The S/L/A/M Collaborative and Tocci Building Companies in conjunction with UMass Memorial Health Care, received High Honors at the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) Healthcare Facilities Design Awards dinner on January 29. The award-winning project is one of the first hospital projects in New England completed using the highly collaborative Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method.
According to S/L/A/M designers, the concept for the new cancer center's pavilion entrance was as a "Beacon of Hope" that was warm and welcoming at night and a naturally illuminated calming space by day. This design fulfilled the client's desire to give patients a sense of hope. "UMass Memorial worked closely with us to create a building that would focus on the human experience of cancer care. The goal was to provide a nurturing and healing environment close to home, eliminating the need to travel far for care," David Neal, AIA, ACHA, S/L/A/M principal said. The new cancer center offers radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, and an exam suite for comprehensive treatment as well as opportunities for clinical trials. UMass. Memorial Health Care is committed to the Affordable Care Legislation to move patient services into the communities it serves and the new award-winning 14,000 s/f cancer center is a result of this initiative.
The technology in the new facility includes a Linear Accelerator and a CT Simulator for diagnostic imaging. The infusion therapy space, bathed in natural light, warm colors and wood, overlooks a healing garden complete with a reflecting pool. "This is the right facility to provide the right services, at the right time, in the right place," Neal said. "It was great to hear the jury was impressed by the healing environment and green aspects of the project, including how SLAM and Tocci worked together to make the lobby a reclaimed wood ceiling in lieu of the originally designed steel with wood acoustic ceiling panels," Neal said.
"IPD empowers all parties to work together for the benefit of the project and supports lean design and construction practices," said JohnTocci, chief enabling officer of Tocci. "At Tocci, we are deeply committed to innovation and collaboration and the recent BSA award is testament to the impressive results possible with advanced delivery methods."
"The UMass Memorial Cancer Center at Marlborough Hospital is a stunning testament to modern day cancer care, where patient comfort and accessibility to multiple treatment options are top priorities," a Marlborough Hospital spokesperson said.