From Nashville to New England: Portsmouth Regional Hospital's New Radiation/Oncology Addition

When I received a call from Barge Design out of Nashville, TN, I was thrilled to be selected for their project. The task was to photograph the newly completed Radiation/Oncology addition at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. The highlight of the shoot was the Linac Vault, a critical component of the oncology department.

The Linac Vault, or Linear Accelerator Vault, was fascinating to photograph. This room, equipped with advanced technology for radiation therapy, had to be showcased with a sense of precision and importance. The sleek design and the state-of-the-art equipment required careful lighting to highlight its modernity and functionality without making it look cold or intimidating. The linac machine, with its futuristic appearance, almost felt like something out of a sci-fi movie, and capturing its essence was both challenging and rewarding.

One of the most important design features for Barge Design was the ceiling of the Linac Vault, which was designed to help the patient feel as comfortable as possible. The ceiling is painted with a serene scene of clouds drifting across a peaceful blue sky, creating a tranquil atmosphere. This is paired with an advanced LED lighting system that can be customized to any color or brightness, though it is primarily used to bathe the room in a soothing blue light. This combination of visual and lighting elements is intended to provide a calming effect, helping patients relax in an otherwise stressful environment. Capturing this element was crucial, as it reflects the thoughtful design aimed at patient comfort.

Equally captivating was the large mural in the hospital's hallway. This vibrant piece of art brought a touch of nature into the clinical environment, providing a calming effect for both patients and staff. Capturing this mural required careful consideration of the lighting and angles to avoid any glare or distortion, ensuring the colors remained true to life and the scene was inviting and peaceful.

The nurse station was another critical area to capture. This space is the heart of the hospital's operations, and it was essential to portray it as both efficient and welcoming. The design of the station, with its modern furnishings and strategic layout, was meant to facilitate smooth workflow and communication among the staff. Capturing the hustle and bustle of the nurse station while maintaining a sense of order and calm was a unique challenge.

The MRI room, with its advanced imaging technology, was designed to be an efficient and highly functional space for the technicians. The clean lines and thoughtful layout facilitate the smooth operation of the equipment and the workflow of the medical staff. Highlighting the space's functionality and efficiency was key in these shots, showcasing the environment where precision and ease of use are paramount for the technicians.

Working on this project was an incredible experience, blending technical skill with artistic vision. The opportunity to work with a company from Nashville on a project in New England was a testament to the reach and impact of good design and photography.

I am looking forward to going back during the summer to photograph the exterior once all the snow is gone and everything is lusciously green.

For those interested in seeing more of my work or learning about Barge Design, please visit their website at Barge Design. And as always, follow me on Instagram @kevinedgephotography for more updates on my photographic journey.