UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING

HEALING AND CARE FACILITIES FOR CANCER PATIENTS

By
SHAHAD SALAM

U00021913

KHADIJE HAMAD

U00021801

LUBNA EL ORFALY

U00024745

Project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of Bachelor of Science to the
Department of Architectural Engineering

Approved:________________________
Mariam Seif Eldin

Sharjah, UAE
May 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

AKNOWLEDGEMENT.............................................................................................. iii
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................

iv

CHAPTER
PART I
1. INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................

1.1 Prelude................................................................................................
1.2 Problem Statement.............................................................................
1.3 Research Methodology.......................................................................
1.4 Research Objectives...........................................................................
1.5 Research Limitations..........................................................................
1.6 Organization of the Research.............................................................

2
2
3
3
4
5

2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND LITRATURE REVIEW...................

2.1 Historic Background of Cancer........................................................... 7

2.1.1 Cancer Attributes.......................................................................... 8
2.1.1.1 Signs and Symptoms........................................................... 8
2.1.1.2. Possible Causes.................................................................. 9
2.1.1.3. Cancer and Stress............................................................... 9
2.1.2 Historic Background of Cancer Treatment................................... 10
2.2 Historic Development of Cancer Health Care.................................... 11
2.2.1 History of NCI and its Impact on Health Care............................. 11
2.2.2 Cancer Rehabilitation and Care Centers....................................... 12
2.2.3 Developed Prototypes................................................................... 13
2.3 The integration of Healing Architecture into the design of Cancer
Treatment facilities.............................................................................. 16
2.3.1 Healing Architecture..................................................................... 16
2.3.2 Cancer Center and Healing Architecture...................................... 17
2.3.3 Wellness and Healing Gardens..................................................... 19

3. PROBLEM DEFINITION............................................................................... 21
3.1 Introduction........................................................................................ 22
3.2 Problem Definition Statement............................................................ 22
3.3 Facts and Statistics............................................................................. 23
3.3.1 Regional Cancer Facts & Figures................................................. 24
3.3.2 Local Cancer Facts & Figures...................................................... 24
3.4 Surveys............................................................................................... 27
3.4.1 Surveys Conclusion...................................................................... 30
3.5 Research Approach............................................................................ 30
3.6 Research Objectives........................................................................... 31
4. METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS............................................................ 32
I.

Treatment Hospital for Cancer........................................................... 32

4.1 Penn state Hershey Cancer Institute and Children Hospital.............. 33
4.2 Olivia-Newton John Cancer and Wellness Center............................. 50
4.3 Al Tawam Hospital............................................................................ 65
II.
Cancer Rehabilitation Center............................................................. 70
4.4 Cancer healthcare center in Copenhagen........................................... 70
4.5 Health care center for cancer patients..................................................87
III.
Cancer Research Center.....................................................................100
4.6 Lowy Cancer Research Center...........................................................100
IV.
Healing Garden..................................................................................111
4.7 Yantalos Healing Garden................................................................. 111
5. RESEARCH RESULTS AND APPLICATIONS...........................................128
5.1 Conceptual Program...........................................................................129
5.2 Treatment Facility..............................................................................130
5.2.1 Functional Relationships Diagrams............................................130
5.2.2 Detailed program..........................................................................142
5.3 Rehabilitation Facility........................................................................149
5.3.1 Functional Relationships Diagrams............................................149
5.3.2 Detailed Program..........................................................................155
5.4 Research Facility.................................................................................159
5.4.1 Functional Relationships Diagrams.............................................159
5.4.2 Detailed Program..........................................................................165
5.5 Parking and Outdoor Facilities Detailed Program..............................169
5.6 Conclusion..........................................................................................171

