Renowned internationally as one of the World's finest children's hospitals, CHOP is sensitive to much more than the health needs of its young patients. From the moment you enter CHOP, there is a feeling of friendliness and warmth. But this feeling ended at the door. Synterra succeeded in taking this feeling outside.

Not a sidewalk anymore
To extend the hospital's identity outward, Synterra designed a new streetscape filled with positive distractions for visitors and passersby. In short, the objective was to evoke feelings of wellness and comfort so important to the healing process.

The existing extra-deep gridded sidewalk was sterile and overly-urban. We broke this grid using long gently curved planters anchored by a colorful paver circle with simple geometric shapes that are part of the CHOP visual identity. Striped crosswalks that relate to the existing lobby flooring are cheerful and strengthen the integration of indoors with outdoors.

Ergonomics and Accessibility
The height of the planter walls was varied to provide comfortable seating for both children and adults. Thruways at the central paver circle provide urgent street access if required. Plants were selected to remain low enough to see over ensuring clear visibility from both the hospital interior and the road. Sturdy, lighted bollards help define the edge of the space at night and the early morning.

Planting for Beauty, Seasonal Sensibility
and Low Maintenance
Since Philadelphia enjoys all four seasons equally, plant material was carefully chosen to provide year-round color and resistance to extreme weather conditions. Other vital criteria included plants that were safe, non-toxic and tolerant to road salt spray in the winter. A drip-irrigation system was installed throughout the installation to reduce maintenance.