Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Crown Sky Garden is a sanctuary for patients, families, doctors and administrators within this 23 story Children’s Hospital. The commitment to this sky garden was built upon a growing body of scientific research which links access to natural light and contemplative spaces to reduced patient recovery time.  This regenerative project offers a new paradigm for healthcare design that integrates healing gardens as part of the health care regiment within these institutional environments.

“It’s a soaring, light-filled healing garden, sure to relieve hospital-induced claustrophobia with its expansive views. Framed by curving fiberglass walls, filled with stones and further enlivened by live bamboo trees, the garden itself, by Boston landscape architect Mikyoung Kim, brings color and nature to the space.” – Blair Kamin, Chicago Tribune architecture critic

Image credit: George Heinrich and Hedrich Blessing

Awards

American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award 

News

• “Hospital’s Design Is Guided by Experiences of Youth” (New York Times)
• “Children’s Memorial revamp heralds new thinking about healing kids” (Chicago Parent)
• “Inside the New and Kid-Approved Lurie Children’s Hospital” (Curbed Chicago)
• “Crown Sky Garden” (Human Spaces)
• “Top 10 World Class Landscape Architecture Projects” (Land8)
• “Crown Sky Garden Inspires Healing” (Land8)