University of Missouri Health Care’s largest expansion has earned LEED Gold certification by tying sustainability into improving care at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, according to an article on the Medical Construction & Design magazine website.

Designed by HOK, the $190-million addition created a new patient care tower and a replacement facility for Ellis Fischel, the oldest cancer center west of the Mississippi River.

The design stresses patient views of the landscape, the article said. The building’s north-south orientation provides views of farmland to the south and the university campus to the north, while sunshades on the south façade help mitigate the glare from direct sunlight. 

Roof gardens covering more than 10,000 square feet can also be viewed on the north and south sides of the building while mechanical systems and other necessary infrastructure are less noticeable.

The connection to nature is amplified by the centrally located Ellis Fischel Gala and Brown Family Healing Garden Courtyard that is the hospital’s primary wayfinding element, according to the article.

Read the article.