Challenges and Solutions

The facility had to incorporate the latest in technological research approaches with flexible and efficient laboratory work space and house outpatient treatment areas for adult and pediatric cancer patients, as well as sophisticated cancer research laboratories, all under one roof.  The solution was to have patients seen by doctors on floors one through four and scientists conduct would research on causes and cures for cancer on the top three floors.  A resource center, wellness center, education spaces and family waiting areas encourage learning, communication, and collaboration.

The building’s unusual geometries – irregular openings and slanted interior walls – underscore the university’s mission to challenge conventional notions about healthcare and research and dissolve barriers between physicians, cancer researchers and patients. The building’s facade has been pulled back to allow light to infuse the healing and research spaces which are organized around an open atrium that connects the floors and augments wayfinding, and brings researchers, patients, and caregivers together.