6. CONTEXT ANALYSIS..................................................................................172
6.1 Cities Overview..................................................................................173
6.1.1 Climate......................................................................................... 173
6.1.2 Urban planning Analysis/information.........................................177
6.1.2.1 Sharjah................................................................................177
6.1.2.2 Dubai.................................................................................. 177
6.2 Proposed Sites....................................................................................179
6.2.1 Al Juraina, Sharjah.......................................................................181
6.2.1.1 Introduction........................................................................ 181
6.2.1.2 Site Information..................................................................181
6.2.1.3 Surroundings.......................................................................182
6.2.1.4 Land Use / Functions...........................................................183
6.2.1.5 Urban Fabric........................................................................183
6.2.1.6 Access and Circulation........................................................185
6.2.1.7 Conclusion...........................................................................186
6.2.2 Health care city, Dubai.................................................................187
6.2.2.1 Introduction..........................................................................187
6.2.2.2 Site Information...................................................................187
6.2.2.3 Surroundings........................................................................188
6.2.2.4 Land Use / Functions...........................................................189
6.2.2.5 Urban Fabric........................................................................189
6.2.2.6 Access and Circulation........................................................191
6.2.2.7 Conclusion...........................................................................192
6.2.3 Al Barari Residence......................................................................193
6.2.3.1 Introduction..........................................................................193
6.2.3.2 Site Information...................................................................193
6.2.3.3 Surroundings.......................................................................194
6.2.3.4 Land Use / Functions...........................................................195
6.2.3.5 Urban Fabric........................................................................197
6.2.3.6 Access and Circulation........................................................199
6.2.3.7 Conclusion...........................................................................201
6.3 Site Comparison / Selection Criteria..................................................202
7. DESIGN GUIDELINES..................................................................................203
7.1 Evidence Based Design..................................................................... 204
7.1.1 Cancer - Related Evidence Based Design Factors....................... 205
7.2 Accessibility and Circulation............................................................. 207
7.2.1 Accessibility and Circulation Guidelines..................................... 207
7.2.2 Barrier Free Design................................................................... 209

7.2.2.1 Accessibility and Circulation.............................................. 209

7.2.2.2 Vertical Circulation............................................................. 209
7.2.2.3 Horizontal Circulation........................................................ 212
7.2.2.4 Parking................................................................................ 212
7.3 Technical Applications...................................................................... 214
7.3.1 Introduction.................................................................................. 214
7.3.2 Natural Ventilation...................................................................... 214
7.3.3 Daylighting and Transparency.................................................... 218
7.3.4 Structural Considerations............................................................. 222
7.4 Spaces with Specific Design Considerations..................................... 224
7.4.1 Treatment Department Spaces..................................................... 224
7.4.2 Research Department Spaces....................................................... 228
7.5 Interior Features................................................................................. 235
7.5.1 Colors Effect................................................................................ 235
7.5.2 Psychological Interior Features.................................................... 237
7.6 Healing Gardens................................................................................. 238
7.6.1 Essential Design Elements and Environmental Qualities............ 238
7.6.2 Different Types of Healing Plants............................................... 242
7.6.3 Climates Manage / Green Screens............................................... 246

PART II

8. PRELIMINARY CONCEPT.......................................................................... 247

8.1 Preliminary Concept Development.................................................... 248
8.1.1 Site Analysis.................................................................................250
8.1.2 Initial Development.......................................................................251
8.1.3 Facility Zoning..............................................................................253
8.2 Concept Design Development............................................................255
8.2.1 Concept Design Development......................................................255
8.2.2 Concept Design Features..............................................................257
9. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS........................................................ 258
9.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... 259
9.2 Form Development Process................................................................259
9.2.1 The Integration with Nature..........................................................259
9.2.2 Reforming of the masses...............................................................261
9.2.3 Connectivity..................................................................................261

9.2.4 Environmental Factors..................................................................262

9.2.5 Volume Subtractions....................................................................265
9.2.6 Circulation Planes.........................................................................265
9.3 Program Zoning Development Process ........................................... 266
9.3.1 Basic Development.......................................................................266
9.3.2 Final Program Zoning Outcome...................................................268

