Healing environment with specialised cancer treatment and state-of-the-art technology

The integrated cancer treatment centre (centre intégré de cancérologie – CIC) is a major step forward in the construction of the new hospital complex of the Quebec City-Laval University hospital centre (CHU de Québec-Université Laval) on the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus campus in Quebec City. It includes all specialties and the latest technologies for the treatment of cancer.

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-1

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Patrick Beaulieu, « Éclaircie », 2019, Bronze, aluminium and light
Photo credit: Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

The starting point for the architectural development of the CIC was the design of a green inner courtyard, surrounded by the oncology program. The aim was to provide pleasant reception areas, waiting rooms, traffic zones, care facilities and work areas that promote health and healing. An abundance of natural light, outdoor views, green spaces, warm materials and colours, and art characterize this calming new healthcare space, which offers the best practices and the latest technology.

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-6

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-8

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

Context and architectural integration

A major component of the new hospital complex was the requirement that the CIC had to be integrated into the existing hospital complex and its urban context with a comprehensive architectural vision. The centre was built near the edge of the site to offer patients as much privacy as possible. This passageway is punctuated by hallways where different public traffic hubs are found, originating the themes that inspired the interior design of each wing: earth, water, fire, air and light. The CIC project’s architecture, which uses the themes of air and light, is restrained and recalls the key characteristics of the existing buildings, such as the use of brick and continuity in the cornice lines. “The contemporaneity of the groupings is characterized by the desire to fill the project with light. The shades of ochre bricks, the pale mortar joints and the white steel and aluminum components and cladding reflect light, which dances across the surfaces over the course of the day,” said Rémi Morency, partner, architect and urban planner at Groupe A / Annexe U and project leader for volumetrics, the building envelope, urban design and landscaping at the new hospital complex.

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-5

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Ivan Binet, « Vases-montagnes », « Échos » series, 2020
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-11

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

A comforting environment that promotes wellness and healing

The CIC embodies changes in the way cancer patients are treated. Using a holistic, interdisciplinary, human-centred approach, it was designed both for technologically advanced equipment and cutting-edge treatments and to provide psychological support to patients at every step of their care.

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-14

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-15

Rapid-response oncology treatment department — Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

Architecture and technology

The core issue when designing a centre of this type is to have a thorough understanding of the medical technologies used and the requirements of specialized devices, so that all spaces are highly functional, safe and pleasant for patients and staff.

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-9

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-2

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

About Quebec City’s new hospital complex

This ambitious project, expected to take more than ten years, includes several components that are already in operation: the clinical logistics platform (2020), a new power plant (2021), a generator building (2021), hospitality (2022) and the integrated oncology centre (2022). The basic research centre, cyclotron, critical care pavilion and the renovation of HEJ will be completed in phases over the coming years.

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-12

Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

adf-web-magazine-cancer-treatment-centre-chu-canada-7

Chemotherapy — Integrated cancer treatment centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Photo credit:
Stéphane Groleau — Groupe A + DMG + Lemay + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte + NFOE + GLCRM architects in consortium

Project team

Groupe ADMGLemayJodoin Lamarre Pratte architectesNFOEGLCRM, worked on the project as a team. “One of the biggest challenges in designing the largest cancer treatment centre in Quebec was certainly the construction context. A very large team that included some 50 architectural professionals had to work together effectively to reach a common goal,” said Anne-Marie Blais, an architect and partner with Groupe A/Annexe U and assistant project manager for the new hospital complex. Working with the institution, project manager, engineering team and numerous specialized consultants, the project was run in accelerated mode in order to meet the delivery deadline, determined by clinical requirements.