Your firm's role on the project: Planning, Programming, Architecture, Design, Interiors
Type of facility: Ambulatory cancer care center
Specialty services: Cancer center
Project vision/goals: "To provide world-class cancer care locally, in a center that is a model community and university partnership, providing patients and families access to cutting-edge research and treatment protocols in a nurturing, compassionate, and hope-filled environment."
Links to published articles on this project:
http://www.contractconnected.com/0107
http://www.buildings.com/Articles/detailBuildings.asp?articleID=3349
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/apps/pbcs.d11/section?category=DESIGNAWARDS0
Awards:
2007 Contract Interiors Award Winner in the Healthcare Category
2006 Modern Healthcare/AIA Design Award Citation Winner
2006 Buildings Magazine Project Innovations Award
Additional details:
The UW Cancer Center at Johnson Creek is owned and operated by the joint venture partnership of UW Health, Fort HealthCare, and Watertown Memorial Hospital. The design of the center was developed to meet the center's goals, which include state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment, efficient gand seamless care, a human experience for both patients and staff, and recruitment of top clinicians.
Fitting seamlessly within the rustic landscape, the building was inspired by its surroundings: natural elements and rural Midwestern architecture. Extensive use of glass and careful window framing provides patients and staff with views of the landscape and sky.
The key design challenge was to create a complex, high-tech healthcare facility that appears simple and is distinctive. The building uses the environment to enhance the world-class cancer program. Designed to be clean and open, engineering systems are hidden between the ceiling and the roof. Wayfinding is clear; spaces flow naturally into one another. The distinctive V-shaped roof and clerestories make an optimistic statement about the center, its treatment quality, access to natural light, and place within the rural environment.
The interior spaces are designed to convey a sense of intimacy with a soft color palette, comfortable furnishings, and natural light. Patient options are key in the design and include the choice of private or open chemotherapy infusion bays and control over lighting, scenery, and music in the linear accelerator vault.
Expert physicians and staff provide medical and radiation oncology services, chemotherapy, and clinical trials in an inviting and patient-friendly environment.
