Decorative Concrete Surrounds the Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, IUPUI

concrete public plaza

large concrete ball and concrete wall

The hardscape around the Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center at 535 Barnhill Drive is a beautiful addition to the Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. Consisting of more than 15,000 square feet of concrete pavement and almost 1,100 lineal feet of wall, the project features many finishes including exposed aggregate, broomed finishes and sand matrix, as well as integral and topically stained colors.

concrete ball at cancer center

The mostly serpentine walls were designed in a consistent horizontal pattern that meanders and straightens along the building’s perimeter. The hardscape, in a very busy part of campus used every day by students, faculty, medical personnel, patients and families, provides a feeling of continuity, a strong barrier for plantings and durable seating options for passers-by.

Located on the IUPUI campus near a very busy intersection, the center was built while traffic was constant, making working conditions often chaotic. The job, which involved 780 yards of concrete, was completed in summer 2008. Smock Fansler was the concrete finisher.

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