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New Cancer Center To Heal Both Patient and Neighborhood

Six months after the city's announcement that a new regional cancer center would be built downtown, evidence of progress is clear. The block between Wittenberg St. and North St. on E. Columbia, once laden with a dilapidated warehouse and weeds, is now under construction and will soon be the site of a 23,500 square-foot, cancer treatment facility.

With architectural motifs similar to those found in the Bushnell Mansion, Heritage Center and Warder Library, the Springfield Regional Cancer Center will merge the design of some of Springfield's most prominent historic buildings with innovative healthcare. Constructed of red brick, a copper roof, and rock-faced stone accents, the new cancer center provides quality in-fill construction and rejuvenates a portion of the northwest downtown corridor. In addition to the visual benefit to the surrounding businesses and homes, the center will provide comprehensive oncology treatment to its patients in an environment designed to nurture.

In an effort to provide this type of care, architects and physicians are coming together to focus on the needs of those served. With countless studies showing the importance of a patient's surroundings, the cancer center is incorporating these findings into the new facility. An indoor garden area, fireplaces, and a multiplicity of windows are all in a design centered on better serving the patient.

As Springfield's population ages, the increased need for a cancer treatment center has become apparent. "The cancer rate jumps from 2 per 1000 of population for those under 65 up to 22 per 1000 of those 65 and older- so this is really a critical disease impacting our aging," states Anne Georges, Vice President of Community Hospital.

Official ground-breaking took place on August 7, 2003, with the center scheduled to open April of 2004. Bringing two current oncology practices together, the new center will employ 30 people. It has also been the catalyst for the recruitment of a new radiation oncologist and the addition of a third medical oncologist the following year.

"The Center City Association is excited about the development of the oncology center and its location within the downtown area. This project will provide a catalyst to our downtown revitalization efforts and will serve as a cornerstone of the progress to come," states Horton Hobbs, Center City Association Executive Director.

Integrating the architectural accomplishments of a time gone by with a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, the cancer center offers a glimpse into the future of a revitalized downtown and, most importantly, the progress of a city that can better serve its community.

The Architectural Physician

A number of hospitals and medical facilities throughout the world have incorporated what is known as "healing environments" into the design and function of the building. These environments utilize nature to create a calming effect. Not only prove n to reduce patient anxiety, these design features have also proven to reduce the patient recovery time. Healing design utilizes features such as fountains, gardens, waterfalls, and art, which connect the patient and staff to the meditative aspects of nature. In addition to nature, facilities incorporate amenities like libraries, kitchens, and spacious lounges to give the patient a more home-like, less institutional experience.

The patients are not the only ones impacted by the benefits of healing environments. The staff also greatly benefits from the effects of a soothing and serene work place. Studies have shown that healthcare professionals perform better when accommodated with personal, meditative lounges and quiet space.

For additional information on innovative healthcare:

Hospital Interior Architecture: Creating Healing Environments for Special Patient Populations by Jain Malkin