When it opens its doors later this year, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre will be packed with innovative and welcoming design elements, cutting-edge technologies and world-class treatment and research spaces
Looking up at Calgary’s new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (the Arthur Child), it’s easy to see that it was designed to be a beacon of hope for every Albertan who hears the words, “You have cancer.”
When its doors open later this year, the Arthur Child will be home to world-leading cancer researchers and medical teams. With more than 1.3 million square-feet of space for groundbreaking research, care and education, the Arthur Child will change the course of cancer for the better and improve outcomes for the one in two Albertans who will face cancer in their lifetime.
Here are some examples of how the generous support of Albertans transformed the Arthur Child from a dream into a place of healing and hope.
Impressive architecture
The innovative design of the Arthur Child seamlessly integrates aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency, creating a space that fosters healing and tranquility for staff and visitors. Its architecture reflects a commitment to modern health care and prioritizes the holistic well-being of Albertans who are navigating the cancer system.
From the earliest concepts and sketches, every architectural detail has been carefully curated with patients in mind — its very design symbolizes a welcoming hug to every Albertan who walks through its doors.
Another unique element of the building is the Connector, a 400-metre-long elevated pathway that connects the Arthur Child, Foothills Medical Centre and University of Calgary Health Sciences building. This walkway facilitates movement for patients, families, health-care professionals and students, and the transport of materials between sites. The Connector includes respite areas, seating and retail space.
A welcoming experience for all
The Arthur Child fosters a warm, inclusive and welcoming experience for patients, family and staff. Thoughtfully designed and laid-out spaces help ensure that every short- or long-term visit feels like a home away from home.
There are 160 private inpatient rooms, each with its own washroom. These spacious and sunlight-filled rooms enable quiet reflection during the day and help patients and families feel more comfortable during overnight visits. Additionally, the Indigenous family room is beautifully decorated with local art that has been specially curated by Indigenous community partners. This collectively designed space provides an inclusive and safe healing environment for Indigenous patients and their loved ones.
There are also welcoming experiences for the youngest Albertans. Pediatric patients and their families, who come to the Arthur Child from the Alberta Children’s Hospital for radiation therapy appointments, can expect a welcoming, child-friendly atmosphere as they wait for and recover from treatments.
World-class treatment and research
The Arthur Child is poised to become a global leader in innovative cancer research and treatments. With more than 10,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art research space, the new cancer centre will accelerate the development of precision medicine, diagnostic tools and more made-in-Alberta solutions to cancer.
This will be possible, in part, because of the incredible research spaces and lab shops. Designed to bring cancer care and research together, the Arthur Child’s world-class research spaces include the Knowledge Research Centre; an auditorium and breakout rooms for knowledge sharing; wet and dry research labs; and a research wall to feature the centre’s key research initiatives.
The medical physics and design lab shops will support techniques and equipment used to treat cancer at the Arthur Child. This includes preventive maintenance and repair of radiation treatment machines and the delivery of high-quality medical devices, including custom clinical and research equipment not widely available.
Innovative technology
The Arthur Child is equipped with the most advanced technology and infrastructure — both in the public spaces and behind the scenes — to help the centre run as efficiently as possible.
For example, the hazardous medication dumbwaiter system increases safety for the staff and public by transporting chemotherapy and other hazardous medications behind the scenes, rather than through high-traffic areas.
Additionally, the eSIM lab is an advanced educational program that re-creates clinical events for cancer centre personnel, replicating real-world experiences. The simulation training lab provides authentic learning experiences in a supported environment to promote best practices and enhance care quality.
A sustainable focus
Integrating sustainable practices enhances the centre’s operational efficiency, contributing to cost savings and a healthier environment for patients and staff.
The cancer centre is LEED Gold-certified with high-efficiency electricity, low water waste, energy-efficient HVAC systems and an enhanced air-filtration system. Thanks to these sustainable measures, energy consumption will be reduced by more than 26 per cent and the centre will save more than 34 million litres of water each year (that’s equal to 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools).
