Penn Medicine Radnor Connects With Nature

Inspired by environmental stewardship and biophilia, the architecture and landscape design of Penn Medicine Radnor in Radnor, Pa., embraces nature, physically and philosophically.

The form and façade of the ambulatory care center, designed by Ballinger (Philadelphia), were developed specifically to improve the patient experience by providing views and bringing in daylight to interior spaces.

For example, the design team used patient mapping to choreograph views to nature through the façade’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows. Additionally, the building’s two wings, plus an attached 1,000-car garage, form a U-shape around a courtyard.

Public areas of the building, such as waiting areas and suite entrances, are focused inward toward this space. The circulation corridor around the interior garden enhances wayfinding and orients patients.

Limited vehicular circulation around the building also allows for a large contiguous area of native habitat on the site.

Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects (Wayne, Pa.) incorporated a variety of natural elements into the setting, including a three-acre native meadow, woodland courtyard, integrated rain gardens, and wet meadows.

Regional plant species were chosen to build habitat, encourage pollination, and limit the need for irrigation. The result is a lush landscape that manages 100 percent of rainwater on site.

A bird-safe bridge, which features small dots imprinted on the glass to help birds recognize and avoid the structure, connects the building’s two wings and further enhances circulation and wayfinding. The space also serves as a naturally lit lounge for patients and staff with sweeping views to nature.

 

Anne DiNardo is executive editor of Healthcare Design. She can be reached at anne.dinardo@emeraldx.com.

 

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