Johns Hopkins University recently broke ground on a 34,000-square-foot building dedicated to Henrietta Lacks, whose HeLa cells have transformed medical research globally. Located on the East Baltimore campus, this building will house the Berman Institute of Bioethics and provide flexible spaces for education, research, and community engagement. Designed to honor Lacks’ legacy, the building will focus on ethics, equity, and responsible science, serving as a collaborative hub for medical research and health equity initiatives.
Mahan Rykiel’s work focused on the initial site design, pedestrian entrances and courtyard spaces, an outdoor dining terrace, and an intensive green roof while also providing the planting plan for the entire site and landscape and hardscape for all specialty areas around the site.
Read More: Johns Hopkins breaks ground on building named in honor of Henrietta Lacks | Hub
The new School of Social Work, which broke ground on October 21, 2024, embodies the core values of Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery. Governor Wes Moore joined elected officials and leadership from the University of Maryland Medical System to celebrate the groundbreaking of the UM Shore Regional Medical Center, underscoring the project’s significance.
Understanding the site’s connection with the campus is essential for a successful design, ensuring seamless integration and enhancing the campus environment. Assuming milestones are achieved, the building is expected to become the first LEED-certified net-zero energy building in downtown Baltimore and attain LEED Platinum, the highest sustainability rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Mahan Rykiel’s involvement includes designing the streetscape surrounding the site, the intensive green roof, and the entry plaza features. The site’s planting will incorporate appropriate vegetation to enhance the campus aesthetic, allowing for seasonal interest, while site improvements are balanced with effective stormwater management techniques and strategies.
Read More: UMSSW’s New Building: Catalyst for Social Work, Campus – UMB News
The groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center in Easton was attended by Governor Wes Moore, U.S. Congressman Andy Harris, University of Maryland Medical System leadership, and local officials. This milestone reflects the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access in rural Maryland. The new $540 million facility will replace the existing Easton hospital and is set to open by summer 2028, with specialized services in emergency, behavioral health, and cardiology, funded through public and private support, including $100 million from Maryland’s state budget.
Mahan Rykiel’s work on the project focuses on the site layout updates, pedestrian entrances and drop off areas, an outdoor dining terrace and adjoining healing garden, overall site design, and outdoor recreation areas/pathways. Mahan Rykiel also is providing the planting plan for the entire site and landscape and hardscape for all specialty areas around the health care campus.
We thank our collaborators for giving us the opportunity to create spaces that prioritize health, community, and environmental responsibility.
