Butaro Ambulatory Cancer Center, Butaro, Burera District, Northern Province, Rwanda, 2013

Funded generously in part by the Jeff Gordon Foundation, the Butaro Ambulatory Cancer Center offers a spectrum of diagnostic oncology and treatment services—including chemotherapy, surgery, a pathology laboratory, counseling, and palliative care.

Exterior hallways and waiting rooms minimize infection caused airborne pathogens. In total, the facility boasts 125m2 of exterior circulation for airborne infection control, and 63m2 of openings built for natural ventilation. 

In the bright yellow chemotherapy space, patients receive treatment with comfortable seating to help them sit through long hours of receiving treatment. There is also ample seating for family members and patient attendants so that the patients can feel safe and comfortable. Arranged radially, the pods also ensure ease of access to the patients by physicians.

Treatment in the Butaro Ambulatory Cancer Center protects cancer patients with weakened immune systems from contagious infections by limiting their exposure to sick, patients in the nearby hospital. The ventilation system, completed in partnership with Big Ass Fans, maximizes natural air flow and includes strategically located UVGI lights, which neutralize 99% of harmful pathogens.

An operable pivot door facade, brings the beautiful Rwandan landscape directly into the infusion room. The vista of the Virunga mountain range is visible from large windows throughout the facility. Patient proximity to the natural environment and its beauty calms and offers respite.