Having outgrown an ambulatory care facility with inadequate ceiling heights and disorganized layouts, Penn Medicine sought to build a new ambulatory care center designed for regeneration of both human health and the site; sustainability and enhancing the experience of patients, visitors, and staff were primary goals. The new facility in Radnor, Pa., provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology services and chemotherapy, as well as primary care, heart and vascular, orthopedic and neuroscience care. The clinical program includes six operating rooms and four endoscopy suites, along with full laboratory services.
Sustainability and enhancing the experience of patients, visitors, and staff were critical concerns, and the facility is designed for regeneration of both the site and human health. Patients enter a light-filled lobby featuring a warm palette, and interior materials address functionality, durability and infection control concerns, and visually communicate tranquility.
The building’s “U” shape focuses the public area of the building inward toward the courtyard. A circulation corridor around the interior garden enhances wayfinding and orients patients, and all suite entrances are situated around this courtyard to ensure a consistent patient experience across treatment modalities. A bridge connects the building’s two wings and serves in part as a naturally-lit lounge for patients and staff, with sweeping views to nature.
The LEED Gold, 4-story facility includes surrounding rain gardens and native plants designed for all four seasons. Water management elements such as rain gardens and meadows are woven naturally throughout the grounds, where they reduce runoff and welcome visitors—humans and pollinators alike.
FIRM: Ballinger, ballinger.com
DESIGN TEAM: Ballinger (architecture, master planning, structural engineering); Stantec (MEP); Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects (landscape architecture); Pennoni (civil engineering); The Lighting Practice (lighting design); Atelier Ten (LEED/sustainability); RWDI (acoustics and vibration); HBS (medical equipment)
COMPLETED: 2020
