University of Pennsylvania Health System – The Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia, United States

January 14, 2011 Category: Education, Public Buildings

The University of Pennsylvania Health System – The Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects is located in Philadelphia, United States. The Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine needed to balance two very specific needs. On one hand, it was the first phase of a 213,676 sq m master plan to create an unusual mix of healthcare, retail, cultural and public spaces that enhance patient-focused care, and thus needed to visually anchor the planned complex. On the other hand, it had to integrate the different functions and needs of the Cancer, Cardiology, Surgery, Ambulatory Care, and Imaging departments currently scattered across campus, into one building.

In response, the Center was conceived as a U-shaped building with an atrium at its center. The transparent, eight-storey-high atrium establishes a prominent urban landmark for the site and entrance to the complex. A modular design concept based on a 30’ x 30’ grid was used for both structure and building services to optimise flexibility in accommodating future expansion and reconfigurations. Currently the five-storey western wing and the four-story eastern wing house the clinical departments. The lower levels contain functions shared by all departments, such as MRI and radiology.

University of Pennsylvania Health System by Rafael Vinoly Architects