Jefferson Health engaged global architecture and design firm CallisonRTKL (CRTKL) to provide design services to expand the health system at their Cherry Hill campus. The new inpatient bed tower is a 230,000-square-foot addition to the existing hospital that adds 90 patient rooms, diagnostics, pharmacy, surgical services, and public spaces, including a cafeteria, outdoor dining, and a healing garden. Completed in November 2020, the bed tower is the realization of Jefferson Health’s goal of campus modernization and is designed as the flagship building for Jefferson Health New Jersey. The new patient tower will connect to a five-story atrium lobby, allowing for easier access to the new medical building.

During the initial design stages for the expansion, CRTKL performed a study to standardize the patient rooms and nursing units for Jefferson Health System. Using virtual reality to conduct week-long physical and virtual patient room mock-ups, CRTKL collected feedback on the room design from staff. The resulting design promotes improved care practices, and the outcome is a shared vision among staff and caregivers. Situated along Chapel Avenue, the new tower serves as the primary campus entrance—showcasing a unique feature staircase and exterior lighting as visual icons that invite visitors into the campus. The outdoor dining area and healing garden serves as the connection between the building and the Cherry Hill community. Organized around a well-lit, winding path, these spaces provide group seating, intimate spaces for reflection, and private “outdoor rooms” for staff and visitors.

Project category: New construction

Chief administrator: Lisa Dutterer, chief administrative officer

Firm: CallisonRTKL, www.callisonrtkl.com

Design team: Chris Pundzak, associate; Tamra Green, associate principal; Gabryela Feldman, senior associate; Sarah Dickert, senior designer; Mark Palmer, associate principal; Ray Brower, principal

Total building area (sq. ft.): 230,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $557

Total construction cost (excluding land): $128 million

Completed: December 2020