The Hub for Clinical Collaboration
The Hub for Clinical Collaboration is a 17-story academic office tower at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP). It’s located on the Perelman Plaza, which integrates into the CHOP Philadelphia campus and connects to other buildings with clinical and research functions. All floors of the Hub align with the adjacent Buerger Center and provide intentional pathways for CHOP staff to move efficiently between the buildings. Practitioner well-being is integral to providing quality patient care; the new office and administrative building aims to support CHOP’s ability to attract and retain the best clinical talent through a collaborative workplace with design that encourages and supports wellness.
The design was informed by rigorous shadowing and a unique research and engagement approach, led by hospital leadership, that put the needs of practitioners at the forefront. Through workshops and daily shadowing, design partners came to understand the needs, behaviors, and habits of doctors, nurses and staff. Our goal was to create a highly efficient facility that balanced needs for privacy and focus, and tended to the day-to-day health, happiness, and comfort of care teams. The resulting spaces enhance collaboration and facilitate community.
Spaces are modular and flexible for dynamic shifts in personnel, and are focused on caregiver respite and well-being with access to natural light, views, and break areas. The building’s solar-responsive exterior, full-height glazing, and 20-foot ceilings maximize access to natural daylight for tenants. The floorplan, designed to enhance connectivity, balances collaborative workspaces with areas that are conducive to privacy and individual work. Elsewhere, wellness features like pantries and fitness centers offer staff opportunities to care for themselves throughout the day. Acoustics and ergonomics support the needs of the diverse clinical groups as they carry out their mission-driven days.
