Abstract

The Integrated Oncology Centre of the University Hospital of Liège is an ambulatory tumour treatment centre located on the striking site of Sart-Tilman. Largely open to the valley, the building gathers all the specialties related to cancer (screening, treatment, psychological follow-up, day hospital, radiotherapy, and wellness centre) and brings these care services together in a setting bathed in natural light. The integrated centre favours the interaction of all the competences available at the University Hospital Centre, both clinical and translational research.

Centred on the patient
Considering the impact of cancer care treatment on the wellbeing of patients and their families, we’ve designed a healing environment centred on user experience. The care provided in each different phase of the treatment therefore receives a specific, soothing atmosphere that supports the healing process. It’s a health centre entirely designed around the practical and sensory experiences of patients. There is plenty of natural light for patients and staff, especially in high-tech medical services, such as radiotherapy, which is more commonly located in basements. Natural light is also brought into the heart of the project and reaches the lower levels via a series of courtyards carved into the building.

Connected to nature
The Sart Tilman site is remarkable for both its architecture and landscape. To blend in with the context, we conducted in-depth work to integrate the buildings and surrounding areas into the natural site. The plantations and green spaces ensure continuity with the surrounding environment. We are supporting soft mobility with a new walkway along the road that bypasses the site. The wooded area around the building will eventually be a place where patients can seek nature and calm. Following the concept of biophilia, we encourage patients to connect to nature following their inherent human desire to do so, and discover the diversity of the surrounding natural landscape.