Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, Cancer Institute
Thibodaux, LA
The future of cancer care
Community character and shared lived experiences are central to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center's strategy to promote patient recovery, enhance quality of life, and improve health outcomes. The Cancer Institute is located in the heart of the existing hospital campus, embracing and reflecting the heart of the community. The new facility provides the people of Thibodaux with a place to celebrate life, culture, community, art, and most importantly healing.
Inspired by the St. Joseph's Co-Cathedral, a local historic and community landmark and a cultural precedent for the new building, the design team blended the traditional concept of a church with today's modern aesthetics. The large central atrium with buttressed arches supporting a vaulted skylight, allows light to permeate throughout the building, helping create a harmonious environment catered to healing.
The 100,000 sf, five-story building includes Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy/Infusion Area, Medical Oncology Clinic, Education Center, Wellness Services, Activity Center, Library, Diagnostics Center, Conference Center, Laboratory, Pharmacy, and Chapel.
Size:
100,000 sq ft
Awards:
- IDEA - Interior Design Award of Excellence - Healthcare Large - IIDA Delta Regional Chapter (2022)
- Merit Gold - ABC New Orleans Bayou Chapter (2022)
- Award of Merit in Healthcare - ENR Texas and Louisiana (2022)
- National Excellence in Construction Eagle Award - ABC (2022)
Expertise:
The character of the exterior facade is intentionally distinct from the other buildings on campus, but shared materials and massing elements connect to its surroundings.
The Cancer Institute is the new heart of the campus providing a welcoming and reverent environment for all who come seeking treatment and healing. It is intended to be a beacon of hope and healing for the community.
The Atrium
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The 4-story atrium includes a central glass elevator with cascading curved balconies.
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An oval carpet inset provides anchor seating and a soft contrast to the terrazzo flooring.
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Natural light from the central skylight floods the interior spaces with daylight.
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The light from the atrium also illuminates the 2nd floor clinical infusion areas bringing light to the patients who need it the most.
The Infusion Center
The Infusion Center includes open bays which encourage family-patient communication. Bing able to share stories and relate to other patients enduring similar hardships has been shown to help with the healing process.
This communal approach to infusion treatment contrasts starkly with more traditional infusion models that focus primarily on patient isolation.
Treatment occurs within the monumental atrium space, giving it a clinical purpose beyond serving as the circulation core of the building.
Custom Craftsmanship
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A fabricator in Portugal used the model to carve each panel from monolithic slabs of limestone.
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To create the artwork, several flowers were scanned to create a digital model. The designs were then generated on a computer and flattened to achieve the appropriate depth.
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Orchid Glass Panels
A more subtle reference to the cathedral's art glass inspiration are the custom glass panels featuring orchids.
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Wayfinding
The repeating orchid glass panels serve as wayfinding elements on each floor.
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Art Glass
Art glass is an important element of the design of the Cancer Institute. Its use throughout the building references the St. Joseph's Co-Cathedral, a local historic and community landmark that was presented to the design team as a cultural precedent for the building.
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The Chapel
Custom stained-glass was created for the chapel by a local artist. Pews and a lectern were handmade by a local craftsman from regionally sourced cypress.
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Bas-Relief Panels
Twelve custom carved bas-relief limestone panels are incorporated into the column bases at the first floor, featuring four unique lily designed created specifically for the Cancer Institute.
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