PHOTO TOUR: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
This seven-story building is designed to improve patient outcomes through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Here, all of Cleveland Clinic’s cancer services are combined under one roof, uniting all treatment disciplines—surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, genetics, nutrition, social work and imaging. Moreover, the building is organized by specific cancer types so that patients can receive most of their treatment in one area. This arrangement benefits patients, their families, and clinicians, providing more opportunities for collaboration and patient engagement.
Led by architects William Rawn Associates, Inc., and Stantec Architecture, the new cancer center embraces natural light as an omnipresent component of the healing environment. Natural light streams through the entire facility; most patient areas have abundant views to the outdoors. Reception areas are filled with light, infusion rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Even the lower level radiation and imaging services area—traditionally a dark and dreary destination—gets enlightened treatment via a 35 x 8-foot skylight.
The patient’s experience begins, as so many do, from the moment they walk through the door. Inside this pivotal gateway, patients notice the building’s expansive, welcoming spaces; abundant natural light; and a calm, uncluttered aesthetic, which prevails throughout the building. On the first floor, access to critical support services is intended to reduce cancer’s psychological stress. Those services include art and music therapy spaces; a wig boutique and private prosthetics fitting area; a spiritual area for prayer or meditation; a wellness center; 4th Angel Mentoring program; and a resource center where patients and families can access cancer information.
Moreover, the cancer center’s open first level features a large blood laboratory and an outpatient pharmacy. This minimizes wait time for the stops each patient makes at the beginning and end of each visit.
Another key building feature is the expansive, protected pick-up and drop-off area, dominated by 350’ x 32’ deep cantilevered form. A three-lane arrival zone provides ready access for patients and caregivers and minimizes the queuing of cars. Turner Construction served as builder.
The latest in Cleveland Clinic’s advanced medical care is provided in the cancer center’s 126 exam rooms with 98 treatment rooms in close proximity. Private chemotherapy infusion suites line the north side of the building overlooking the tree-lined lawn. Cancer research is augmented in a special area for phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials, with an emphasis on supporting phase 1 trials. The lower level radiation treatment area includes six linear accelerators and a Gamma Knife suite.
Every aspect of Cleveland Clinic’s new cancer center was designed with the patient in mind to provide the best clinical and patient experience. Achieving that, on time and on budget, only adds to a great outcome.