Upstate Cancer Center infuses nature into design

Photo by Halkin/Mason Photography

Upstate Cancer Center infuses nature into every aspect of its design, from its modern exterior, to the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials meant to conserve energy.

Throughout the facility, patients are immersed in natural light and have views of roof gardens and the landscape. Even within radiation therapy, skylights exist between the concrete radiation vaults, which are typically confined and dark spaces. Highlighting the theme of nature as being a refuge during cancer treatment is art — photographs, paintings and other works — by 31 artists from Upstate New York that is on display throughout the cancer center.

A palette of vibrant colors unifies the center’s different units and enlivens spaces. Variations of experience occur based on season, time of day, and each patient’s course of treatment. Daylight and color are accentuated by subtleties within the material choices and arrangements. This center now contains most of Upstate’s outpatient cancer services in a setting that promotes healing and gives the health care team some of the most advanced cancer-fighting technology available.