In collaboration with KRN Development, Pure Project Management and the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, FCA created a forward-thinking rehabilitation hospital within a 12-acre medical village, nestled in the serene landscape of Center Valley, PA. The rehabilitation hospital acts as the campus centerpiece, harmoniously combining modern design with a commitment to enhancing patient well-being.

FCA played a multifaceted role in bringing the campus to life through comprehensive planning, design, and construction, working closely with Good Shepherd to implement the overarching strategy, repurpose existing facilities, and modernize the rehabilitation hospital. The firm was challenged with conceptualizing a cutting-edge healthcare facility, in addition to the accompanying site plan, optimizing both placement and circulation. The result was the construction of a progressive, four-story rehabilitation hospital, spanning over 124,000 square feet.

The state-of-the-art facility substantially enhances Good Shepherd’s ability to cater to the needs of the local community, boasting 76 well-appointed private rooms. The updated space also features comprehensive on-site facilities and services, including a fully functional apartment (to practice daily activities), meditation chapel, imaging services, large therapy gyms with views of the surrounding countryside, and an outdoor therapy and activities garden. The hospital’s program stands as a testament to innovation and community alignment, with patient comfort and healing at the forefront of each decision.

Deeply rooted in their relationship to nature and the surrounding environment, patient rooms offer breathtaking views of the facility’s natural surroundings, thoughtfully designed to prioritize connection with the outdoors. These considerations serve to enhance the healing process while providing patients with exceptional comfort and an inspiring atmosphere.

Beyond prioritizing a connection with nature externally, the hospital’s design incorporates biophilic principles throughout the interiors, seamlessly integrating natural elements in tandem with art to promote wellness. This approach creates a calming healing environment, even in areas without direct outdoor views. The team tailored each floor’s design to cater to the specific requirements of its patients, including floor-specific color coding for improved wayfinding, an enhanced overall experience, and a more holistic sense of well-being.

The hospital also houses the innovative “Empower+” Experience Center, providing a unique space for patients to engage with the latest technologies and services to augment their lives. This center includes a smart home hub, living in place resources, and adaptive gaming facilities, aimed at catering to patients’ post-stay rehabilitation. The center further enhances comfort levels for patients of all ages, assisting with the use of new technologies through the innovative application of virtual and augmented reality. The hospital’s ongoing collaboration with Moravian University has also bolstered its 3D printing capabilities, underscoring the project’s commitment to innovation through the customization of adaptive devices and 3D-printed prostheses tailored to individual patient needs.

With a bright aesthetic and open layout that promotes connectivity, the modernized hospital sets new standards in rehabilitation, and serves as a testament to Good Shepherd’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community. FCA’s innovative design has transformed the Center Valley Campus into a beacon of hope and healing, establishing new benchmarks for healthcare spaces and emphasizing the crucial role of design in the journey to recovery.

Design: FCA
Photography: Jeffrey Totaro