What the next generation of medical environments will look like and how systems are bringing them to life

Philadelphia is experiencing a once in a generation transformation of its healthcare infrastructure. Systems are investing billions of dollars in flagship projects such as CHOP’s 1.3 million square foot patient tower and Jefferson’s new specialty pavilion while also repurposing retail and community sites for urgent care, behavioral health and ambulatory hubs. At the same time, persistent staffing shortages have led leaders to prioritize workforce productivity and operational efficiency, prompting major design changes that emphasize flexible workspaces and staff well being. Technology is becoming central to facility strategy. AI, smart building systems and telehealth infrastructure are now embedded in new and retrofitted spaces to improve diagnostics, automate operations and adapt to hybrid care models. These forces collectively reshape how and where care is delivered, making it critical for developers, investors and providers to understand the interplay of capital, design, regulation and community impact.