Case Study: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center achieves flood-resilient cancer care with Thornton Tomasetti

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center safeguards a 750,000 ft² cancer center with Thornton Tomasetti

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center faced a significant challenge when designing its new David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care, which was located in a 100-year flood zone. The project's requirements were redefined after Superstorm Sandy, requiring Thornton Tomasetti to create a structure resilient to future flooding while supporting heavy medical equipment and adapting to the evolving needs of healthcare, all without compromising patient care.

Thornton Tomasetti implemented a novel, multi-layered flood mitigation strategy. This included moving critical mechanical systems and massive linear accelerators to upper floors above the flood plain, supported by complex steel trusses. The solution also featured a fortified foundation with operable barriers and specialized waterproofing. This resilience strategy by Thornton Tomasetti successfully safeguarded the facility from flooding, achieved LEED Gold Certification, and vastly improved the patient experience by creating spacious, sunlit treatment areas with panoramic views instead of basement-level rooms.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center