When the Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physicians sought to increase accessibility and availability to their world-renowned cancer diagnostic and treatment services, they selected a medical office building that was currently under construction.
To modify the facility into a state-of-the-art cancer center, the architect worked within previously established structural constraints and circulation patterns.
A building addition was designed to house the radiation oncology department and three linear accelerator vaults. Designers were challenged with softening the feel of one vault upon patient entry that houses both a Linear Accelerator and CT scanner on rails.
By flipping the equipment 180 degrees, a screen wall shields the LINAC’s ominous gantry, hiding it from view and allowing caregivers faster patient access in case of an emergency.
The remaining areas were then allocated for diagnosis, exam and infusion therapy, each with separate entrances facilitating access and enhancing patient privacy. Special features include client preferred private infusion rooms with adjacent open-air rooftop garden, private resource areas for patients and families, designated areas for family members and children, and an exterior healing garden.
Natural design elements and soft colors shift attention from medical equipment, creating a patient-centered healing environment. Accent panels with tree branches embedded in acrylic resin represent life and growth, a theme that translates to vertical tile details and wall patterns.
Alcoa Architectural Products supplied 2,500 square feet (232 m2) of Reynobond ACM PE Core in Champagne Metallic for the 100,000-square-foot (9,290-m2) building.
Developer: Dana Magid Development, Omaha
General contractor: Kiewit Building Group, Omaha
Architect: Altus Architectural Studios Inc., Omaha
Fabricator: Metal Specialty Systems, Lakeville, Minn.
Installer: City Glass, Omaha
Metal wall panels: Alcoa Architectural Products, Eastman, Ga., www.alcoaarchitecturalproducts.com