10. DEVELOPED DESIGN................................................................................ 270

10.1 Project Brief.................................................................................... 271
10.2 Site Planning and Organization.........................................................272
10.3 Accessibility and Outdoor Space......................................................273
10.3.1 Accessibility to the building......................................................273
10.3.2 Outdoor Spaces..........................................................................275
10.3.2.1 Master Plan.....................................................................275
10.3.2. 2 Healing Garden Applications........................................278
10.4 Project Program.................................................................................281
10.4.1 Overall Program...................................................................... 281
10.4.2 Detailed Program.......................................................................283
10.5 Circulation .......................................................................................287
10.5.1 Departmental Connectivity........................................................288
10.5.2 Vertical and horizontal Circulation...........................................292
10.6 Faade Treatment..............................................................................292
10.6.1. Mass and Void..........................................................................293
10.6.2. Color and Material....................................................................293
10.7. Interior Features...............................................................................295
11. TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS.......................................................................... 298
11.1 Structural System............................................................................ 299
11.2 Construction Details..........................................................................303
11.3 Fire Protection...................................................................................305
11.4 Waste Management...........................................................................307

APPENDIX
A. PROBLEM SUPPORTING ARTICLES..........................................................313
B. SURVEY...........................................................................................................320

C. PROJECTS CONTACT INFORMATION......................................................322

D. FACILITIES PROGRAM...............................................................................325
E. DUBAI HEALTHCARE FACILITIES GUIDELINES....................................361
F. SUSTAINABLE MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN DUBAI........... 372

LIST OF TABLES.........................................................................................................490
LIST OF FIGURES........................................................................................................494
BIBLIOGRAPHY..........................................................................................................528

AKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project was completed through great effort and sincere commitment to
produce a unique piece of work. However, the success of any project depends largely on
the encouragement and guidance of many others. We take this opportunity to express our
gratitude to the people who have been instrumental in the completion of this project.
Firstly, our work is dedicated to Allah. Through his blessings and enlightenment of our
minds and path, we were able to overcome the difficulties and fulfill the mission.

To his highness sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed al Qassimi, the advocate of knowledge
and development, and the motivator of learning at all levels.

To our Families who have encouraged and supported us through all times and who also
were great sources of inspiration for achieving our goals.

We would like to express our gratitude to our instructors who provided us with the
insight and resources that helped make this project possible and helped us by taking time
out of their busy schedules so that we could complete this research. Their support and
help motivated to make this project up to the standards.

We also like to extend our deepest appreciation to all the doctors, therapists as well as the
patients who helped in developing our knowledge about the subject matter by sharing
their experiences and stories with us.

Finally, we thank all those who have directly and indirectly guided us in accomplishing
this task.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and the total number of global
cancer cases is increasing. It is also considered one of the major concerns in the Gulf
Area particularly in UAE. It is one of the leading countries in health care development;
with several hospitals providing cancer treatment across the country. However, very few
of those hospitals specialize in cancer therapy. Cancer is the third leading cause of death
in the UAE after heart diseases and accidents.
Lack of facilities both regionally and nationally forced cancer patients to seek treatment
at foreign countries. Moreover, the existing hospitals dont provide the suitable
psychological care required for cancer patients since Cancer therapy relies greatly not
only on the medical treatment, but on the psychological state of the patient as well.
Therefore, a Greater emphasis on healthcare is required to improve continuity of care and
to bring it closer to the home and community.
This project will establish a new level of integration in the healthcare field as it will
facilitate cancer care in terms of both physical and psychological aspects by integrating
nature into the design of the treatment facilities.
The research will first focus on exploring the problems aspects by reviewing the history
of development of cancer treatment and the impact of it on patients. Furthermore,
different case studies will be analyzed to provide a guide for the next steps.
Principles of Healing Architecture and Evidence Based Design will be explored and
implemented in the creation of the healing facilities.
After collecting the required data, the application phase starts by developing the projects
program which will be based on the patients needs and by setting the criteria for site
selection. Finally, a preliminary concept idea shall be formed to achieve the mission of
providing a connected experience of care through the integration of the three facilities:
Treatment, Rehabilitation and Research together under one roof along with nature.