SLAM receives AIA CNY Award of Merit

Watertown, NY – November 19, 2019 – The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) was pleased to be part of the team to receive the 2019 American Institute of Architects Central New York Chapter Award of Merit, in the category of Planning/Design for Samaritan Health, The Walker Center for Cancer Care project located in Watertown, New York. The design award recognizes innovative ideas, attention to detail, and dedication to the design profession as well as making a contribution to the architectural success of the Central New York region and beyond. The team accepted the award at the 2019 Celebration of Architecture design awards ceremony on November 15 at The Gateway Center – SUNY ESF.

The design for the new Walker Center for Cancer Care was conceived by applying a “Mondrian” method of planning and design, in both plan and massing. The exterior glazing pattern affords abundant natural light; easy and convenient accessibility to staff and support services; and a calm, healing environment. The lobby’s wood finishes and uplifting graphics create comfort for new and returning patients, surrounded by a fireplace seating area, education area, internet cafe, boutique, as well as family consult rooms and medical education board room for hosting meetings, training and educational seminars. A covered drive-up entrance receives patients and dedicated on-site parking offers privacy and convenience during their visit.

The natural light-filled upper level uses extensive overhangs and thermally tinted windows to provide for ambient light while controlling heat gain and loss. LEED Silver was a template for the design and all aspects of the checklist were met. In addition, the design strategy centered around a structurally built up rooftop healing garden that offers patients daylight and views while providing a large thermal mass insulating the infusion and exam area from dramatic temperature swings in the winter months. The garden is designed to be engaging in all seasons.

The $16 million Walker Center for Cancer Care, planned and designed by SLAM and constructed by Purcell Construction, offers a 17,000-SF facility that co-locates Medical Oncology Infusion and Radiation Oncology together consolidating all practices within a centralized location that offers a state-of-the-art comprehensive and coordinated multi-disciplinary cancer care program to better serve north country New York cancer patients closer to home.

ABOUT SLAM

The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) is a national, multi-disciplinary design firm offering architecture, planning, interior design, landscape architecture, site planning, structural engineering, pre-construction, with construction services offered throughout the New England region.  Our market focus is on higher education, K-12 public/private education, healthcare, corporate, athletic and recreation sectors. Our infinite drive to unlock and solve complex design problems renders creativity in design to enrich lives. SLAM has offices in Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Glastonbury, CT, Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY. For more information on SLAM please visit www.slamcoll.com.