The Cancer Center, located on an established healthcare campus, features design solutions that articulate the progressive vision of the owner. At the time, Bellin’s current buildings had a historical, staid look and the Somerville team was challenged to design a new forward-looking facility that blended the new building with the traditional surrounding. By melding the established material palette with modern gestures in massing and forms the new Cancer Center took on its own distinctive look while harmonizing with the surrounding buildings.

The interior creates a patient-centered environment that is warm, welcoming, and offers a comfortable experience for the patients, their families, staff, and physicians. The state-of-the-art facility houses a Radiation Oncology Suite, Linear Acceleration Vault, HDR Suite, CT Scanner, Mobile PT Scanner Enclosure, Medical Oncology Suite, and central reception and waiting areas for all services.

The use of indirect natural light, exterior/interior gardens, and water features heighten the connection between the built and natural environment while creating a calming, healing atmosphere. This patient-focused design was also achieved through the use of simple way-finding, efficient patient-staff adjacencies, and special curved ceiling treatments. The design also incorporated an inviting retail shop to provide patient and family essentials and gifts. Somerville’s careful attention to color, materials, and lighting help to ease the stress that can be associated with a healthcare visit.