COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION
The human-centric design strategy extends to patient rooms, emphasising natural light and privacy.
healthcare context, aesthetics is an important element, as the aesthetic design can impact mood and wellbeing, and therefore can affect recovery rates. Involving stakeholders early and in a meaningful, collaborative way has led to resilient, adaptable and human-centred outcomes. Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital challenges
the stereotype of hospitals being intimidating places, by reimagining the patient experience from the moment of arrival until discharge and beyond, offering care and support locally and in patients’ homes where possible.
Inside, a double-height café and a central courtyard immediately orient visitors and offer comfort. Wayfinding is clear, with visual links to outdoor spaces at every turn. Back of house and staff circulation areas are separated, minimising congestion and confusion. Every effort has been made to reduce stress, fostering a welcome and calm environment. Crucially, the interior framework is adaptable. The repetitive structural grid allows wards to be repurposed as outpatient areas or laboratories, and vice versa, if required. Typically, different hospital functions can have incompatible layouts and systems but this building’s consistent chassis allows for flexibility, ensuring the hospital can evolve as healthcare needs change.
Connection to nature We have applied the principle of biophilic design to shape the hospital’s layout. All waiting areas have access to views and natural light. Every public lift opens onto a view of greenery, with windows marking the end of each corridor, giving users strong orientation. Corridors typically end in ‘dead ends’ which are often filled with storage cupboards and toilets, with little thought as to how they impact the user experience. We sought to change that by maximising every opportunity to bring in light and greenery.
Balconies and terraces are carved into the building at multiple levels, providing access to outdoor space even on the upper floors. These are not merely decorative, they are functional areas designed to be accessed by specific
groups, such as chemotherapy patients, contributing to their care and comfort. The carefully considered design features go
beyond aesthetics; they meet clinical requirements while improving both patient and staff experience, which in turn can positively influence recovery and staff retention.
Environment and construction From the outset, environmental sustainability was integral to the design strategy. The hospital is a forerunner in adopting the NHS’s new green agenda. It uses an all-electric energy system, powered by air source heat pumps and supplemented by extensive photovoltaics on the roof. These efforts are part of a holistic Net Zero approach that addresses both embodied and operational carbon.
Alongside the green strategy, there is also a blue roof
on the building – designed to retain and slowly release rainwater, thereby reducing runoff and supporting site-wide drainage strategies. Prefabricated structural and facade components will reduce waste and speed up construction, while high-performance glazing and solid wall elements will balance daylight with thermal performance. We have prioritised warmth and comfort through smart material selection, while ensuring they meet rigorous infection control standards. Low-water-use fixtures and controlled air exchange rates further reduce the building’s environmental footprint, without compromising clinical effectiveness. Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital serves as a blueprint for the future of healthcare design. It demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can align with clinical goals, environmental imperatives and the needs of all users, whether they are patients or staff. Key lessons include the critical value of timely
stakeholder engagement, the benefits of co-locating diverse functions, and the necessity of embedding environmental sustainability into every decision. By embracing these principles, healthcare environments can become not just places of treatment but spaces of healing, collaboration and hope.
Julia Davies
Julia Davies is the Healthcare director at architectural design firm NBBJ, and is leading the design of the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital with Ingo Braun. Julia, an experienced healthcare architect with over 14 years at NBBJ, has led major projects for NHS Trusts including Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital, and Cambridge University Hospitals. As project leader, she is working closely with the Trust to ensure the hospital meets New Hospital Programme (NHP) criteria while delivering a transformative environment for patients, carers, staff, and researchers.
October 2025 Health Estate Journal 153
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