The $27 million Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer incorporating the LIVESTRONG Cancer Research Centre is designed as strategic health reform project for Australia.
Designed by Australian architectural design practice Woodhead, 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 conceived as 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 for public access.
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 while 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.
Part of the Flinders Medical Centre (FMC), the LIVESTRONG Cancer Research Centre is expectd to be 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.
Construction began on the site on 31 August 2010, and is scheduled for completion in early 2012.
