FBT Architects

UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower

Home / Places / Healthcare / UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower

UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower

Albuquerque, NM

FBT Architects teamed with HDR to develop a master plan for a replacement hospital in 2016, followed by design of this new 9-story hospital tower. As the primary teaching hospital for the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Hospital is the state’s only academic medical center and the region’s primary safety-net hospital. Reaching near capacity on a daily basis, and challenged by inefficient and outdated space, UNMH sought to build a new, state-of-the-art replacement facility to accommodate projected population growth and expand healthcare services in the state.

The new hospital and parking structure were constructed in three phases to allow full 24-hour access and operation of the existing hospital and Emergency Department. The project also includes a 7-story 1,500 car parking structure and 36,000 sf Central Utility Plant. The building is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification for Healthcare, demonstrating the balance between patient-first care and environmentally responsive design.

The design of the Critical Care Tower prioritizes patient, family and staff wellbeing through abundant natural light, colorful artwork, views to nature and biophilic design elements. Landscaped courtyards, open corridors and thoughtfully positioned windows connect occupants with the surrounding high desert environment, supporting healing and mental restoration. The design of the new tower also anticipates future growth. Plans are in place to accommodate 96 additional beds on the building’s top two shelled floors.

This new, state-of-the-art teaching hospital allows UNMH to reimagine patient care in New Mexico and provide advanced healthcare, teaching, research and community outreach to the citizens of New Mexico.

  • 692,456 sf
  • 192-bed
  • Master Planning
  • Architect of Record
  • Interiors
  • Landscape Architecture
  • 96 Intensive Care Unit Beds
  • Emergency Department
  • Endoscopy and Pulmonary Department
  • Diagnostic Imaging Department
  • 4 Cath Labs
  • Pharmacy
  • Behavioral Health Services
  • 6 IR and Perioperative Suites
  • 73 PACU/Prep/Recovery Suites
  • 28 Operating Rooms
  • Helipad
  • Anticipating LEED Gold

News