Center for Cancer Discovery

A new model for collaborative cancer research

Client: Medical College of Wisconsin
Location: Wisconsin, United States
Size: 160,000 square feet
Status: Completed

The Center for Cancer Discovery (CCD) brings research, shared resources and community engagement together under one roof — responding to the cancer burden and health disparities facing southeastern Wisconsin.

Designed to advance the Medical College of Wisconsin’s pursuit of National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, the building strengthens the link between research, education and clinical translation while supporting population-based research focused on communities disproportionately affected by cancer. Located within the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus, the facility positions science as both a driver of discovery and a catalyst for improved health outcomes.

Reminiscent of the RNA scans so critical in creating novel therapeutic treatments for cancer, the façade fins are calibrated in spacing, angle and depth to minimize solar heat gain and reduce interior glare for occupant comfort.

A vision built around collaboration

Shaped by the research leadership of Dr. Gustavo Leone, director of the CCD, the building reflects a clear belief: breakthrough science happens when people work together. By co-locating research teams once spread across campus and enabling shared access to high-value equipment, the center reduces duplication, increases efficiency and creates daily opportunities for interaction that catalyze discovery and growth.

A fully integrated CannonDesign team of science and technology planning experts, workplace strategy consultants, architects, lighting designers, energy modelers and engineers came together with the clear intention to deliver a fully integrated solution to the CCD.

Wood ceilings emphasize column bays and pendants establish a welcoming area for social interaction.

The lobby receives a flood of natural daylight.

Brick is used along the building’s more contextual facade, providing a sense of permanence and grounding.

The entry offers clear views into the lobby, creating an inviting and intuitive arrival experience.

Designing for how science happens

The building’s organization mirrors the rhythm of research. Wet labs line one side, dry labs and offices the other, connected by a central “accelerator” zone that encourages movement, visibility and exchange. Vertical and horizontal gathering spaces draw researchers together across floors, while transparency into labs puts science on display, reinforcing openness, trust and a shared purpose.

Office planning emphasizes equitable views, with principal investigator offices oriented inward toward teams rather than outward to perimeter windows, supporting a culture that values collaboration over hierarchy.

The third floor houses a large, two-story collaboration hub in-between labs and workstations to enhance views and promote casual collisions.

Wet labs are organized along the building perimeter, providing daylight and outward views while supporting flexible, shared research environments.

Second floor labs connected to the primary walkway provide ample views inside and out.

Science in dialogue with the community

Community engagement was foundational to the project. Working with local partners, the team engaged Milwaukee residents through focus groups and listening sessions to better understand perceptions of scientific research, access to health care and participation in clinical studies. These insights shaped spaces dedicated to education, health events and population science — supporting efforts to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes and build trust between researchers and the communities they serve.