The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) engaged WDD and Tsoi Kobus to program, plan, and design their new Center for Radiation Oncology (ROC). The ROC enhances existing synergies between UAMS clinical care, research, and medical education to deliver on their vision of world class, personalized cancer care, wellness, and prevention, including the first proton therapy treatment facility in the state.
The new 60,000 sf ROC replaces an existing radiation oncology facility on the UAMS campus, providing expanded photon, HDR, and proton treatment capabilities with advanced imaging. The new ROC takes advantage of a steeply sloping site with a unique design developed by Tsoi Kobus which “nests” the large concrete bunkers and capitalizes on shared shielding walls to reduce costs. Tsoi Kobus has also recommended the selective use of high-density concrete to reduce vault footprint and volume, creating more space for other critical functions with no net increase to overall SF area.
The program provides four new Linear Accelerators on Level One and an IBA Proteus One proton therapy vault on Level Two with associated clinical support. Level Two will also house an HDR Brachytherapy suite. Each Level houses a dedicated CT for imaging and simulations. The new ROC occupies a prominent location at the eastern entrance to the UAMS campus. Tsoi Kobus developed a signature exterior design for this high-profile site, while carefully managing UAMS’s strict budget and ambitious schedule, including an early Bid Package for site work, foundations, and six concrete vaults.