Challenge
An increasing demand for more accessible cancer center treatment in communities throughout Southern Illinois was the driver for the creating this world-class cancer center. Located on 15 acres adjacent to a national forest, using natural materials and creating an environmentally conscious facility was also important to SIH. Throughout the process, careful consideration was given to all elements of design to offer a comforting, welcoming environment to support SIH’s mission of “Bringing Hope Home.”
Solution
As a full-service cancer center, SIH Cancer Institute provides a healing and comfortable environment by using natural materials where possible, plenty of natural light, and views of the landscape to promote wellness and healing in cancer patients that come to the facility. Bringing patients, doctors and services under one roof has increased efficiency and improved the quality of service. A spacious exterior courtyard in the center of the building offers a calming place of respite, while bringing natural light into the center through floor to ceiling glass. The design team engaged the local artist community to commission a variety of 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional pieces to add interest to the spaces.
