Calvin Leo's Award-Winning Design: The Hebei Branch of Cams Cancer Hospital

A Harmonious Symbiosis of Space and Nature in Medical Architecture

The Hebei Branch of Cams Cancer Hospital, covering a total of 593,000 square meters, is a testament to the innovative use of design themes and materials. Each node space within the hospital is given a specific natural theme based on its architectural form or functional attributes. The themes, ranging from deep natural harbors to mountains, rivers, trees, flowers, and grasses, are realized using a variety of materials including stone, wall tiles, medical decorative boards, latex paint, mineral wool board, PVC, and aluminum board.

The design team, led by Calvin Leo, also included Feng Li, David Chen, Yumin Han, Mingjie Kong, Xiaoting Li, and Yu Wang. The team's collective effort resulted in a series of rich and harmonious nature spaces that provide a sense of care and comfort, promoting self-consciousness and reconciliation in a relaxing and tranquil environment.

One of the unique features of this design is the use of streamlines and curves, which are considered the most emotional shapes. These shapes evoke feelings of softness, lightness, smoothness, elegance, and sensuality, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience within the medical space.

The project, which started in January 2020 and was completed in January 2021 in Langfang, faced several creative, technical, and research challenges. For instance, the round hall space of radiotherapy uses an abstract flower shape and bird's nest to convey a leisurely and comfortable space atmosphere. This required exquisite skills akin to a martial arts practitioner, who finds paradise through quiet practice.

Another noteworthy aspect of the design is the special needs clinic hall, which is designed like a natural harbor. The design language incorporates natural elements such as rocks, waves, and beaches, symbolizing warmth, safety, and embrace. The designer used the fluidity and continuity of organic lines to make the space continuous, eliminating unnatural and non-smooth parts of the space. This approach resulted in a space filled with all aspects of nature and organic forms, with each space's characteristics emerging from the same line.

In conclusion, Calvin Leo's design for the Hebei Branch of Cams Cancer Hospital is a remarkable example of how design can transform medical spaces. The design's unique properties, realization technology, and the challenges overcome during the design process demonstrate the power of innovative design in creating spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging. This project serves as an inspiration for future designs in the field of medical architecture.