« Back to Facilities Management News Home
Sept. 10, 2015 — “The absolute best” in cancer care is now available in the Silicon Valley’s South Bay (San Jose) Area at the Stanford Cancer Center. The center opened this summer, extending Stanford’s comprehensive and compassionate cancer care to more Bay Area residents in the fast-growing South Bay.
Designed by RATCLIFF architects, of Emeryville, Calif., the center houses the groundbreaking clinical treatments Stanford Health Care is renowned for in a patient-centered environment.
A National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and considered one of the leading hospitals in America for cancer treatment, Stanford Health Care is at the forefront of high-quality patient care.
The 70,000-square-foot, four-story comprehensive outpatient cancer center (OSHPD 3) is conveniently located at State Route 85 and Los Gatos Boulevard in San Jose. Its departments include oncology, ambulatory surgery, diagnostic imaging, clinical lab, pharmacy, and radiation oncology.
Rather than requiring that a patient travel from department to department for different services, the Stanford facility is organized so that multidisciplinary teams come to the patient’s exam room. This advance in healthcare delivery is an example of how the patient’s perspective is the priority.
“From routine check-ups to surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy, patients can feel assured that a variety of resources are available all in one location,” said RATCLIFF's Christopher Naughton, principal architect and planner for the project.
“The essence of the project addresses the mind, body, and spirit of those on their cancer journey,” he added. “We designed for ample daylight into patient areas, and simple, clear circulation and wayfinding to lessen patient stress. We also chose bold geometric forms to engage the mind, earthy materials to center the body, and bright white accents to move the spirit.”
Details include separating the patient from the comings and goings of the medical staff to further tranquility, and locating the infusion treatment on the top floor with expansive windows providing calming views. Waiting areas offer the option of privacy or social interaction.
RATCLIFF was selected to plan and design the facility to reside in a building shell constructed previously by Samaritan Medical Center and leased by Stanford Health Care. The planning included extensive partnership with Stanford’s Patient and Family Advisory Councils, members of the local community, and a multidisciplinary team of physicians and staff working in concert with the design team to create a welcoming and efficient layout.
Design began in February 2013 and moved quickly through planning and agency approvals, allowing construction to start in only 11 months. In addition, expeditious delivery of the project in coordination with the general contractor, Swinerton Builders, ensured that the project reached the target cost and schedule. The project was completed in June 2015 and opened to the public in July.
