Roberts Pavilion at Cooper University Hospital Wins Design Award

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — EwingCole ‘s project, the Roberts Pavilion at Cooper University Hospital, has been honored with a Design Award from the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter.  The Camden, N.J. project previously won an award from the International Interior Design Association, PA/NJ/DE Chapter.

“We believe that healthcare design has a profound effect on the quality of care and that an attractive, comfortable environment aids in healing and recovery,” said architect John Capelli, AIA principal of EwingCole. “We are grateful to the AIA for recognizing this project’s merit.”

The awards were announced Oct. 6 at a ceremony at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Judges praised the project for its “level of refinement seldom seen in complex healthcare projects. Proud, well executed and clean exteriors lead to interior public spaces which are particularly successful, lifting the spirit through the skillful play of light, elegance of geometry, craft of material and integration of the landscape. One can well imagine healing here, both in mind and body.”

The pavilion is a 10-story, $220-million tower and expansion that is comparable to an upscale hotel environment. Natural light infuses all of the spaces, not just public areas. A grove of bamboo in the lobby allows visitors to walk through a healthy, uplifting garden. The pavilion expanded the Cooper campus with 90 new private beds, an expanded emergency room, 12 new operating rooms, new intensive care unit, clinical labs, and visitor amenities as well as room for future expansion. 

“The facility is the centerpiece of Cooper’s Urban Initiative, and serves the interests of patients, staff and community,” said Capelli. “Our goals in design were three-fold:  urban integration, patient/staff health and safety and market recognition.”

The pavilion’s contemporary design positions Cooper University Hospital as a welcoming gateway to the city.  Using glass with metal panel accents to convey openness, the design carries over onto the facades of the adjacent Keleman and Dorrance buildings.  As part of Cooper’s commitment to Camden, neighbors enjoy a new green public space adjacent to the pavilion.  The corner of MLK Boulevard and Haddon Avenue is home to a pocket park that offers a quiet and natural setting for patients, family, staff and neighbors.