The 10,800-square-foot radiation oncology center at Olympic Medical Cancer Center was designed to create an uplifting atmosphere that encourages healing. Architecture is closely integrated with interior design to create a facility that brings together the indoors and outdoors, rejuvenating patients and visitors while preserving the professionalism of the staff.

Olympic Medical Cancer Center strongly believes in the healing power of the outdoors, and its design premise was based around that idea. From nearly everyplace in the clinic, patients and staff maintain a visual connection to the outside.

Heavy timber construction and tongue-in-groove wood ceiling paneling create a warm, noninstitutional look and feel throughout, complementing the dense green vegetation outside. At the far end of the entry, inside the vault itself, a pool of light spills into the room through a skylight, accenting a cast-stone planter. This allows patients to connect with the outside through the stream of natural light penetrating the thick concrete walls, making the room more uplifting and less intimidating.

The entire facility and the upcoming Phase II project meld into the campus master plan, which is organized in a conch shape, with the buildings enclosing a central healing garden. A labyrinth maze leads to a meditation space that offers the choice of personal privacy or social interaction.

Project category: New construction (completed March 2003)

Chief administrator: Michael Glenn, Administrator, (360) 417-7148

Firm: CollinsWoerman, (425) 889-3359

Design team: Bob Leach (Northwestern Territories); Sue Eastman (Weisman Design); John Hochwalt (KPFF Consulting Engineers); Audie Wallace (Hargis Engineers); Chris Barker (Huntley Pascoe)

Photography: © Doug Scott 2003

Total building area (GSF): 10,800

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $218

Total cost (excluding land): $2,350,000