New cancer center’s architecture, picturesque grounds, and community-focused care offer a vision of holistic healing and wellness
HGA is pleased to announce the completion of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional, a new freestanding cancer center, located in Norman, Oklahoma. The cancer center is the latest project in a series of HGA-designed buildings, part of a campus expansion, for Norman Regional Health System (NRHS). Doors opened to patients in June.
The cancer center will be operated in partnership with OU Health, serving as a satellite campus, designed to improve access to cancer treatment. HGA led the architectural design, interior design, engineering and medical planning for the 50,000 square-foot cancer center that meets the goal of bringing together all of Norman’s cancer care services, including surgical, medical oncology and radiation therapy to one convenient location.
Together, HGA, Bremner Real Estate, NRHS and OU Health participated in the development of an innovative cancer center focused on OU Health’s vision to provide patient centered, multidisciplinary, research-driven cancer care.
“This new facility reflects our commitment to bringing world-class cancer care closer to home,” said Ben Ikard, MBA, Chief Administrative Officer for Cancer Services at OU Health. “By consolidating services in a thoughtfully designed space, we’re improving access, enhancing the patient experience, and ensuring that care is delivered in an environment that promotes healing and comfort – all while bringing advanced technology that allows us to make clinical trials accessible to a new community.”
The state-of-the-art freestanding structure seamlessly integrates with the Healthplex campus (Phase One of the project), which includes a new Ambulatory Care Center and Critical Care Tower and an expanded Emergency Department.
“Comfort and convenience are key for our patients and their families,” said Tracy Cothran, former chief operating officer with OU Health. “The new facility provides direct access to the cafeteria offering respite for families while their loved ones are being treated, and there is dedicated parking nearby to reduce patient walking distance.”
The 24 infusion rooms and 22 exam rooms offer private and comfortable settings, with full-height glazing providing serene views of the pond – ‘the gem’ of the campus and surrounding landscaping that enhances the overall therapeutic experience. Additionally, a 10-foot cantilever on the building’s North side provides shaded outdoor spaces particularly beneficial given Oklahoma’s dry climate.
The Lobby presents a striking two-story entry, strategically designed to visually guide patients toward views of the pond. There is a monumental staircase, featuring an abundance of natural light that draws patients, families, and staff further into the building. The lower level includes imaging suites, an administrative center, pharmacy, and shell space for future expansion.
A harmonious blend of light and nature enhances the design of the Cancer Center, offering a gentle and inspiring environment that fosters a sense of connection and tranquility. The design thoughtfully integrates grand rope lighting in the atrium with intimate pendants in infusion spaces, nurturing an uplifting experience for patients. As visitors transition from public areas to patient spaces, the motif of connectivity with nature unfolds through the use of watery hues and wood elements, and abstracted grasses in custom glass partitions that double as artistic features. This approach creates a healing environment destined to improve the well-being of all who enter, aligning with the center’s goal of delivering exceptional care to patients.
HGA served as the architect and interior designer and provided structural engineering, MEP, and landscape design services. Partners included Manhattan Construction, general contractor; SMC Consulting Engineers, civil engineering; and Bremner Real Estate, developer.
About Norman Regional
Norman Regional Health System is a multi-campus health system making its community stronger in south central Oklahoma through compassionate and leading-edge care. Norman Regional Health System’s flagship location, Norman Regional Hospital, is a newly expanded 775,000 square-foot acute-care hospital in Norman, Oklahoma. Norman Regional Hospital, located at I-35 and Tecumseh Road, offers a complete range of services. Norman Regional also operates two freestanding emergency room plus facilities: Norman Regional Moore on I-35 in Moore and Norman Regional Nine in southeast Norman. In total, Norman Regional is comprised of one acute-care hospital, two freestanding emergency room plus facilities, three urgent care locations and multiple primary care and specialty care clinics, diagnostic imaging, and laboratories. It also owns and operates EMSSTAT, the emergency services providers for Norman, Moore and unincorporated areas of Cleveland County.
About OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma’s only cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). As one of the nation’s elite centers, representing the top 2% of cancer centers in the country, it excels in patient care, research, education, and prevention. Their mission is to end cancer for patients and their families worldwide. With a flagship location in Oklahoma City and facilities in Tulsa and south-central Oklahoma, they provide access to high-quality care throughout the state. As a leading research organization, their physician-scientists are achieving breakthroughs in cancer treatments. Through Oklahoma’s only Phase I clinical trials program, they are developing life-saving therapies that transform patient care and advance medical science. Stephenson Cancer Center delivers patient-centered, multidisciplinary care and the latest innovations to fight and eliminate every type of cancer. For more information, visit StephensonCancerCenter.org.
About HGA
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of more than 1,200 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including healthcare, science and technology, corporate, cultural, local and federal government, and education. Visit HGA.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
HGA Media Contact
Michelle Nelsen, Public Relations Director
mnelsen@hga.com