Daylight is a Healing
Power
Thomas & Agnes Carvel Children's Rehab
Center
  Helping children is what they do best.
Treating the 2,000 children and young adults with disabilities, the 27-year-old
institution has reached new heights in their new 41,175-square-foot center. The
two-story building was created around the idea that "Daylight is a healing
power," says Kenneth Irving of Kenneth Irving Architects.
 One of
the most important design goals was to create a "child-friendly environment"
with accommodations for activities and specialized equipment. On the upper
level is the spacious gathering place known as the "rotunda." A Structures
Unlimited dome brings diffused natural light deep into the interior. Since many
children endure therapy on their backs, glare-free illumination was required.
"We wanted to allow for as much natural light as possible," says Irving. Above
the children's wing classroom, corridors and in the main entrance lobby are
translucent skylights from Kalwall®. "The light diffusing properties of
Kalwall give a light and airy atmosphere with a scale to suit children." Those
who run the Center, feel that the architecture helps them in treating the
children… and daylight is a definite part of that.
Thomas and Agnes
Carvel Children's Rehabilitation Center
Saint Agnes Hospital, White Plains,
NY
Architect: Kenneth Irving Architects |
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