A Beacon Among the Bluegrass

UK HealthCare’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital Expansion holds the potential to transform not only the Lexington community but also the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky. The new facility, part of the University of Kentucky health system, will raise the medical campus’s number of beds to approximately 1,400, enhancing care capacity for the Commonwealth’s premiere center for advanced specialty care and access for the region. 

The design reflects Kentucky’s cultural and physical character, creating a unifying, familiar and welcoming environment that ensures patients and visitors feel at home. Drawing inspiration from regional geography, this new place of care will bring to life a familiar and accessible environment to unite the campus. The hospital takes the form of two sets of open arms sharing one spine at a center of gravity that steps back into the site to alleviate and embrace its scale. This thoughtful approach, combined with material and architectural choices, invite people inward with a familiar aesthetic.

Embracing Patient-Centered Design

The UK Chandler Hospital Expansion design emphasizes human experience and integration with the existing campus through its color and material selection. The design is functional and aesthetic, mitigating the perception of scale, while considering the diverse needs of all users — from patients and families to staff and care providers. Familiar materials, such as limestone, and elements inspired by Kentucky’s topography, create an inviting atmosphere connecting visitors to the regional landscape.

Transforming Healthcare Delivery

This expansion is set to redefine healthcare delivery in Kentucky. By modernizing facilities and enhancing capacity, the project will elevate accessible, quality care and reinforce the health system’s role as a vital resource across the Commonwealth. Addressing immediate community needs, the expansion strengthens the established foundation for future growth and innovation in care strategy and design.