Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Roberts Center for Pediatric Research

Overview

Built to house research and administration staff, the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research was the first of four towers for the Children Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) built on an 8-acre site along the Schuylkill River. The 21-story, curved glass facility posed a unique challenge due to the steep grade change which necessitated a three-story elevated plinth structure which also includes parking.

We provided structural design services to Ballinger & Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects for the tower, which completed in 2017. 

Highlights

• We evaluated multiple structural systems for both the tower and plinth during the early design stages. A structural concrete core with steel-framed floors was selected as the primary structural system.
• Close communication with the steel fabricator during the submittal process resulted in expedited turnarounds with minimal resubmissions. This enabled steel erection to proceed quickly right behind the concrete core construction.
• The plinth’s design used galvanized steel framing with a reinforced-concrete slab on non-composite steel deck to better withstand the exposure to vehicular traffic in the parking garage.