Frauenshuh Cancer Center

Park Nicollet Health Services

With elements and materials that reduce known carcinogens by 50 percent, this LEED® Silver Certified clinic wraps patients in a natural environment as they receive their cancer treatments. Using a lean-design approach, the team used shell space to mock up several full-size patient rooms where nurses, oncologists and patients were involved to determine which solution for room design was most efficient.

Cancer survivors consulted with the design team to develop solutions that would inspire patients to continue their journeys through cancer treatment. The result was using simple materials like wood and stone in the interiors, as well as organic walls growing out of the landscape, to create passages and gateways that open to serene, comforting spaces. With a main lobby in an abstract shape of an lady’s slipper orchid, the facility offers views of the healing gardens throughout.