A facility that provides patients with a calming environment to heal

Proton International at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Through a continued partnership with Proton International, we designed a new proton therapy center for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Located on the UAB campus several blocks from the main hospital, the design of the two-story, freestanding structure blends with the existing campus’s architectural guidelines. The design features a double-height glass facade with a green wall that allows natural light to filter into the space. The green wall, in conjunction with surrounding gardens, enlivens the streetscape while creating a natural, serene environment for patients and passersby. The center features a one-room compact gantry with equipment provided by Varian Medical Systems. The overall composition of the building is the direct outcome of the medical layout and a rational engineering design. Clad mostly with brick, the volumes complement the aesthetic of the UAB campus. Variations in the brick detailing and coursing improve the overall aesthetic and articulate the surfaces. Cast stone is used on the most public facades to break down the scale of the imposing structure.

With massive equipment and advanced technology, proton centers can be intimidating—we’ve countered that by focusing on creating a healing environment that puts the patient first.