The
opening of this thread's title, "A Pleasant Healing Environment," is a phrase taken from text in the first link below. It is used to describe one of the purposes of an architecturally well-designed cancer care center: to be a pleasant environment for a patient, and one conducive to healing.
There is so often subtlety in architecture, offering features that we don't consciously notice, at least at first, but which nevertheless contribute to our efficient use of facilities successfully created by that architecture.
Things such as spacious walkways, great views out of windows, effective lighting, good temperature control in rooms and offices, comfortable furniture, walls painted in cheerful colors, and the like.
"Form follows function," as the saying often applied to architecture goes, so that the purpose that a facility is to provide dictates the structure and appearance that it is to take.
And it follows that the structure and appearance that a cancer care center takes should reflect and support those functions it performs, to heal and comfort, as efficiently and as aesthetically as is possible for it to do so.
The link below is to an article that discusses what some of these structures and appearances should be, in an architecturally well-designed cancer care facility.
https://www.hksinc.com/how-we-think/reports/designing-cancer-care-facilities-of-the-future/ For example, from it:
" ... cancer care now operates on a continuum of prevention, risk reduction, screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Now comes the question of whether architecture – “place” – can help in the fight against cancer by becoming a non-pharmacological intervenor, a passive member of the care team and a constant friend to the patient. How much can the design of a physical environment help cancer patients, and their caregivers, as they navigate their life-changing journey?"
"Cancer care facilities now must respond to these emerging models of care with greater focus on several environmental attributes, including a larger emphasis on data and diagnostics, hyper-collaborative workspaces, and significant patient empathy, and empowerment. The report (a report discussed in the article) contains various examples of facilities that are using design strategies to support the care models outlined above."The "examples of facilities" just referred to are existing cancer care facilities around the country, presented in the article, whose special cancer care features are described and presented visually (see article for visuals).
(NOTE: the bulk of the article consists of color visuals, of hallways, rooms, exterior shots, etc., of these facilities, to emphasize their architectural aspects).
(After reading 1-5 below, access the link above to see the visuals that accompany these described places) :
1. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Phoenix.
" ... is a spoke emanating from its hub, the M.D. Anderson Texas Medical Center in Houston, with core programs seamlessly connected to the hub so that there is no drop-off in patient care throughout the system."
"The design team built upon the idea of desert forms, textures, rocks and sun, focusing on the irregular forms of nature embedded in the architecture, generating free-flow spaces that are shielded from the sun and wind."
"The Banner expansion represented MD Anderson’s largest extension from its Texas base at the time." 2. Parkview Cancer Center in Fort Wayne, IN
"The seamless patient experience begins at entry, where a concierge greets each visitor and assists in navigation, providing an extra layer of hospitality and warmth."
"HKS designed the facility with ample natural light, private spaces for families, respite rooms for caregivers, concierge service, and an indoor garden space."
"To simplify the patient journey, the facility has pods that allow the patient to stay in one location, while the multi-disciplinary care team comes to them. A high-technology area allows the care team to meet either in person or wirelessly to discuss a patient’s case and develop a comprehensive treatment plan."
"And with four radiation treatment vaults, two levels of clinics, 48 infusion bays, mammography and a laboratory in the building, patients can receive most of their treatment in the same building. Additional services include nutritional counseling, genetic counseling and testing, wig boutique and national research studies."
"By using a direct entry vault, HKS reduced the overall footprint by 800 square feet, allowing for greater efficiency of space and thicker concrete walls. HKS is currently evaluating the increased LINAC capacity during post occupancy."3. Fort Worth Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Coalition unit.
"The specially-designed unit allows young adults diagnosed with cancer novel ways to confront and deal with the psychological and social challenges that the disease can create at a time in their lives when they are the most emotionally vulnerable."
" ... offers young adults diagnosed with cancer, ages 18 to 29, comprehensive, life-enhancing support, age-relevant resources and specialized care designed to improve their lives before, during and after cancer."
"Our design for FWAYA focuses on fostering social interaction, supporting visits from friends and family, and helping patients maintain social and academic development while undergoing cancer treatment. To do this, we envisioned a welcoming, comfortable place for visitors to spend time with patients. And it had to have a youthful vibe unique to teens and young adults—not the feel of a pediatric unit, or the quiet of an adult unit."The remainder of the article reinforces the idea that "place" can be a component of non-medical treatment of a person, so that being in a place determined to be pleasant, relaxing, etc, to the person, taking into account factors such as " ... control over lighting, temperature, privacy, configuration, connection to information and community etc.," per the article, may serve to enhance his healing experience.
The degree to which this would seem to work would of course depend on the individual and how much "place" impacts his well-being, in a primarily psychological way.
But architects seem to think that if it is employed properly in cancer care center design, then it can be a helpful factor in enhancing the positive impact that the environment may have in a patient's healing experience.
More examples of cancer hospital designs:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=cancer+hospital+architecture+design&qpvt=cancer+hospital+architecture+design&form=igre&first=1