowing sound to support rather than distract.
Comfort is woven into every detail, through intentional touches. Textured fabrics, organic patterns, and upholstered finishes provide tactile comfort to anxious hands. The flexible seating options and layout encourage guests to choose what feels best for their body, creating a sense of agency and ease. Rocking chairs overlooking the garden offer a gentle, rhythmic motion that activates the nervous system's "rest and digest" response, fostering relaxation and calm. Each element invites guests to settle in, find comfort, and feel supported in both body and mind.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a perfect view of the outdoor sanctuary. Inviting guests and associates to explore the tranquil grove of trees, soft lighting, and thoughtfully placed paths that create a setting that soothes the eyes and quiets the mind.
One of the most intentional spaces on campus is the observatory garden, shaped like a brain, offering our associates and guests a calming retreat. This garden showcases a unique hand-painted glass artwork in soothing shades of blue, known to promote lower stress levels and enhance cognitive performance.
A healing environment, by design
The Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital is more than a building. It’s a space shaped by stories, guided by faith and created for healing.
From intentional color choices and comforting music to heritage sculptures and inclusive furniture design, every decision was made with our patients and their families in mind. Because healing begins the moment you walk through the door.
Last updated: septiembre 26, 2025