The Hub for Clinical Collaboration at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia / Perkins&Will

Text description provided by the architects. The Hub for Clinical Collaboration is a 17-story academic office tower at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The building is located on the Perelman Plaza, which integrates into the CHOP Philadelphia campus and connects to other buildings with clinical and research functions. Practitioner well-being is integral to providing quality patient care; the new office and administrative building create a collaborative workplace 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. Perkins&Will created a highly efficient facility that balances needs for privacy and focus and tends to the day-to-day health, happiness, and comfort of care teams. The resulting spaces enhance collaboration and facilitate community.

The Hub for Clinical Collaboration’s façade maximizes views and access to natural light while limiting solar impact. Composed of full-height glass curtain walls, the façade gradually transforms across the site’s width in response to the angle and intensity of the sun, views, and neighboring buildings. The north façade is defined by a flat and horizontal surface cladding that suggests a seamless connection between The Hub and the neighboring Buerger Center. On the south face, a rhythmic series of pleated overhangs gradually deepen, creating a dynamic saw-toothed expression that contrasts the undulating Buerger Center. This shading mitigates glare and heat generated from sun exposure.

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 floor plan, 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.