The Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina was designed by Tsoi/Kobus & Associates to meet the evolving needs of a growing population of cancer patients and caregivers who require outpatient services.

The project consolidates clinical cancer services for patient ease, within a flexible floor plan allowing for future expansion possibilities. A multi-disciplinary “no ownership” model of shared clinical modules exists throughout all clinical floors. The strategic use of color, texture, and materials aids in wayfinding, helping patients and caregivers orient themselves. Natural daylight penetrates to the nurses’ stations and clinical core thanks to careful corridor alignment and patient treatment room pocket doors with clerestory openings. Efficient systems, a high-performance envelope, and shading strategies allow a reduction in energy use exceeding 20% for the facility.

The Cancer Center’s two-story lobby features intricate epoxy terrazzo floor patterns derived from gothic rosette windows found on campus, and Sassandra wood walls stretch from floor to ceiling. The lobby seating area faces a limestone-clad fireplace and slate donor recognition wall, its veneer punctuated by vertical glass panels displaying layered images of North Carolina’s loblolly pines.

A striking wood screen floats in the stairwell of the six-story central atrium, skillfully combining motifs of gothic arches and trees to create an organically deconstructed impression. Crafted with precision and seamless joinery, overlaying beams convey depth and dimensionality. A landscaped roof garden located near the infusion center offers additional areas of respite. The Center also features a café, resource room, boutique, and quiet room.

Today, the Cancer Center provides a multitude of diverse space types that allow for privacy, rejuvenation, choice, and humanistic scale. The client’s goals are achieved throughout this welcoming, healing environment focused on comfort and convenience for patients, visitors, and staff.