The George Washington University Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center

The GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center demonstrates how design can serve as a catalyst for community health. Located on the St. Elizabeths campus in Ward 8, the Center provides a welcoming destination for cancer prevention, wellness, education, screening, and early engagement in care. From its inception, the project was shaped through direct collaboration with the community it serves. This participatory approach ensured the environment reflects local priorities, builds trust, and fosters a sense of ownership among community members. The design integrates healthcare services, wellness programming, and community engagement within a compact footprint. A flexible community room supports educational programs, screenings, workshops, and outreach events, while clinical and laboratory spaces provide resources for prevention, testing, and treatment. Organized as a progression from public gathering spaces to specialized healthcare functions, the Center balances accessibility, privacy, and operational efficiency.

Location
Washington, DC

Area
4,300 SF

Amenities

Community Room

“Living Room” Lobby

Patient Rooms

Inspired by the Pillars of Wellness—physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental—the design incorporates daylight, biophilic elements, tailored acoustics, and intuitive wayfinding to create a welcoming, non-institutional environment that promotes connection, resilience, and well-being. Though modest in scale, the Center demonstrates how thoughtful design can strengthen public health and expand access to care through meaningful community engagement.

EXISTING