A convex entrance welcomes the public and allows light deep into the atrium at ground level, making the transition from external to internal virtually imperceptible. Laboratory wings contain research laboratories grouped into units of ten. The tenfold modular is designed for maximum efficiency and flexibility and facilitates mechanical and utility reconfigurations. At ground level, the skylighted atrium covers the main entrance/circulation space; and at second level, the public gymnasium . At third and fourth levels, laboratory facades are pierced by windows that overlook the atriums and allow natural light into research units. Views from laboratory windows across to opposite wings, below to public spaces enhance a sense of community and create a collegial atmosphere.

The design evolved from precise and extensive technical criteria and provides climate controlled spaces for multiple medical and recreational functions. Public and private domains are expressed and separated through the manipulation of natural light and by solid/void relationships.

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The Center includes a breast center, diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, medical oncology, and outpatient surgery with related clinical and public support spaces. It is designed as a state-of-the-art out patient facility.The Saint Vincent’s Center is a major alteration and is designed as a stand-alone, autonomous facility that allows 24-hour operation of specific departments; chemotherapy and related support spaces. Basic utilities – such as electrical power, sprinkler system, riser standpipes, domestic cold water, high and low pressure steam, etc. – are provided by the building. All mechanical systems, including a self-supporting cooling system and exhaust, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and communications systems, are new.

Patient access is on West 15th Street under a covered vehicle drop-off. Patients who drive to the Center are provided with valet-type parking services. Ambulet and ambulance access for patients arriving by gurnies is provided at two locations on West 16th Street.

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The project program was developed through staff interviews and discussions with former patients and family members, resulting in a design that supports every day family life and allows patients to continue their usual activities while waiting for an initial exam or, when possible, while receiving treatment.

The environment is conceived in the image of a child’s world, conveyed upon arrival in the elevator lobby by its softly waving pale blue ceiling dotted with star-shaped lights of white glass. The ceiling flows into the large main space that extends from one end of the floor to the other. It encompasses waiting and activity areas for all age groups and unifies these with exam, treatment and other patient support areas.

An expansive, loft-like feeling is enhanced by the open grid ceiling and the continuous linoleum floor design, with motifs based on natural elements, that flow into the group chemotherapy area. The main space is further defined by a colorful full height curvilinear wall on one side, and the “Thick Wall” (with patient lockers and toy storage) at the other, that serve as landmarks throughout the floor.

Painted wood doors with colored and translucent glass lead to patient areas off of the main space, including Exam Rooms. There a comfortable setting is created with lounge-like banquette seating and playful shapes for colorful desk and sink cabinets.

Within the open area and adjacent to group treatment and Exam Rooms, a long curvilinear banquette defines the Quiet Activity Area. In the North Open Area, Child Life specialists guide group arts and crafts and water play. A separate area for Toddlers is enclosed by a low divider formed from oversized “blocks”. Teenagers can find a more independent haven in the semi-circular, den-like Adolescent Lounge.

Parents especially requested two support spaces. The Family Lounge, which overlooks the Hudson River, provides a place for enjoying typical family meals. The Parents’ Lounge is a “kid-free” zone where adults can privately take an emotional break, research their child’s illness, converse with other parents, or work.

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The facility includes radiology, gynecology, and surgical departments, a day-hospital, examination rooms, consultation and procedure rooms, a pharmacy, laboratory, and patient counseling areas as well as group, semi-private, and private treatment areas and administrative space.

The clearly organized plan, natural materials and colors provide a supportive environment for patients, visitors and staff. Patients enter through a light-filled elevator lobby, finished with glass wall panels, stone flooring and a vaulted wood ceiling, and are received in an open waiting area with oriented views to the outdoors. Warm beech wood used for the vault continues in the reception desk, paneled walls, accessible slat ceiling, banquette seating trim and throughout the facility. All are complemented by a soft green limestone floor.

An arc shape in the ceiling, mirrored in the floor pattern and desk design, directs toward smaller waiting areas to the north and south, where the same material palette and banquette seating reoccur. These sub-waiting areas are centrally located between groups of exam rooms and consultation rooms, arranged for convenient way-finding. Translucent glass in doors and sidelights transmit light and minimize the apparent length of interior hallways.

The open group and semi-private chemotherapy areas take advantage of views, including one of the Hudson River, and are organized to minimize visual clutter and maximize staff efficiency. Supply, waste and staff prep areas are nearby but out of patients’ sight. Curved ceiling tracks define patient areas, each lighted by a translucent glass fixture mounted in a domed recess, creating a comfortable, diffuse light. Task lighting is provided by the adjustable lamp attached to mobile storage taboret next to each patient.

The pharmacy and laboratory are centrally located to serve the entire five-floor center via dumbwaiter access.

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