The City of Hope National Medical Center is renowned for its leadership in the scientific research for cancer treatments and other life-threatening diseases. The Diabetes Research Center provides a state-of-the-art facility for the profession's foremost doctors and scientists to find a cure for diabetes. The 41,000 sf building has three stories of steel framing with a below-grade laboratory level featuring exterior lightwells. Architectural metal panels are used at certain locations to screen roof- level mechanical equipment, provide solar screens and define building edges. Common areas within the building include a conference room, a classroom and a patient interaction room.