Emory Proton Therapy Center Delivers Biomedical Innovation, Advanced Cancer Care

The Emory Proton Therapy Center, a project seven years in the making, is complete and officially delivering treatment to cancer patients. As the first facility of its kind in Georgia, the project strengthens the city of Atlanta’s position as a center for biomedical innovation and advanced cancer care.

Stantec designed the facility with five treatment rooms capable of providing proton beam therapy to up to 1,700 patients, including children, annually. Working with the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and the center’s owner, Provident Resources Group, Stantec led the architectural design of this center, with engineering partners Bard, Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers and Goldstein-Milano Structural Engineers, and general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie.

Located in Midtown Atlanta, the design of the three-story, 115,000-square-foot facility serves to engage with the local streetscape along a sloping topography. A 20,000-square-foot retail space envelops a 200-car parking garage, creating opportunities for new community offerings in this vibrant neighborhood. A sand and charcoal façade, punctuated by generous expanses of glass, helps to further integrate the project with the cityscape.

The interior design establishes a welcoming and comforting environment. A generous courtyard lined with a lush vertical garden creates a striking impression from the main lobby. The palette blends natural colors and textures with wood panels to provide a healing environment. Also, touches of bright color reinforce the uplifting setting while providing wayfinding for patients and staff.

“As a facility treating patients of all ages, our team paid particular attention to the comfort of the pediatric population in the design of the Emory Proton Center,” said Paula Williams, a principal at Stantec. “The design includes a dedicated family waiting room in the main lobby, along with a unique playhouse to help these young patients find some comfort. The center’s layout has also been carefully considered to allow parents to accompany children through the clinical and treatment journey.”