The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) is the top rehabilitation destination for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions — from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer. Many healthcare organizations are moving toward a more sustainable business model that includes incorporating Vegetated Roofs as part of new hospital construction to offer therapeutic and healing benefits to patients. Studies have shown that patients with a view or physical access to green space recover at a quicker rate than those without such amenities.

The 27 story building is an amazing example of vegetated roofs being implemented on hospitals and healthcare facilities to create easy access to therapeutic environments for patients. By utilizing the Garden Roof and Ultimate Assembly, the design and construction team has done an amazing job in finding innovative and flexible ways to connect patients and staff with nature in both indoor and outdoor settings! The 10th floor Sky Lobby is a sort of welcome center and communal hub for patients with beautiful therapy gardens and sweeping views of the city and Lake Michigan oriented to encourage movement and progress.

Extensive landscaping and green space at both the street-level and throughout the upper spaces afford a healing environment throughout the building and provide practical benefits such as combating the urban heat island effect and the diversion of rainwater from entering the city sewers.