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Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Clinic, Miami University, FL, USA

The Project

The project was won in an interview at the University of Miami, Medical school in which Hercut Sylvester, the donor, was present. Many outstanding firms were invited to present their qualifications. Mozhan, who was leading the “Khadem Design Studio at Payette”, presented his idea of “a continuous kind of architecture with a sense of place” that would make the facility not only functionally at the cutting edge of technology, but also would reflect a sense of place and help develop a focal space for interaction in the otherwise chaotic medical campus of Miami University in Florida. Upon hearing Mozhan’s presentation, Mr. Hercut Sylvester told the architectural interviewing committee that he likes to only have Mozhan Khadem design this facility.

The Design Concept

Sylvester Cancer Clinic is one of the first comprehensive cancer treatment centers in the United States. As Director of Design and Principal in Charge, Mozhan Khadem ensured that the complex technical and functional requirements of the project were appropriately addressed. The site master plan and architectural design of the facility were developed to respond to the cultural needs of the substantially Hispanic population. The design is responsive to the site, climate, and culture of its user. The facility has a unique sense of place and has become an oasis of tranquility on the medical campus. 

Extensive research was done by, BDC/Khadem team into the significant Miami architectural icons, especially those belonging to the Miami Art Deco period. This building was dedicated in 1990.

BDC/Khadem designed this facility in such a way as to permit the development of a major open space on the campus. This space which is currently flanked by the residential cancer facility of Ronald McDonald has become an important cultural focus and the “Arts Courtyard” of the medical campus. Important arts and musical events are being held in this space.

 Furthermore, Mozhan Khadem insisted that the facade of each side of the building should respond to the urban and architectural elements of that particular side and does not necessarily have to mimic the other elevations of the building, namely the Sylvester Cancer Center. The side looking onto and forming the main “Arts Courtyard” was designed to be tranquil, overlooking a lushly landscaped space with a row of inset  niches for visitors under a row of elegant balconies. This side is replete with surface treatments recalling modern interpretations of the Miami art deco style. The opposite side facing an elevated monorail structure and hectic city traffic are designed completely differently welcoming the arrivals to the clinic in the heavily trafficked area of the city. The side facing the street is designed in an understated and calm manner. The fourth side is connected to an existing hospital enhancing the idea of the continuity of the architecture of the building as an extension, albeit much more elegant than the existing campus building. 

Thus the medical campus of Miami University now possesses a beautiful well landscaped and enclosed ‘Arts Courtyard” with a unique identity and a sense of place in an otherwise chaotic campus with unrelated buildings that are overwhelmed by numerous parking areas.   

STAFF BY PROJECT:

  • Mozhan Khadem, Principal in Charge and Director of Design
  • Keith Millay, Project Designer, Administrator
  • Jim Wilkinson, Sr. Project Designer
  • Dennis Kaiser
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