The final steel beam has been set in place on the Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) Clinical Sciences Center, a new 142,000 s/f facility on the RPCI campus in the downtown area. Supporting clinical care and research, the center houses an expanded Chemotherapy Infusion Center; the Clinical Research Center; a Breast Center providing comprehensive services, including screening mammography; and a center providing information and survivorship services for RPCI's 31,000 patients and their families. The expansion also includes 60,000 s/f of new administrative spaces, enabling clinicians and researchers to work in closer proximity to patients. The center is scheduled for completion in early 2016.
Founded in 1898 as the world's first laboratory for cancer research, today RPCI is a national leader in cancer care, research, and education. FXFOWLE Architects, in collaboration with CO Architects, was selected to design the new center and re-examine a master plan for the campus. Sited near RPCI's main entrance, the new Clinical Sciences Center serves as a gateway to the 28-acre campus and a connector to the hospital and Grace Cancer Drug Center.
"Our design for Roswell Park Cancer Institute reflects the best qualities of this storied institution," said Dan Kaplan, FAIA, LEED, senior partner, FXFOWLE. "Our design strives to create a humane and uplifting environment for patients going through cancer treatment. It promotes the innovative work of researchers with its light-filled open design, and it seeks to create meaningful engagement with the larger context of Buffalo."
The 11-story building is divided into two volumes, reflecting both solar orientation and programmatic content. The first volume is a long serrated bar that contains research and clinical functions arranged in cellular spaces. The second volume, a glass tower set back from the street, houses public and communal spaces on the ground level with clinical and office spaces above.
The center's east façade, a glass and terra-cotta curtain wall, is organized in a series of staggered bays that support "gills" for self-shading and maximizing views. Rectangular and curved louvers within the curtain wall block sun exposure while guiding natural light into the building.
Projecting from this volume is a three-story extension that will house the Chemotherapy Infusion Center. Patients will receive treatment in private infusion chairs. Partial walls will provide views of downtown and Lake Erie. The facility will also house a conference center as well as administration and support areas.
LeChase Construction Services, LLC General Contractor
FXFOWLE and CO Architects Architect
Frey Electric Electrical Contractor
Watts Architecture & Engineering P.C. MEP Engineer
Severud Associates Structural Engineer
Axis Facades USA, LLC Facade Consultant
C&S Companies Site Utilities Contractor
C&S Engineers, Inc. Civil Engineer Tags: