A world-renowned facility for children with severe brain disorders, Kennedy Krieger’s facility includes a 1/2 acre garden. Working closely with the Architects and KKI clinical therapists, Mahan Rykiel Associates developed an extensive outdoor garden geared to the needs of this highly specialized population. Designed to complement the work of the therapy staff, the garden consists of a series of outdoor rooms which provide a venue for physical and cognitive therapy. MRA integrated a variety of spatial scales, paving patterns, textures, and elevation changes, linked them with a series of water elements, to bring an entirely new experience to KKI’s successful therapy programs. MRA was able to combine an expertise designing hospital/healing gardens and gardens/play spaces for children with the medical needs articulated by KKI administration and staff, to create this unique environment – therapeutic for body, mind, and spirit.

AWARDS:
2011 Honor Award, Maryland/Potomac ASLA