We recently visited the Center for Advanced Care (CAC),which is a uniquely designed outpatient facility, by Smith Group JJR at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (AIMMC). This was planned as a response to the present and the future needs of Chicago's Lakeview Community. It integrates ambulatory surgery, cancer care and digestive health onto one location, and improves the operational efficiencies of the existing hospital. The Creticos Cancer Center is state-of-the art facility which includes two linear accelerators, and 16 infusion bays.
The building is LEED Silver certified, promoting environmental sustainability and human health. It has many green features including a partial green roof, a green wall and community garden on the back side of the building. The sweeping curved glass façade with passive sun shading devices on the south elevation has been designed to reduce solar heat gain and to bring in filtered natural light. A three-storied atrium and seating spaces along the curved façade make the space very warm and welcoming for the patients. Throughout the semester we've discussed how way-finding can be an issue in medical centers. Corridors along the exterior façade and different interior color schemes on every floor make it easier for visitors to find their way around the facility.
Image source: https://www.archdaily.com/798141/advocate-illinois-masonic-medical-center-smithgroupjjr/582b69eee58ece5a0a00000f-advocate-illinois-masonic-medical-center-smithgroupjjr-photo
Smith Group JJR has designed the north elevation keeping the site context in mind. Designing a modern building in a traditional residential neighborhood can be challenging but has been successfully achieved in this case. There is a beautiful transition between the curved glass façade on the south and the brick faced north façade. They pushed the building back by a few feet on the north side to create a community garden. The infusion bays look onto this garden space, thus enhancing the patient experience.
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