Cancer Support Community

5481, Communications Parkway, Sarasota, FL, United States

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Cancer Support Community

5481, Communications Parkway, Sarasota, FL, United States

Firm

Carlson Studio Architecture

Type

Commercial ›
Hospitality + Sport ›
Government + Health › Community Center

YEAR

2010

SIZE

10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Designed using Evidenced Based Design concepts, this new facility for Cancer Support Community - Florida Suncoast (fomerly The Wellness Community of Southwest Florida)
will enable the regional nonprofit agency to better fulfill its mission
of providing free support, education and hope to anyone affected by
cancer.
The Center is designed to deliver services in the areas of
psychological and social support to people affected by cancer- those
with the disease as well as their loved ones and caregivers. The design
has a direct impact in calming the users’ emotion state and creating a
better frame of mind to promote healing. More critical than ever to the
healing of cancer patients is the influence of the psychological support
and the environment. The architecture had to actively participate in
the healing process, and most of all convey a sense of hope.
The facility houses all the functions of the organization in two
pavilions and extends into landscaped outdoor spaces, such as Tai Chi
lawns, a dining terrace, central courtyard, and healing gardens.
Connecting the two pavilions is a prominent arch that is known as the
“Bridge of Hope;” it is a tangible testament of hope to all who enter.
The arch is a traditional architectural design element signifying
strength and permanence.
The healing power of a green building was recognized in the creation
of this facility. The project is Gold Certified under the LEED-NC green
building rating system. It emphasizes all aspects of environmental
integrity through low impact site design, energy and water conservation,
proper use of materials, initial/ongoing waste management, and indoor
environmental quality. The design team chose to focus on low cost, high
yield design strategies to reduce building energy loads. Passive design
solutions where incorporated throughout the project. The shell was
designed to minimize heat gain and maximize natural daylight. Building
orientation was carefully considered. The project successfully
integrates the technology of green building into a beautiful, cohesive
design solution that serves the people of Florida who are affected by
Cancer.
The American Institute of Architects and the National Association of
Counties combined to publish Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green
Incentive Trends in March of 2012. The purpose of this national report
is to assist municipal officials and policymakers that seek to develop
or strengthen their own green incentives programs. The publication
featured the work of Carlson Studio Architecture on pages 43-46, as
examples of outstanding green buildings in Sarasota County. The
publication features the Cancer Support Community and the Twin Lakes
Park projects.