How innovative design transformed radiation cancer care at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern’s Simmons Cancer Center is internationally renowned for cancer research and treatment; its designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute—one of about 50 across the U.S.—speaks to its exceptional quality of care.

Always innovating, in 2017 UT Southwestern set out to enhance the patient experience in its radiation oncology building with a renewed look, feel, and function. When clinicians, researchers, and facility managers asked the Dallas-based architects they partnered with to “rethink everything,” that’s exactly what they did.

“The client had a bold vision that would impact the whole facility, so our design had to be just as bold,” says Perkins&Will architect and medical planner Sapna Bhat.

Not long after the project’s completion, Bhat authored an article for her firm’s peer-reviewed research journal—a bi-annual compilation of design intelligence and analysis— about how she and her team redesigned this complex, high-tech healing environment to optimize the experience of cancer care. The following is an adaptation of her journal article, “Outside the Box: An Innovative Approach to Vault Design and the Evolution of the Radiation Oncology Environment.”

The original entry to UT Southwestern’s radiation oncology building had circuitous routes and inconsistent materials that sometimes disoriented patients. Care staff led patients through a winding hallway into the vault—an underground, windowless room made of thick concrete—where patients receive radiation therapy. But the whole experience, from arrival to treatment, could sometimes make patients feel anxious. Some patients even told staff that, once they were inside the vault, they experienced an unnerving echo.

Additionally, the Center lacked enough storage for medical devices. As a result, staff stored equipment in the vault’s hallway and treatment area, creating clutter in an already tight space and impeding patient and staff mobility.

“We saw a big opportunity to enhance UT Southwestern’s care for patients through a thoughtful redesign. We wanted to give the patients a reason to be hopeful,” says Bhat.

The design team was determined to create a state-of-the-art vault that supports the Center’s work while offering a calming environment for patients. To ease patients into the treatment areas and improve staff workflows, they reconfigured the adjacent areas to be more welcoming and sympathetic. Now, a spacious hallway with views of the outdoors and skylights welcomes patients. Bright, colorful artwork adorns the walls. Staff enjoy dedicated work zones alongside spacious collaboration areas. Cohesive flooring, furniture types, and wall palettes provide a compatible aesthetic.

“UT Southwestern’s oncology building is now a patient-friendly design that reduces stress and focuses on technology that advances patient cancer treatment. The open and sleek interiors provide a beautiful work environment for our team,” says Catie Wallace, assistant director of clinical operations at UT Southwestern. “The design is comforting and engaging.”

So that patients can easily access the vault, designers did away with the original meandering hallway that led to the treatment room. This allowed them to incorporate the most innovative design solution of all: a two-door passage into the vault—one door in front, and one in back. Two doors in lieu of a single swinging door could increase patient turn-around. This meant patients could expect their treatment to be efficient, yet calming—and staff could conduct more radiation therapy sessions for a greater number of patients.

“This was one of the most rewarding aspects. Prior to this project, no one had ever really taken on an in-depth study to advance the front and back door design concept. We’re proud to be a part of a positive change in healthcare design,” Bhat said.

Bhat and her team also carefully studied the spatial requirements of medical linear accelerators (LINACs)—the machines used to deliver radiation therapy to patients in oncology vaults—to ensure proper fit and functionality. And inside the treatment area itself, they incorporated acoustic panels, indirect lighting with adjustable hues, and natural materials to create a more relaxing environment.

Behind the vault, Bhat and her team designed a new technical corridor in which the care team can work. This technical corridor is essential, she says, because it enables medical staff to quickly prepare for treatments, shortening wait times and lessening patient anticipation. It also provides ample space for storing and accessing supplies—a constant problem in the former space.

“When the design is successful, that means the patients and staff can be successful in the treatment process. And that’s the ultimate goal,” Bhat adds.

Wallace agrees: “The layout of the clinical space allows for detailed focus on the goal of our clinic: to provide the highest quality radiotherapy treatments. The design has created a superior patient care center, and truly is a wonderful building.”