Penn Medicine wanted to modernize the aging infrastructure at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) west campus while maintaining uninterrupted operations in an active hospital environment. They engaged our team to evaluate HUP’s Founders Pavillion.
What initially appeared to be an engineering challenge quickly evolved into a multidisciplinary effort with significant impacts on architecture, interiors, patient experience, and long-term campus planning. Working closely with Penn Medicine, our team developed a phased master plan to systematically replace critical building systems while reducing disruptions to patient care and preserving opportunities for future expansion. We evaluated multiple strategies to determine which infrastructure upgrades could be implemented safely and efficiently while maintaining system reliability throughout construction.
Our scope includes replacement of major infrastructure components such as cooling towers, air handlers, switchgear, pumps, and related support systems. Rooftop improvements include new architectural screening, supplemental structural steel, roof replacement, roof drainage upgrades, and the addition of new shafts and chases. Following vibration testing, Penn Medicine expanded the project scope to include relocation of the patient floor directly below the roof to support construction activities and decrease operational impacts.
The infrastructure renewal program began with cooling tower replacements in 2024 and will continue through multiple phases extending over several years. Future work includes new rooftop air handlers, a chiller pump penthouse, and additional internal infrastructure upgrades.
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