Radiotherapy Center

In modern medicine, space has long ceased to be merely a backdrop for processes. It affects the accuracy of diagnostics, the course of treatment, and the condition of a person going through a complex and often exhausting experience. It was from this understanding that the project for the new radiation therapy building of St. Luke’s Hospital in Lviv began.

The existing hospital building, constructed in 1969, currently houses 15 departments and is an important part of the city’s medical infrastructure. At the same time, radiation therapy capacity in Lviv and the Lviv region remains limited and does not meet the actual needs of the population. The new building is designed to address this challenge by bringing together precise diagnostics, radiation treatment planning, and its delivery within a single medical facility. This approach enables a continuous treatment process and strengthens collaboration among specialists of various profiles — radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, medical physicists, and technical staff.

The projected radiation therapy building is designed as an extension to the existing surgical and outpatient hospital buildings. Rather than contrasting with the existing structure, it delicately connects it into a unified spatial ensemble. The building consists of two volumes: a single-storey section with a café and a three-storey functional block. This section houses the main entrance with a patient service area, a chemotherapy department on the second floor, and an inpatient ward with auxiliary rooms on the third floor. The underground level is allocated to the radiation therapy and radiation diagnostics departments with technical and auxiliary spaces, as well as a shelter for patients, visitors, and medical staff.

The architectural solution is built on clear geometry, horizontal lines, and a logical spatial structure. This composition appears calm and balanced, reduces the visual bulk of the building, and allows it to integrate naturally into the surrounding environment. Architectural expression is achieved not through formal gestures, but through proportions, rhythm, and materials.

The facades are finished in a light, neutral palette that emphasizes the contemporary character of the building without competing with the natural landscape. The upper floors feature restrained window openings with a clear rhythm, reflecting the internal functional organization of the space. The ground floor, by contrast, is maximally open: panoramic glazing creates a visual connection between the interior and the exterior, filling the spaces with natural light. In the evening, the building feels alive — light from within gently reveals its presence in the space.

.

The building is set among a green landscape with mature trees that were preserved and integrated into the project. A green roof on the single-storey section reinforces the sense of calm and emphasizes an orientation toward comfort and connection with nature. The scale of the development remains human-friendly, which is especially important for healthcare facilities.

The interior of the new building is conceived as a contemporary public space in the style of warm minimalism, with elements of Scandinavian and biophilic design. It does not appeal to the familiar sterility of a hospital environment; instead, it creates a sense of openness and calm. The space is organized without rigid wall-based zoning: areas are defined by furniture arrangement, ensuring easy orientation and a sense of spatial integrity. Artificial lighting is soft and diffused, without sharp contrasts, promoting comfort during extended stays.

Materials and colour palette support a sense of warmth and human scale. Accent details — terracotta light fixtures and selected furniture pieces — add warmth and individuality without decorative overload. Visual connection with the landscape and the integration of greenery into the interior reduce stress levels, improve psychological comfort, and align with contemporary standards for the quality of public and medical spaces.

The building is equipped with state-of-the-art remote radiation therapy and diagnostics equipment, including two linear accelerators and a CT scanner. Design solutions have been developed in full compliance with all radiation safety requirements and the protection of staff and patients. All spaces are inclusive and fully meet the accessibility, comfort, and safety requirements for people with reduced mobility.

The extension has an internal connection with the existing hospital buildings and forms an enclosed inner courtyard — an intimate space of quiet that complements the therapeutic environment. The architecture of the project conveys the ideas of functionality, transparency, ecological restraint, and contemporary aesthetics, while the interior is distinguished by its human-centred orientation, high level of comfort, and versatility of use.