Running the Survey

An existing hospital will come to a crossroad where it begins to modernize the function and aesthetics of its campus. Patients within the Via Christi Cancer Institute are experiencing perhaps one of the most daunting encounters of their life. Via Christi Health, the architect and Hutton understood that while a peaceful and serene space can’t in itself take away the initial battle, it can provide a therapeutic and calming environment in which they can engage, armed with pre-eminent technology and practices. The transformation of the 7th floor Institute was astonishing.

Laying the Foundation

The Via Christi Cancer Institute project is an exemplary case of success due to early collaboration between the contractor, subcontractors, architect and owner. As a Construction Management at Risk project, this undertaking allowed us to provide vital and effective cost and schedule contributions early on. Establishing a budget and a guaranteed maximum price during planning stages of the project let the owner pick and choose upgrades that it preferred, such as higher quality finished doors. An exterior elevator was chosen and affixed to the hospital allowing direct access to the 7th floor from the ground level. We used this elevator for all materials and construction staff to alleviate traffic and disruptions. Existing plumbing shared among multiple floors is just one example of the potential challenges during a hospital renovation; our early contribution to scheduling minimized the impact to staff and patients in other areas of the hospital.

The Finishing Touches

Hospitals exist to provide healing. Great medical practices save lives. Today we understand more about how the visual impact of a space can contribute to a patient’s mindset and attitude in a way that benefits the healing process. The Via Christi Cancer Institute is an exceptional example of this. Patients along with their families and friends can find a tranquil library in which to do research; yoga and massage therapy rooms to relieve stress; and a laugh therapy theater because we all know how important laughter is. Richly chosen wood finishes integrated with calming hues of blue and green are present throughout the floor.