Mahan Rykiel designs green roofs for Mercy Medical Center’s new Replacement Tower
Mahan Rykiel Associates (MRA), a Baltimore based landscape architectural, urban design and planning firm, is pleased to have been part of the design team led by Ellerbe Becket (an AECOM firm) for the new Mary Catherine Bunting Center due to open 19th December. Mahan Rykiel designed the streetscape as well as three green roofs on the 8th, 9th and 10th floors.
Covering half the roof's surface, the gardens provide a respite for patients, families and staff members in an otherwise very urban environment. The gardens also help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the interior of the hospital. The rooftop gardens feature recycled furnishing materials, native plantings and a water feature.
Many experts agree that even a view of nature from a hospital window can improve patient recovery. Mercy Medical Center's Dr. Kathy Helzlsouer said open garden spaces such as Mercy's three roof gardens in the Bunting Center play a big part in healing.
"I refer to it as a spiritual oasis," she said. "That's true for patients and their families, or staff. You just need a break and nice environment." Therapeutic, restorative gardens and the design of healthcare spaces have been a core part of Mahan Rykiel's practice for more than 28 years.
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