The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children hired the Studio for Spatial Practice team in August 2023 to design renovations to the existing 8,200 square foot garden that would provide better accessibility on site to the school’s youngest users who have varying ranges of mobility and vision. Sensitivity to the students’ needs demands care and attention to every aspect of design by the SfSP team. 

Following a series of engagement sessions with program coordinators, teachers and staff, SfSP designed the following: a water play area, shade trees introduced to provide hot weather relief, a trellis, three-dimensional mosaic art, and an outdoor “Rainbow” classroom pavilion overlooking an open lawn. Ramps provide accessibility to the upper terrace play area filled with both playground equipment and interactive musical flwoers and mushrooms. In May of 2026, the construction was completed and the GRand Opening was held.