The 22,000 SF Walker Center for Cancer Care offers patients in the north country of New York local access to advanced technology and medical expertise. Transformed from an aged existing hospital complex, the new light-filled, serene facility offers everything from diagnosis, treatment, support and survivorship services to preventative, palliative and end-of-life care.
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at-a-glanceSamaritan Medical Center was seeking to provide a person-centered comprehensive cancer center to serve the community. Designing a campaign around the word “hope”, SMC focused on understanding the importance a facility can play in a patient’s mental state, and how that mental state can impact treatment outcomes.
The plan arrangement is driven by a large two-story space connecting two floors adjacent to the canopied main entrance. This is expressed with a glazed opening that feeds light and color into the building’s interior. Equal to that the entire plan form wraps around a healing garden at the second floor.
The healing garden plan incorporates elements that provide a changing scene throughout the year – including the harsh winters of north country New York.
The facility’s Mondrian exterior glazing pattern affords abundant natural light; easy and convenient accessibility to staff and support services; and a calm, healing environment.
A covered drive-up entrance receives patients and dedicated on-site parking offers privacy and convenience during their visit.
The lobby’s wood finishes and uplifting graphics create comfort for new and returning patients.
Medical and radiation oncology spaces are accessed off either side of the central area for easy access to the primary patient areas.
Waiting areas, patient exam rooms flow from one to another in a warm and inviting experience.
The infusion suite is separated into two wings on the second floor which offer additional privacy while embracing a private rooftop healing garden. The healing garden creates an intimate connection between medical oncology and nature.
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