A new healthcare campus is taking shape in Dallas to replace the existing Parkland Memorial Hospital, which has operated since 1954. The project involves a $1.27 billion investment for a facility that will serve as a teaching hospital for the University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine within the Southwestern Medical District.
The design team, working in partnership with Corgan, developed a master plan for a 64-acre site and an 862-bed acute care replacement hospital. The conceptual framework emphasizes the medical center’s role as a civic anchor and its connection to the city’s urban fabric. This approach integrates multiple public transportation modes and utilizes linear parks to guide navigation across the grounds.
The architectural massing reflects the operational needs of the healthcare program. The structure features distinct WISH and acute care bed towers arranged around universal private patient rooms. These units are organized into clusters centered on lifts for patients and staff, creating a community-focused layout within the larger building.
To harmonize with the modern Dallas skyline, the exterior employs a low-iron glass curtain wall system. Dot frit patterns on the bed towers create a distinctive gradient effect. The base of the building incorporates a tree graphic that shifts in appearance depending on the viewing distance.
From afar, the western façade resembles a dense summer canopy, while the south-facing lobby displays a delicate branch pattern upon closer inspection. This visual motif is composed of the names of donors who contributed to the public building, blending artistic design with recognition of financial support.
