UW Health Carbone Cancer Center at Eastpark Medical Center 

The Challenge

The UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center at Eastpark Medical Center aimed to establish a leading oncology and research hub, serving as the eastern gateway for their specialized programs. A significant challenge was to create a patient-centered environment that addressed the unique sensory and emotional needs of oncology patients, while simultaneously fostering a space for cutting-edge research and clinical trials. This involved integrating advanced treatment technologies with personalized care approaches.

Design constraints included the need for flexible research spaces, specialized infusion environments and a comprehensive support system for patients and their families. Furthermore, the goal was to seamlessly integrate research into standard care processes, bringing research directly to patients. The project needed to overcome the challenge of creating a healing environment that balanced technological advancement with human-centered design.

The Design Solution

HKS designed the oncology and research components with a focus on patient experience and research innovation. The infusion unit was meticulously designed to offer personalized sensory experiences, providing three distinct environments: private rooms for rest, semi-private bays with natural light and communal bays for social connection. Patient ambient environmental controls were implemented to allow for individual adjustments.

The first of its kind in Wisconsin, the facility incorporated the Leo Cancer Care upright proton therapy vault, which is a radiation treatment system that allows the patient to remain in a standing or seated position.

A dedicated education and research floor was created, featuring conference rooms and spaces for clinical trials, enabling the integration of research into standard care. The design prioritized acoustical control, natural ventilation and accessible layouts to ensure patient comfort and safety.

A tech center was established to support patients with digital health platforms and an immersive art program was integrated to provide distraction and delight.

The facility was designed to accommodate interprofessional care teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Standardized clinic modules were implemented to ensure flexibility and adaptability for future research and treatment advancements.

The Design Impact

The Carbone Cancer Center at Eastpark Medical Center’s oncology and research components have demonstrated significant impact. The facility distinguishes itself by becoming the first in Wisconsin to offer multiple treatment rooms for proton therapy. Proton therapy offers a significant advancement in cancer treatment that allows for more precise tumor targeting. Further solidifying its position at the forefront of medical technology, the center has partnered with Leo Cancer Care, making it the world’s inaugural site to utilize their innovative upright proton therapy treatment in a new facility.

The upright treatment replaces the traditional supine setup with a seated, more interactive approach. By allowing patients to remain upright, the technology seeks to increase patient comfort, reduce feelings of vulnerability and enhance communication with care teams. The size difference between the upright system and a traditional gantry is substantial, primarily because the upright approach rotates the patient rather than the heavy radiation equipment. This simple shift from lying down to an upright position is gaining momentum in the industry and research is indicating the potential for improved patient outcomes along with smaller physical footprints.

The facility’s design, informed by evidence-based research and stakeholder feedback, aims to improve patient well-being, reduce anxiety and enhance care coordination. The standardized clinic modules and flexible research spaces provide adaptability for future research and treatment needs. The project’s focus on research and innovation is expected to contribute to advancements in oncology care, bringing research directly to patients and fostering a collaborative environment for clinicians and researchers. A post-occupancy evaluation in spring 2026 will further assess the project’s impact on patient outcomes and research productivity.