UPMC Passavant
Centers of Excellence

IKM Architecture led the 24,300-quare-foot renovation of UPMC Passavant–McCandless, reimagining outpatient testing and the hospital’s Centers of Excellence, including Magee Women’s Health, the Heart and Vascular Institute, and the Hillman Cancer Center. Previously designed in a piecemeal fashion along one long corridor, the existing space created a disjointed and confusing patient experience. IKM’s design reorganized the complex program into clear, distinct service lines that remain unified under a refreshed Passavant aesthetic.

Natural materials paired with sleek finishes infuse the environment with warmth and sophistication. Each Center of Excellence is framed by architectural piers, giving every service a distinct entry point with dedicated signage, while new reception and waiting areas provide a range of experiences to meet patients and families where they are.

Amenities including a piano lounge, Starbucks café, gift shop, and retail pharmacy enhance convenience, while a new monumental stair links the Centers of Excellence to the cafeteria below, expanding dining access in a location with limited surrounding food options.

A multi-phase construction strategy was critical to the project’s success. Over ten carefully sequenced phases spanning three years, IKM collaborated closely with the construction manager and owner to minimize disruptions, maintain life safety standards, and secure timely Department of Health approvals. The project reached completion in January 2024, on schedule.

The design was recognized with first place in the Healthcare Under 50,000 SF category at the 2024 IIDA Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware Chapter awards. The revitalized Centers of Excellence embody UPMC Passavant’s commitment to delivering exceptional care within an environment that reflects compassion, innovation, and architectural elegance.