| Sonja Johansson, FASLA |
| Johansson Design Collaborative |
| 9 Old Concord Road |
| Lincoln, MA 01773 |
| Phone: | 781-259-9701 | |
| Email: | ||
| JohanssonDesign@gmail.com | ||
The Rusk Children’s PlayGarden for Interactive Therapeutic Play
Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY
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| AWARDS 1999 American Institute of Architects: Certificate of Merit: Architecture for Education Design Award for Exemplary Learning Environment 2000 New York City ADA Achievement Award 2001 Boston Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award 2003 Adaptive Environments: Excellence in Universal Design Great Places Fit for People Award 2004 American Horticultural Therapy Association: Garden Design Award
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| Children’s
rehabilitation hospitals have traditionally relied solely on indoor
therapies that target a limited range of patient needs. The team of
therapeutic professionals at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine
wanted to challenge their young patients within a supportive and
Nature-oriented outdoor environment. We transformed a tiny, flat, urban lot
into an exciting and educational multi-level environment for physically and
mentally disabled children. It is now a lush naturalistic environment of
undulating lawns to lie on, exercise on, smell and feel; sand to dig in
bordered by rocks and covered with a trellis with climbing morning glories,
planting areas for children to hide in or watch butterflies, plant flowers
and watch their tomatoes turn from green to red. Our custom-designed play equipment is fully integrated with natural processes and features - promoting curiosity, creativity, and independence. Therapies that were perceived as work when they were conducted indoors are now perceived as play when exercised by patients and caregivers in the outdoor PlayGarden. Free from the confines of the rehabilitation hospital, children eagerly improve their skills in the fresh air and sunlight. |
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