Patricia Group 10/30/08 12:05 PM Page 1
american institute of architects
A proton beam therapy machine is a large and imposing
piece of technology that is housed in a room with 11-foot
thick concrete walls. An accelerator generates hydrogen
protons traveling at two-thirds the speed of light. Electro-
magnets focus the resulting beams toward a specially de-
signed gantry that rotates the nozzle of the beam up to 360
degrees to focus it precisely at the patient’s tumor. While
these physical conditions are ideal for supporting the pin-
point accuracy of this particular kind of cancer treatment,
it’s an intimidating sight for the person strapped into the
machine. We design proton beam therapy centers with an
eye toward reducing patient stress while meeting the re-
quirements for housing this sophisticated radiation technol-
ogy. For example, Hampton University situated their proton
One of the exciting challenges in working on proton beam therapy center beside a lake, so we created a glass-
beam therapy centers, which provide cutting-edge radiation enclosed atrium garden where patients can stroll, think and
treatment to cancer patients, is the need to strike a balance decompress before and after treatment. There are areas to
between seemingly opposing requirements. In health care support conversation and commiseration, as well as areas
environments such dichotomies include supporting sophis- for quiet reflection. These spaces provide a counterbalance
ticated technology while humanizing the patient experi- for the impressive vaults where treatment takes place. At
ence, as well as balancing the desire to incorporate sustain- Northern Illinois University’s Proton Beam Therapy Insti-
ability with the need to provide proper infection control. We tute, intimate rooms with fireplaces surrounded by soft seat-
have learned a few lessons about these kinds of equilibrium ing are scattered throughout a soaring day-lit waiting area
that I would like to share here. with direct views of a beautifully landscaped park setting.
As most experienced health care designers have found, The combination of natural light and a warm fire brings the
sustainability and infection control can be at odds in health natural world in, thus having a soothing and comforting ef-
care projects. This is especially true when seeking LEED fect on patients and their families.
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifi- I sometimes think of complex architectural projects as
cation. True, air handling is a key component of both priori- something like a fine Swiss watch. There are a substantial
ties and much of the effort in this regard lands at the feet of number of interdependent parts in constant motion with and
the MEP (Mechanical, Energy, Plumbing) engineer, how- against each other, many of which are hidden from view,
ever, it is also important to have access to furnishings and all of which contribute to the precision and beauty of the
finishes that fit the bill. For example, we strive to use local timepiece. If we pay attention to all the interdependent and
stone to support LEED certification, but if it is too porous, shifting priorities and requirements in our complex projects
it challenges infection control so we are limited in where and strike the right balance among them, we create spaces
we can apply it. Sheet vinyl is great for infection control, that are respectful of our environment, support the remark-
but usually does not qualify for LEED credit. Fabrics and able technology housed within them and provide comfort
ceiling tiles have come a long way toward being both sus- and healing to those who pass through their doors. It is the
tainable and antimicrobial, and an ever-expanding selection best way I can think of to practice our profession.
only helps. For our part we must ensure that the products John Jessen is the managing principal for VOA Associ-
manufacturers tell us will work actually do work, and push ates, a 40-person design studio in downtown Washington,
toward continuous improvement. D.C. Jessen leads a team of experts in the design of proton
Maximizing access to natural light supports sustainabil- carbon therapy centers, an emerging method of treatment
ity and promotes faster healing for the majority of patients, for cancer using state-of-the-art technology.
except, for example, in a neonatal ICU where too much
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sunlight is ill advised. We have designed water walls for
hospital lobbies that brought us LEED innovation points, DA
rade
which were subsequently engineered out when they were
T SUITES
LLAS WORLD TRADE CENTER
seen as a detriment to infection control. As architects, we
esign
are challenged to bring these competing requirements to 2050 STEMMONS
1
FREEW
1018, 11
A
056,
Y
11064
D
light and make informed choices about the best solutions John Jessen
for each client. Managing Principal, VOA Associates
126
ASID INDUSTRY PARTNER
PHO
, DALLAS TX 75207
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Form 4.indd 126AIA revise.indd 1 7/6/09 10:57 AM6/29/09 1:06 PM
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