March 28, 2007

FARROW PARTNERSHIP ARCHITECTS

A dramatic cantilevered roof encloses a central concourse at a new national oncology centre in Trinidad.

Architecture

Canadian firm designs Caribbean oncology centre

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

Ground is expected to be broken early next month on a Canadian-designed national oncology centre on the Caribbean island of Trinidad.

Located just outside the capital of Port-of-Spain, the estimated $24 million (US) centre will host a variety of cancer treatment services, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and four radiation bunkers that will be connected to the main hospital by a two-level covered walkway.

Designed by Toronto’s Farrow Partnership Architects (FPA), the 71,000-square-foot, three-storey centre will function as a regional health resource for the Caribbean. The facility will also be linked with The University of The West Indies for education and training purposes.

Construction managers are EllisDon. The project team includes mechanical/electrical engineering consultants Rybka Smith and Ginsler, structural engineering consultants Halsall and cost consultants Hanscomb Ltd.

FPA said the overall site strategy is designed to stitch the new structure into the existing campus at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences complex.

Architecturally, the project will feature a dramatic cantilevered roof which encloses a central concourse.

The roof is reminiscent of a covered porch defining the building’s entry and shelters the vehicular drop-off from the natural elements.

On the south facade, the roof bends downward to enclose an outdoor staff terrace.

Given the threat of hurricanes, the building has been wind-tested and designed to withstand heavy winds and rain, said project architect John Kapov.

The final design was approved last August.

Kapov, a senior associate in FPA, told Daily Commercial News that a potential challenge from a construction perspective is a shortage of labour.

Trinidad is in the midst of a building boom.

FPA said the site preparation package has been tendered. The concrete package is currently out for tender with the steel and base building packages to follow in early April.

Project occupancy is expected in approximately 30 months.

FPA has retained local architects and engineers “to act as its eyes and ears” during construction and advise on local requirements.

Toronto’s Comprehensive Care International is the project management firm responsible for development of the centre and the national oncology program in Trinidad and Tobago.

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