Bounded by a future Audiology Clinic to the south and a future Behavioral Health Building to the west, the building mass for the Cancer Center reflects the gentle sweeping curve of its site along its northeast facade, while south and west edges are defined by the adjacent building sites. The public entry for the cancer center, distinguished by a recessed portal within the building skin, is located along the northern facade and is lined with planters, trees, and benches to offer areas of respite for visitors and patients. A similar entry portal is positioned in direct alignment with the first at the southern elevation, where access is available to staff and patients from the campus hospital through a series of healing gardens.

Composed of vertical windows and metal panels with varying vertical profiles to accentuate the building form along the curve, the building skin takes on a genetic DNA makeup that is born as a result of the unique programmatic elements beneath the surface skin. The resulting configurations simulate patterns commonly found in DNA profiling, and contribute to giving the cancer center its unique identity. The corrugated metal panel skin subtly invokes the legacy of the main hospital which is textured with precast corrugated concrete panels.

Medical planning places the large program areas (Reception and Infusion) along the north elevation with access to views of the mountains; offices line the perimeter while exam rooms and support spaces are internal. Interior design and finishes create an environment which promotes healing and comfort.  On arrival, patients and visitors walk through a glazed entryway illuminated overhead by a glass skylight. At the stacked main reception/waiting area on Level 1 and the infusion room on Level 2, a textured focal wall made from reclaimed wood brings added warmth and softness into the spaces, harboring a fireplace for waiting patients and family. With added sun protection from vertical fins and perforated screens, in combination with lighting control systems, the cancer center will reduce overall energy consumption, and at the same time, offer opportunities for exterior views to adjacent gardens and the distant San Bernardino mountain peaks to the north. The building will utilize a stair designated to the west which will be shared with and built as part of the future Behavioral Health Building.

With a design tracking LEED Silver, sustainability was an integral part of the process. In addition to building orientation, envelope maximization through controlled glazing and sun shading, desert appropriate landscaping, and a local and renewable material palette, the facility has strategies to reduce water and energy consumption.