June 18, 2007
Yawkey Center to feature 'sustainable design' concepts
The planned healing garden in the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care
From its landscaped roof to the trees planted at its base, Dana-Farber's Yawkey Center for Cancer Care will be "green" from top to bottom.
The 14-story building, slated to open in 2011 at the corner of Brookline Avenue and Jimmy Fund Way, will embody many environmentally friendly concepts and reflect Dana-Farber's commitment to protecting natural resources, reducing waste, and promoting health among its patients, staff, and visitors.
Although plans are still being developed, the Yawkey Center will be energy efficient, tap as much natural light as possible, use safer building materials, and feature a healing garden, among other elements.
"We've decided to pursue a Silver LEED Rating," says Wendy Gettleman of Facilities Management and Construction, one of two senior project managers for the center's development.
LEED stands for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, a four-tiered system that provides standards for designing, building, and operating structures. (Dana-Farber officials say the project likely would not qualify for the higher platinum or gold ratings because of its location and other factors out of Dana-Farber's control.)
Dana-Farber's plans — some required by government agencies, many voluntary — are emerging at a time of heightened awareness of global warming and "green building" design. They continue Dana-Farber's record of environmentally responsible activity.
These values extend also to Brigham and Women's Hospital, which is including sustainable design elements in its new cardiovascular center. Harvard University intends to do the same on its Allston campus, which will have a major science component.
Officials from Dana-Farber and the architectural firm Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) are now weighing green options for the Yawkey Center, also incorporating ideas that emerged from the recent "2020 Vision" planning process to consider how cancer care may be delivered in the next decade.
On the one hand, research shows a connection between eco-friendly design — such as contact with nature and effective ventilation — with physical, mental, and emotional well-being, according to Dana-Farber's Institutional Master Plan. On the other hand, a cancer center has certain requirements that may not be considered "green," such as enabling customized air temperatures in patient-care areas.
The Institute also faces financial pressures as it erects a roughly $250 million structure.
"We have to balance the desire for environmental sustainability with our budget constraints, as well as the safety and comfort of our patients," says Gettleman. "We have to put patients first."
Here are some of the sustainable design aspects being considered for the Yawkey Center, which recently received approval from the Boston Redevelopment Authority:
Green spaces: Landscaping the roof with native shrubs and other plantings is aimed at decreasing storm water runoff, lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and offering a green vista for onlookers in nearby buildings. In addition, the center's third floor will have a yet-to-be designed healing garden to provide a place of calm for patients, families, and caregivers.
"We're trying to bring nature back to the site with a landscaped roof and with trees and benches along Brookline Avenue," note architect Margaret DeBolt and colleague Isabelle Arnold of ZGF. "It will be a small urban green space."
Construction site: General contractor Walsh Brothers is sending nearly 100 percent of the Yawkey Center's construction and demolition waste to be recycled, thereby diverting it from landfills or incinerators. Walsh is working with Dana-Farber staff to reduce diesel fumes from construction vehicles at the site by using emission-control devices.
For pollution-control efforts at the Yawkey Center site, Dana-Farber garnered a 2006 Environmental Merit Award from the New England Office of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Light: The architects plan to maximize the amount of natural light entering the building, as well as to limit glare from the sun's rays. North-facing windows, such as those in the planned infusion rooms, can help reduce glare, which is both uncomfortable for occupants and energy-draining during the warmer months.
Water use: The Yawkey Center design includes several water-saving measures, such as low-flow plumbing and the landscaped roof.
Heating: To trim energy costs, planners hope to install a heat recovery system that would use the building's inside air to warm (in winter) or cool (in summer) the air flowing in from the outside.
Building materials: In keeping with Dana-Farber's preference for environmentally safe products in everything from cleansers to refrigerants to construction materials, plans for the new building minimize exposure to toxins.
For example, Dana-Farber insists on low levels of volatile organic compounds in carpeting adhesives, and chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride will be eliminated or reduced from exterior and interior construction materials.
In addition, the wood used in construction is LEED-certified.
Other Earth-friendly options in the works include providing adequate bicycle storage and maintaining showering facilities for staff members who commute on two wheels.
Richard Shea, Dana-Farber's vice president for Facilities Management, says that although LEED standards can increase construction costs, they are likely to lower operating expenses down the road — and those savings can be channeled into Dana-Farber's other activities.
To learn about LEED Certification, visit the U.S. Green Building Council's Web site.
