
Cancer Treatment is one of Loma Linda University’s Centers of Excellence, yet the medical center had yet to establish a recognizable presence for the service on their campus. The campus masterplan identified the Schulman Pavilion, an existing building at the medical center entry, as the consolidated home of cancer services.
The extensive first phase of this project, completed by Ewing Cole in 2007, was the upgrade of the basement level for infusion patients. The existing 10,400 sf space was completely demolished and a $12 million dollar renovation was completed that provided 18 outpatient chemotherapy infusion stations, 11 exam rooms, a compounding pharmacy and physician consultation areas.
The Cancer Center’s team takes justifiable pride in compassionately treating the patients’ emotional and spiritual needs alongside their physical ones. Ms. Mabus, as designer and project architect, worked with Physicians and staff to develop an interior aesthetic for their renovated center that reflects this important aspect of their program. The design maximizes the height of the space and places the infusion bays adjacent to the windows so that patients, often receiving treatment for hours, have the benefit of natural light and views. Privacy screens were developed to address patient’s self-conscious sense of frailty and a frequent inability to care for themselves during treatment and to create separation for patients in the waiting room and at the admitting/reception desk.
The great oak tree on the site inspired Ms. Mabus’ design of the renovated center. Architectural ceiling forms inspired by the canopy of the tree, provide the sheltering and softening effect at each chemo station. The warm wood tones and translucent screens soften the medical environment. The integration of multiple light sources, of varying types and levels, give a bright uplifting ambiance to the interior. The final project is a light filled warm interior that reflects the compassionate care of the Cancer Center.
Design Firm: Ewing Cole. Cynthia Mabus Senior Designer/Project Architect employed by EwingCole.
Loma Linda CA
10,500 sf
2007
Healthcare