Design Alabama: New Spencer Cancer Center at East Alabama Medical Center
Original article featured in Design Alabama by Jessica Armstrong.
Quality design affects quality of health, particularly for patients battling cancer. Architect Doug McCurry of TRO Jung|Brannen in Birmingham considered the role a building plays in the health of its inhabitants when he designed the new 60,000-square-foot Spencer Cancer Center at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika that opened June 2019.
The freestanding two-story cancer center is adjacent to the main hospital campus. Built on a moderately sloping wooded site, the upper level provides eye-level views from the medical treatment area to the existing tree canopy and allows patient to enter on both levels.
This allows ease of access to radiation and medical oncology treatments. The entire center is designed with convenience and stress reduction in mind. Each area flows into the next to make the cancer-treatment process easier.
“The design is contemporary in nature,” explains McCurry, who grew up in Opelika. It features a stone base, and aluminum and glass on the top story. Clerestory, the high section of wall with windows above eye level, provides abundant natural light.
During his many years practicing architecture, McCurry has seen significant changes in healthcare design that’s moved away from sterile settings. He designed the center to suggest an art museum more than a healthcare facility.
“I like to use the term of healing art,” McCurry continues. “Research shows that healthcare environments that display art can actually help reduce pain and shorten hospital stays. Patients respond especially well to nature themes.”
McCurry also oversaw the interior design and selected the finishes. He chose a neutral palette that provides an ideal backdrop for colorful artwork and furnishings.
On the upper level is the main entrance that contains the two-story lobby and reception area. An outpatient pharmacy, medical boutique and staff offices are located off the main lobby. Registration, patient and family waiting areas are separated from the main lobby to provide privacy, comfort and access to the gardens.
Medical oncology is also on the second level with 38 infusion bays, four private oncologist offices, each with three exams rooms and nursing support, infusion pharmacy, and a laboratory.
Radiation oncology is on the lower level. Additional areas provide space for staff and radiation oncologist offices, exams and treatment rooms, and a private radiation patient entrance and waiting area.
Additional amenities include conference rooms, gift shop, chapel and a café with access to the garden.
McCurry was also involved with the landscaping and worked with the EAMC landscapers. The site itself was used to shape much of the building design and the parking lot. “We moved very little dirt,” he notes, “and we didn’t take out any major old-growth trees.”
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Image 1: The freestanding two-story cancer center is adjacent to the main hospital campus. Built on a gently sloping wooded site, the upper level provides eye-level views from the medical treatment area to the existing tree canopy and allows patient to enter at both levels.
Image 2: Architect Doug McCurry of TRO Jung|Brannen in Birmingham took into account the role a building plays in the health of its inhabitants when he designed the new 60,000-square-foot Spencer Cancer Center at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.
Image 3: The design of the new cancer center focuses on convenience and stress reduction. Each area flows into the next to make the cancer-treatment process easier for both patients and their families. Comfortable seating and a neutral palette are primary interior design features.
Image 4: McCurry oversaw the interior design and selected the finishes. He designed the center with the “healing arts” in mind, and his goal was to evoke an art museum more than a healthcare facility.
