Recognized as one of the leading pediatric hospitals and research institutions, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) partnered with us on the second phase of their aspirational master plan centered around a new ambulatory care center. The project team included FKP | CannonDesign as architect of record (medical planning and design, clinical interior design), Pelli Clarke Pelli as design architect (exterior, public space interior design), and EYP/Stanley Beaman Sears (wayfinding, graphic design, and interior design consulting).

The new 12-story Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care is planned with built-in flexibility for ambulatory expansion or future conversion to inpatient units, surgical suites and research. The building is organized by subspecialty into standardized, clinical neighborhoods. The neighborhoods give families access to co-joined services and provide multi-disciplinary care teams with an optimal collaboration environment. The team planned a clinical module prototype and building organization that provides additional exam room capacity as the Buerger Center volume grows.

The building’s overall design and primary color palette exude a timeless character of delight and emotional uplift for both patients and staff. Upon entering the light-filled lobby, visitors see the curved ramp that invites children of all ages and abilities to playfully make their way between stories and observe the activity below. Outside, the Buerger Plaza garden includes abundant trees and flowers, water features, winding paths, informal lawns and a mix of both active spaces and quieter reflective spaces.

The award-winning LEED Gold facility—designed to support high-quality care and accommodate future changes in technology—will support CHOP’s mission of improving the health of children through excellence in patient care, research and education for generations to come.