October 5, 2025, marked a transformative day for healthcare in New Mexico with the grand opening of the new UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower (CCT). Nearly a decade in the making, this monumental project withstood the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and stands today as a testament to progress, collaboration and resilience.

The new CCT redefines how our community receives care—offering healing spaces designed to make a difference for generations to come. FBT Architects is incredibly proud to have been part of this journey and deeply grateful to see this visionary project come to life.

The Journey to Get Here

As New Mexico’s only academic medical center and Level I Trauma Center, UNM Hospital (UNMH) serves as the state’s primary teaching hospital and a critical safety-net facility. However, with a growing population and aging infrastructure, UNMH faced increasing pressure to expand capacity and modernize its facilities.

In 2016, FBT Architects partnered with national design firm HDR to create a master development plan for the University of New Mexico’s expanding healthcare campus. The goal was to integrate a new teaching hospital within the existing campus and broader community—aligning with UNMH’s guiding principles of excellence in healthcare, education and research.

Through close collaboration with hospital leadership, physicians and departmental directors, the HDR/FBT team conducted an extensive study of potential sites to identify the optimal location for accessibility, operational efficiency and long-term growth.

Transforming New Mexico’s Healthcare Landscape

Building on the success of the master plan, FBT and HDR joined forces again to design and deliver the new 192-bed Adult Acute Care Replacement Hospital, now known as the Critical Care Tower.

This nine-story, 692,456 sf facility revolutionizes adult emergency and inpatient care across the state. Designed to receive patients by helicopter, ambulance or private vehicle, the hospital also includes an emergency operations center and can remain fully functional and self-sustaining for up to 72 hours during an emergency.

Supporting the tower is a 36,000 sf Central Utility Plant and a 1,400-car precast parking structure. Constructed in four phases to ensure uninterrupted 24-hour hospital operations, the CCT stands as a symbol of innovation, resilience and commitment to the people of New Mexico.

Engaging Stakeholders and Building Consensus

The project’s success was built on broad collaboration. Our team engaged 267 participants, including physicians, nurses, administrators and facilities staff. Through inclusive workshops and multi-format engagement sessions, we developed a shared set of Guiding Principles that connected UNMH’s mission and strategic goals to the design process.

Beyond traditional programming, the team created functional narratives, experience guides and detailed room studies to inform every design decision—from medical gas connections to equipment placement—ensuring clarity, confidence and cost efficiency.

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Design

The design of the CCT puts patient, family and staff wellbeing at its core. Abundant natural light, colorful artwork and views of nature promote healing and mental restoration. Landscaped courtyards and open corridors connect the interior to the surrounding high desert environment.

A defining feature of the tower is the fourth-floor Sky Campus—a dedicated space for staff, providers and trainees that fosters education, respite and reconnection with nature. This innovative environment reinforces a culture of support, resilience and holistic care for the hospital’s most valuable resource: its people.

Commitment to Sustainability

The CCT is on track to achieve LEED Gold Certification for Healthcare, underscoring UNMH’s dedication to both patient-first care and environmental stewardship.

Key sustainability highlights include:

• Energy Efficiency: Over 35% reduction in annual energy use compared to the LEED baseline through advanced HVAC and building envelope systems.
• Water Conservation: Low-flow and low-flush fixtures achieving over 32% indoor water savings.
• Healthy Materials: Use of durable, Red List Free and Cradle to Cradle–certified interior finishes.
• Performance Monitoring: Comprehensive submetering for continuous optimization of energy and water performance.

This sustainability framework not only supports current operations but also provides a blueprint for future growth as the hospital expands.

Enhanced Connectivity

The site design strategies for the CCT maintain close proximity to the existing BBRP hospital campus while creating a new destination and access off Lomas Blvd. Understanding the existing infrastructure challenges including the AMAFCA Channel and underground utilities was key to determining the optimum site strategy. The siting of the new hospital created a new highly visible entry court that links both hospital lobbies while eliminating cars from the interior of the campus. New pedestrian bridges seamlessly connect the CCT to the new parking garage and the existing pavilion.

Built for the Future

The CCT’s design anticipates future expansion. Two shelled upper floors—levels seven and eight—are pre-equipped with mechanical, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, allowing for the addition of 96 future beds without major reconstruction. This forward-thinking approach ensures UNMH can continue to adapt and grow in step with the evolving healthcare needs of New Mexico’s communities.

A Vision Realized

From its earliest concept to its opening day, the UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower embodies a decade of vision, collaboration and innovation. It represents a milestone not only for UNMH and the University of New Mexico but for the entire state. FBT Architects is honored to have helped shape a facility that will advance healthcare, education and healing for generations to come.

Check out the project feature