Patient Terrace at Roswell Park Wins Regional and National Design Awards

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A rooftop terrace and garden at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has won two prestigious architectural awards. The MMMB Patient Terrace, a year-round outdoor space accessible from Roswell Park’s Scott Bieler Clinical Sciences Center, received a regional Design Award from the Buffalo/WNY chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and also took home a Gold Award for best remodel/renovation in Healthcare Design Magazine’s national Healthcare Design awards.

The terrace, which opened in Spring 2018, was designed by Jason Sobieraj, Roswell Park Assistant Director of Planning and Institute Architect, and is named in honor of the anonymous donor who provided the funds to create it. The project team also included LaBella P.C., Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects LLP, John P. Stopen Engineering LLP and another Roswell Park employee, Jacob Krone, who served as in-house project manager.

The 3,000-square-foot space utilizes the second-story roof over the cancer center’s main hospital building. The team selected materials that were both sustainable and able to withstand Buffalo winters. For example, a decorative sculpted bench was constructed with ipe, a natural tropical hardwood that does not deteriorate from exposure to water. Special consideration was given to the use of native plant species in the extensive landscaping on the terrace.

“We wanted to create a space that felt serene and peaceful, and that was important to our donor as well,” notes Candace S. Johnson, PhD, Roswell Park President and CEO. “The project team did such a beautiful job of realizing that vision. The Terrace allows our patients to find respite during their time at Roswell Park and enjoy the beautiful view of downtown Buffalo. At the same time they are healing their bodies, they can also heal their spirits.”

One of the jurors for the Healthcare Design awards described the terrace as a “beautifully executed space in an unexpected location,” noting: “Sheltered and protected with expansive views, the garden is a great example of a healing space. The feature elements allow for interest even in the winter.”

The MMMB Patient Terrace is accessible year-round to Roswell Park patients, visitors and employees.

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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.