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J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 81 Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A D R I A N OZI M EK /CO U RT E S Y D I A LO G ARTHUR J.E. CHILD COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTRE by NATALIE BRUCKNER C algary's health-care landscape is undergoing a transforma- tion with the opening of the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, ushering in a new era of cancer care. As one of the larg- est comprehensive cancer centres in the world, this state-of-the-art facil- ity unites patient care, research, and education under one roof. Designed to meet Alberta's growing need for advanced treatment, the Centre rep- resents a bold vision for integrated, patient-focused care. "The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre was developed to address Alberta's grow- ing need for advanced cancer care," says Caroline Hatcher, executive director of the Centre. "We recognized that bringing patient care, research, and education together under one roof would significantly enhance the patient experience and provide seamless access to comprehensive treatments." With more than 160 inpatient beds, 100 patient exam rooms, 90 chemo- therapy chairs, outpatient clinics, three surgical suites, wet and dry research labs, 10 linear accelerators, as well as two MRI guided linear acceler- ators, the facility is designed to handle significant patient volume while maintaining top-tier care. Beyond the numbers, it is a testament to human- centric design, where patients and families played a pivotal role in shap- ing its architecture. Building a facility of this scale on a constrained site posed challenges. Diego Morettin, partner at Dialog, explains, "The scale of the program, coupled with the complexities of radiotherapy equipment and the need for shielding, made this a highly intri- cate project. We had to be incredibly thoughtful about how we approached the site and its limitations." With a strong focus on accessibil- ity, clarity, and patient comfort, the design ensures the facility is seam- lessly integrated within the Foothills Medical Centre campus, connecting effortlessly to the broader network of health-care services. The structure consists of two inter- connected terracotta and aluminum forms – a seven-storey podium and a six-storey tower – that elegantly curve into one another, creating a sense of embrace. Spanning nearly 1.2-mil- lion square feet, the centre features five underground levels and 13 storeys above ground. Design builder PCL Construction poured 124-million litres of concrete mix, completing the project in 1.1-million work hours. Given the complexity of the formwork and the sheer number of concrete pours, conducting and tracking inspections was critical. To address this, PCL leveraged Autodesk BIM 360 Field, a tool previously used for deficiency management, expand- ing its application to streamline formwork inspections. The architectural vision is realized through two L-shaped buildings that form that embrace around a central courtyard – a metaphor for support and care. "In the same way two people hold one another, the two forms come together embracing the patient and nature," says Morettin. "This became the focal point to support patients and families throughout their journey." The courtyard is accessible year- round, featuring a spiritual space, seating areas, and a newly added gong that patients can ring upon complet- ing treatment. "It's a celebration of healing," Morettin adds. "The sound resonates through the space, reinforc- ing the journey of resilience and hope." The centre consolidates all five communities of care: radiotherapy, inpatient care, research, outpatient care, and public and learning spaces. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of cancer care is visible and easily accessible. Materiality played a critical role in grounding the building within its environment. The podium, clad in terracotta, exudes warmth and a LOCATION 3395 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta OWNER /DEVELOPER Alberta Health Services (AHS) BRIDGING CONSULTANT Arup BRIDGING ARCHITECT METAFOR ARCHITECT/INTERIOR DESIGN/ L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECT DIALOG DESIGN-BUILDER PCL Construction STRUCTUR AL /MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL / CIVIL CONSULTANT Stantec MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Smith + Andersen TOTAL SIZE 1.2 million square feet TOTAL COST $1.4 billion

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