A CURATION OF HOPE: MALAYSIA’S EAST COAST REGIONAL CANCER CENTRE

Abstract

Malaysia’s East Coast Regional Cancer Centre (ECRCC) endeavours to establish a novel facility dedicated to addressing the comprehensive needs of cancer patients and their families, extending beyond mere medical treatment. Recognising that patients require not only information about their treatments but also emotional support, practical guidance, and a supportive community of individuals going through similar experiences, this centre aims to fulfil these requirements. Through the design of a nurturing environment of hope, ECRCC seeks to provid eessential emotional and psychological support to cancer patients and their families. Functionally, the design requires meeting three noble objectives, i.e. (i) to meet the needs of cancer care for the East Coast region where there is a clear lack of cancer treatment services; (ii) to establishment focus on the distinct needs of cancer patients and their relatives from East coast region compassing the state of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and northern Johor; and (iii) to act as a one- stop information centre for cancer thus reduce misinformation, educate and raising awareness on cancer and cancer treatment to the region. Exploratory research from design precedent, technical case studies and a detailed understanding of the operational requirements of the centre were conducted. The ECRCC aspires to establish a compassionate and well equipped space and facilities that attends to the multifaceted needs of cancer patients and their families, fostering emotional well-being, offering accurate information, and creating a supportive community.