Elevating Trauma and Critical Care
This unique pavilion at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center modernizes care delivery and strengthens the hospital’s role as a regional trauma leader.
Pavilion for Advanced Care
Philadelphia, PA
Part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center had not seen a major construction project in over two decades. With outdated interiors, unclear circulation, and increasing demand for trauma services, UPHS made the strategic decision to relocate its Level 1 trauma operations from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to PPMC—catalyzing a transformative expansion.
The result is the Pavilion for Advanced Care, a six-story, 190,000-square-foot facility designed to deliver high-acuity treatment in a modern, patient-centered setting. The ground floor houses advanced trauma treatment areas for critically injured patients, while 60 new inpatient critical care beds occupy the upper floors, supporting seamless transitions across levels of care.
The building consolidates surgical and medical specialties, integrating leading-edge technology to enhance outcomes and efficiency. Designed for clarity and comfort, the pavilion improves patient and family experiences while reinforcing PPMC’s role as a cornerstone of emergency and critical care in Philadelphia.
This project marks a new era for PPMC—uniting innovation, access, and compassion in a facility built for the most urgent moments in healthcare.
“Suddenly, Penn Presbyterian became a robust, 24/7 face for the system. We had the perfect opportunity to right a few design and planning wrongs, and we are very happy with how efficient this space has become. There’s a real cultural component, too—something about the space adds confidence, like wearing new clothes. The staff has internalized this and so have the patients. It’s nice to see the validation that new design can echo the superior level of care that we have always offered.”
– Alyson Getty Cole, Associate Executive Director, Chief Patient Experience Officer – Penn Presbyterian
Meet the Design Team
