pelli clarke pelli architects' buerger center for advanced pediatrics

the ‘buerger center for advanced pediatrics’ is the latest addition to the main campus of the children’s hospital of philadelphia. located in the western side of the city, the twelve-story building and accompanying six-story wing was designed by pelli clarke pelli architects. the project offers young patients and families an uplifting, interactive setting for treatment that avoids the drab aesthetics of many hospitals.

all images © jeff goldberg/esto, courtesy of pelli clarke pelli architects

the ‘buerger center’ features easy-to-navigate floor plans, colorful ‘wait, play, learn’ stations for children, and a therapeutic rooftop garden for rehabilitation and play. an additional three-acre, landscaped plaza provides space for safe recreation, family time, and small nooks to take a moment alone.

‘buerger center for advanced pediatric care’

the center’s lobby is spacious, with a dramatic, curving ramp that zigzags up three levels. the ramp connects to a bridge that runs to the north campus across the street, and to a rehabilitation gym on the third floor. bright colors that define the exterior are repeated indoors to accentuate corridors, waiting and patient rooms, and garage levels —  -1 to -5. 

exterior and bridge connection detail 

what is currently built is the first phase of the ‘buerger center’ (12 levels and six level wing). phase two will expand the center an additional four floors, for a total of 16. the building is adaptable, allowing for the possibility for future changes in health care delivery, and can be converted for office, research, or inpatient uses. 

winding ramp 

entrance lobby 

looking up from entrance 

view of roof garden 

hand patterns on wall

looking east from garden

project info:

location: philadelphia, PA, USA 
client: children’s hospital of philadelphia
area: 700,000ft² / 65,000m²
project year: 2015
design architects: pelli clarke pelli architects
senior design principals: cesar pelli FAIA, fred clarke FAIA
principal in charge: mark shoemaker AIA
project manager: christopher koon AIA
architect of record: FKP architects
photographs: © jeff goldberg/esto

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edited by: nick brink | designboom