Perspectives

Title: David H. Koch Cancer Center. The David H. Koch Cancer Center is a multiple award-winning structure with many cutting-edge features. Located on the upper east side of Manhattan overlooking the East River. It's blocked modularization promotes visual integration with surrounding structures. Its light-toned terra cotta skin is motivated by a desire to emit a visual positivity and hopefulness, though one could perhaps be forgiven for wondering if every person coping with cancer has these feelings on approach. The facade also has important functional elements, including panels, fins, and windows of varying yet balanced depths and sizes. The interplay of these elements responds to the changing sunlight throughout the day to provide balanced interior lighting without harsh glare. The center's interior lighting system is also modulated throughout the day in correlation with ambient daylight, to create warm and welcoming, yet varying atmospheres, and synchronize with the staffs' circadian rhythms.