LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, a part of Northwestern Medicine, has experienced a growth in number of participants throughout the Western Chicago Suburbs over the last several years. As such, they decided to expand the footprint into DuPage County. The organization, whose focus is to help cancer patients and their caregivers, selected Kluber Architects + Engineers to design their second facility.
Take a full tour of their renovated facility by watching the video below:
Project Background
LivingWell Cancer Resource Center is dedicated to providing evidence-based programs and services that encourage, empower, and support patients with cancer and their families and caregivers. In 2012, Kluber Architects + Engineers was entrusted to design their flagship location in Geneva. Their organization was so pleased with their facility that they ultimately selected our firm to design the expansion of their secondary location in Warrenville, which is located within an existing office building.
Key Features
The renovation of LivingWell’s DuPage County location allowed for the development of several new and redesigned service areas. Below you will find an overview of some of these key features.
Wig Boutique
For patients experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment, LivingWell offers wig consultations. This designated room provides a relaxing, yet fun experience where wigs can be comfortably tried on and styled. Through generous donations from community organizations and individuals, all wigs are available at no cost to patients.
Art Room
Patients at LivingWell have access to a variety of classes facilitated by their in-house art instructor. From acrylic painting to creating collages, this dedicated room fosters creativity and connection.
Yoga Studio
LivingWell’s dedicated yoga studio provides patients with an outlet for stress management while learning balance, flexibility, and more. Its calming artwork and lighting set the scene for restoration.
Counseling Spaces
From support groups to one-on-one counseling sessions, LivingWell offers a space for individuals, families, and children to meet with professional counselors and social workers.
Meeting Spaces
There are three different sized meeting rooms within the space, providing comfortable spaces for small and large group counseling, and educational programs.
Design Challenges
The footprint of the available space for LivingWell’s expansion was long and narrow, which presented various design challenges. For example, it took significant creativity to position the spaces within the building along the window wall without creating a long hallway in the interior. The solution for this challenge involved making the corridor a key feature element of the space, including areas for seating, creating spaces for art, using wood and stone wall features, as well as making the ceiling a design element.
Special thanks to Pix by Painter for capturing LivingWell’s renovation!