Crown Sky Garden
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
In the heart of downtown Chicago, the Crown Sky Garden is a sanctuary for patients, families, doctors and administrators within this new 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
Awards
News
- New York Times: “Summoning Nature for Healing”
- New York Times: “Hospital’s Design is Guided by Experiences of Youth”
- Chicago Parent: “Revamp Heralds New Thinking About Healing Kids”
- LAND8: “Top 10 World-Class LA Projects”
- LAND8: “Crown Sky Garden Inspires Healing”
- Van Allen Report: “Crown Sky Garden”
Client : Lurie Children's Hospital
Architect : Shepley Bulfinch
Photo : Hedrich Blessing
The garden features an interactive and dynamic environment, where patients and families can engage with elements of light, water, and color. Multi-colored light walls frame a bamboo grove, while glass marble water runnels meander through the garden, creating a soothing atmosphere with dappled shade.
The project demonstrates how nature can be integrated into institutional settings to enhance physical and emotional recovery. Research has shown that interactions with nature can regulate the body’s electrical circuitry, blood flow, and muscle tension, offering a rejuvenating effect on both the body and mind.
Process
Integrating local and historic materials brings resonance and history to the garden.
Integrating local and historic materials brings resonance and history to the garden.
