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The Cool Factor
Author: Richard Storm, Biz941
Given the stress on the local economy, we might expect to find a decline in the number of significant new commercial buildings on our skyline. But within the last several months, five attention-grabbing buildings rose out of the ground, proof that strong architectural design is still enriching the local landscape. Cancer Support Community—Southwest Florida (formerly The Wellness Community) Project Architect: Michael Carlson, Carlson Studio Architecture Contractors/Engineers: Wilson Miller Engineering, Stewart Engineering and Willis A. Smith Construction The intriguing arched design of the Cancer Support Community facilities in Lakewood Ranch reflects the conviction that place matters in the treatment of health issues, especially one as disruptive as cancer. The complex, which was recently completed on a leafy five-acre campus, is conceived and executed as a worldwide model of a healing environment, one in which healthful materials, natural light, environmentally sound construction and natural surroundings combine to support people whose immune systems have often been compromised. Green technology, has been applied to the art studios, Internet cafe, teaching kitchen, meditation spaces and labyrinth garden, making the building eligible for Gold LEED certification. These facilities, provided to patients and their families free of charge, are intended to set the standard for others in a network of 50 local affiliates and 100 satellite locations. |
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