With a desire to provide a holistic and comprehensive care experience to cancer patients traveling hours across rural Michigan for treatment, MyMichigan Medical Center partnered with HCM to develop a new integrated cancer center. The new 115,000 square foot cancer center consolidates medical, surgical, and radiation oncology together with specialty women’s and survivorship services.

The design approach involved the complete reconstruction of two end of life medical office buildings to create the new cancer center, minimizing construction costs and maximizing limited on-campus space. Redesigning the envelope with new exterior walls created cohesion with the established campus aesthetic while expansive new windows support a welcoming arrival experience for patients and visitors.

Research has shown that access to nature can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients, and a study published in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that cancer patients who have access to nature report lower levels of pain and distress. A new courtyard is a central focal point for views from both the atrium and clinical spaces. The design also incorporates healing gardens for patient respite.

Operationally, the new facility collocates departments from four on-campus buildings to improve the user experience and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration throughout the care delivery process. Utilizing a Lean design process, the design team optimized department planning to maximize lines of sight and reduce travel distances. Staff support spaces, such as the tumor board conference center, telehealth communication rooms, and shared workspaces, further foster collaboration.