Arden Cancer Centre

Transforming a vital facility into an efficient, welcoming place for patients and their families.

The Arden Cancer Centre is a vital lifeline for people diagnosed with a variety of cancers, based at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. Its purpose is to assess, treat and support those with cancer, and as such the facility has a varied role to play. Efficiency and capacity are key to ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the centre, and an environment that helps those visiting or attending treatments feel welcome, comfortable and cared for is of course a high priority when considering design choices.

Squaredot were approached to refurbish and transform three core areas of the centre; the main entrance, reception hall and the associated external courtyard. The brief specified that it was key to cater for a significant increase in the number of patients being cared for at the centre, to radically improve the functionality of the facility, and to refresh the appearance of the current reception hall and adjacent areas. While many NHS buildings like this one look “institutionalised” and uninspiring, Squaredot and Arden Cancer Centre were determined to create a space that would help make a difficult experience as pleasant as possible. It was also important that all areas would be future-proof, and ready to deal with the projected eventual capacities. 

The external space came with its own considerations. The new external entrance required a solution to help avoid a wind tunnel effect, while also accommodating a smooth flow through between departments and areas to create a pleasant visitor experience. The centre was looking to improve circulation, keep external and internal departmental identities, and enhance current facilities to ensure a smooth operation for staff and visitors alike. Squaredots re-design helped to achieve this, and Arden Cancer Centre was able to increase efficiency and continue to take excellent care of their patients in a fresh and welcoming environment.