The Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome was developed in a partnership between Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The center provides a dedicated hub for lifelong clinical care and research for individuals with this rare genetic disorder associated with complex medical and developmental challenges. Our team provided architecture and interior design services for this space.
We set out to create a welcoming and supportive experience. Our design for the clinic features a family lounge and play area that can also function as a flexible event space. Recognizing that healthcare environments can be overwhelming for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we incorporated a private sensory room equipped with color-changing lighting, tactile activities, mirrors, and soft furnishings to provide a calming, therapeutic setting. Four exam rooms and a shared consultation space support coordinated care for patients and their families.
The facility also includes specialized testing rooms and observation spaces that we designed in collaboration with researchers to advance clinical studies and translational medicine. One-way mirrors, discreet camera systems, and carefully detailed observation areas support research activities while maintaining a comfortable environment. Neutral finishes reduce distractions and help participants remain focused during testing.
For our design concept, we drew inspiration from nature and genetic science, creating a warm, playful, and engaging atmosphere. Bold accents inspired by rain droplets, honeycombs, and leaf patterns appear throughout the space, while custom graphics, textured materials, and ring-shaped lighting reinforce themes of growth, discovery, and connection. Subtle DNA-inspired elements and interactive features further reflect the center’s mission to advance care, research, and advocacy for individuals with Williams syndrome and their families.
Located within the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the 4,500-square-foot (418-square-metre) facility serves both children and adults while supporting research focused on language, cognition, and adaptive behavior.
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