Undergraduate Studio III
Instructor Ping Xu
Multiple myeloma is a malignant cancer that affects white blood cells and destroys normal bone tissue. Close to 11,000 Americans die of multiple myeloma each year and an additional 20,000 people are told they have the disease. It is difficult to grasp the true impact of these speculative numbers, but after my uncle was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2007, they became a close reality. When asked to design a heath center, I jumped on the idea of designing a comprehensive cancer center, which would support a broad range of programs and approach the problem of cancer in many different ways. The programs include cancer treatment, laboratory research, outreach (such as support groups and community events), and cancer education for both professionals and the public.
In addition to program, art played a significant role in spatial composition. Since the design studio emphasized "the integration of architecture with the surrounding landscape and compromising functions with spatial composition," art was required to generate form. The abstract shapes and arrangement of Jean Helion's Figure Creuse (1936) inspired the first parti model carved from a potato. The project evolved with the use of Helion's llle de France (1935) to re-align the geometric shapes and create the next parti model.
The primary visual element of the cancer research and treatment center is its double curved wall, punctured by the second story, which denotes the entrance. Upon entering the center, one is located in the core of the indoor garden and exhibition space. The area is full of light and serves as a lobby for patients and visitors. To the left, the administrative office and reception desk adorn the corner. Proceeding from here, the learning center and classroom sandwich the laboratory, the main attraction for visitors. In these three defined spaces one learns about the overall symptoms, side effects, complications, and treatment for the debilitating disease. From here, one makes a circle around the main atrium, but before completing it, travels outside to visit the sunken garden.
After some fresh air, one re-enters the building and stops in the art workshop, where patients can release their emotions is positive directions. The next room along the hallway is the entertainment room where patients can put their mind at ease and relax with others experiencing the same difficulties. The physical therapy and exercise room are the next stops, where patients can build up their strength and work off some of their emotional stress. Restrooms and showers can be easily accessed through this space and lead you into the swimming facility. Here, there is a café and dining area where one can sit poolside and enjoy the dynamic activities taking place before them. At this point, one has made the complete circle and it's time to visit the upper level.
Taking the stairs upward and traveling southeast, one reaches the meditation room, a spiritual and quiet place to sit and reflect, or just enjoy the sunrise and the beautiful view. Here, one's mind can be put at ease before reaching the treatment area of the center. After visiting the meditation space, one continues to walk to reach the medical center. In this wing of the facility, exam rooms, treatment rooms, and most importantly the counseling center reside. Here, patients are briefed on the very nature of their disease, prognosis, and future treatment, as well as being assigned to a support group. Before leaving this area, patients can pick up their prescriptions in the adjacent pharmacy.
The medical center is easily accessible to those in need of more help as residential suites make their way along the atrium mirroring the floor beneath. On this same level, patients can walk out of their rooms, grab a book or other reading material from the library and enter the lounge area above the swimming and dining area. This is a very private node of the center a patients interact and converse with one another. For the most part, this center serves as the patient's "home away from home" where they are surrounded by people battling the disease or people who have overcome it. The center also serves as a beacon of groundbreaking research and treatment, where the public can come visit and learn about it's discoveries.