New York, NY
A sculptural grove of six multi-trunk birch trees welcomes patients, families, and staff into the Richard and Lois Nicotra Heart Institute at Staten Island University Hospital. Positioned just inside the main entrance, the trees span across the glass-lined lobby like a protective canopy, offering calm and comfort from the moment of arrival.
Each birch, with its striking white trunks and softly layered foliage, was individually designed to fit the geometry of the architectural columns while maintaining a natural grove-like rhythm. Carefully arranged to frame the space without crowding it, the trees lead the eye upward, softening the verticality of the space and creating a gentle connection between people and nature.
Below, lush ground cover plantings of ferns complete the landscape, establishing an immersive green experience that feels restorative and alive. Integrated lighting adds dimension and warmth in both daylight and evening, reinforcing the installation’s role as a beacon of healing and hope in a clinical environment.
This NatureMaker installation blends seamlessly into the built environment, transforming the hospital’s entry into a sanctuary—one where the healing journey begins not at check-in, but at the threshold.
