Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre

The Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre (PFMCC) in Melbourne, Australia is a product of Alfred Health’s desire for a singular highly visible centre for melanoma cancer treatment and research, focussing on supporting high-end research into cancer, and creating a building focussed on a patient centred experience. The building primarily hosts the programs associated with the Victorian Melanoma Service, a globally renowned centre of research and patient care, dedicated to delivering a translational research facility, incorporating a ‘bench to bedside and back’ philosophy which delivers the latest advances in cancer treatment with the development of the latest therapies and clinical trial offerings for patients. The architectural brief was to create a building ‘not like a hospital’ that can be seen as an icon, representing this global centre of excellence in research in melanoma and other cancers, and one that will attract and retain the best researchers in the world to continue to forge the best ongoing treatments and preventative procedures. Equally important was the creation of therapy and treatment spaces that respond to the humanist need for support and wellbeing for patients and visitors to the facility, with a ground plane of gardens and retreat areas specially designed for a supportive, calming community-based experience. The six-level building (plus plant levels and two basement car park levels) contains a variety of functions, with the first three centred on patient care – from wellbeing centre and concierge functions on the ground floor, to clinical spaces on the first floor and day therapy chairs on the second floor. Treatment chairs have been designed in grouped ‘pods’ ensuring premium individual care while achieving the sense of community that is essential to returning therapy patients. The upper floors concentrate on research laboratories and workplace environments for staff, researchers and clinicians for the services provided within the building, with all floors allowing heights that will allow future flexibility for alternative health related programs into the future. The external design is based on the idea of the healthy ‘epidermis’ outer layer of skin and provides a protective environmental ‘veil’ to the building that allows filtering of light through the predominately glazed façade. This creates a ‘soft’ and light filled environment internally, whilst creating an iconic presence externally, linked with the research ideas within. The lift and services core of the building are on the south side, allowing maximum daylight for program located on the east, north and western facades, with full glazed frontages allowing views out to key green spaces such as the St Kilda Boulevard and nearby Fawkner Park, and the highly performative design in the glass itself providing protection from heat and glare internally. Finally, the botanical gardens inspired landscape creates a welcoming green canopy on entry, and a diversity of protected biophilic wellness areas allow patients and visitors alike to enjoy a series of open and secluded spaces amongst this garden setting - allowing patients to spend time in natural environments to assist with their overall wellbeing in what can be an uncertain time.