The Woodhead designed Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer was commissioned last month on the 26th April. It is the first integrated cancer treatment and research facility in South Australia, and the first centre in the world to have a connection with Lance Armstrong and the Livestrong organisation.
The LIVESTRONG Cancer Research Centre is a place of excellence, unique in its strategic focus on the scientific pursuit of novel preventative and screening detection strategies, the translation of these into community and clinical benefit, and the provision of multidisciplinary cancer care at all stages from health, through diagnosis, treatment and end-stage disease.
A key feature of the centre is its capacity to integrate research across a number of basic disciplines and clinical sciences. The architectural concept focuses on several key areas; presenting an image of strong identity, an integrated research facility at the leading edge of research into the cancer treatment, and a place of healing, well-being and hope.
The atrium is the focal point of the interior space – a concentration of movement, activity and life. This space encourages informal communication and exchange between different departments – facilitating the rapid application of research findings into clinical practice. The atrium provides connectivity between the research and clinical floors.
The ‘Northern Wing’ consists of research laboratories and office accommodation for clinical trials nurses and oncologists. The ‘Southern Wing’ accommodates the Cancer Clinic and the Day Treatment suites. The ground floor encompasses a multi-purpose lecture/function area with patient education facilities.
A new helipad is located on the roof of the building, providing direct access to the existing Flinders Medical Centre Accident and Emergency Department for retrieval teams.
The functional layout of the building highlights the strategic intent of an integrated cancer centre whilst the design of the atrium with the thoughtful application of materials and natural light creates a warm and inviting space that promotes a sense of healing, well being and hope.
There has been nothing but positive feedback from everyone that has been involved in the process of creating this centre: including suppliers, researchers and importantly patients.
“As CEO of the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation I have had the great pleasure of working closely with the Woodhead team over the past 10 years from the initial concept design through the entire construction phase of the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. This centre is the first integrated cancer treatment and research facility in South Australia and the team carried out extensive research both nationally and internationally to achieve the best outcome.
Throughout the project, Woodhead carried out a very collaborative process and consulted with many different user groups including nursing and clinical staff as well as cancer groups to provide a balance of what was required for all involved.
We believe that this consultation process has led to our client being able to set a new design benchmark for cancer treatment areas, particularly within the new infusion suite which has become an uplifting, inspired space that provides both privacy and warmth for the patients whilst receiving their treatment.
You have managed to exceed our brief and expectations by creating an iconic building that has given an identity to cancer and provided hope to the community.”
Deborah Heithersay CEO, Flinders Medical Centre Foundation
