Robert Feldbauer

This session examines how early infrastructure planning at the New Pediatric Campus developed by Children's Health and UT Southwestern, in Dallas, TX wasn't an afterthought, it was the starting point. Elevating infrastructure from a technical detail to a core planning driver, aligning it with both clinical and organizational priorities to lay the foundation for flexibility, resiliency, and operational success for the next 50+ years. Presenters will discuss how this approach impacted utility forecasting (power, medical gases, IT), integration of future-ready systems like AGVs, and strategies for resiliency and sustainability. Including planning for advanced imaging, adaptable ORs and patient rooms, microgrids, and site expansion. The team will also discuss key considerations around electrification, flood mitigation, and implementing a utility substation Through this case study, attendees will gain actionable insights into infrastructure planning strategies that support long-term adaptability, performance, and readiness in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Join us for the announcement of our 2026 Nightingale Award winners. The program honors standout new products exhibited in this year's HCD expo hall, recognizing contributions to the healthcare built environment through product design and innovation. Next, HCD’s breakfast keynote panel will bring together a diverse group of industry leaders across architecture, engineering, interiors, and healthcare operations to dive into a topic of high relevance for the shared attendee base of HCD and the co-located International Federation of Healthcare Engineering 29th World Congress. “Industry Insights: The Evolution of Sustainability and Resiliency in Healthcare Design” will explore , at a global level, how sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive infrastructure can create healthcare environments that are both environmentally responsible and built to endure whatever challenges arise.

As healthcare design and construction projects grow in scale, complexity, and duration, teams increasingly include joint ventures, integrated partnerships, and “teams within teams.” This session explores practical strategies for building alignment, trust, governance, and shared purpose across diverse organizations and perspectives. Attendees will gain insights into team selection, communication, performance metrics, and overcoming silos to create cohesive leadership and stronger collaboration, turning complexity and differing perspectives into strengths that support successful outcomes.