Free to Wonder
“There’s magic in sprouting a seed. For kids to be a part of that, there’s … hope there.”
“There’s magic in sprouting a seed. For kids to be a part of that, there’s … hope there.”
“I think there’s a power in interacting with natural objects. There’s magic in sprouting a seed. For kids to be able to be a part of that, there’s an implication of hope there.” — Katie Stoudemire
The North Carolina Botanical Garden’s WonderSphere is a sealed mobile chamber that enables hospitalized, immune-compromised children to touch nature without danger of infection. The project has won a Core77 Design for Social Impact Award in recognition of its contributions to social, humanitarian, community or environmental causes.
Program Manager Katie Stoudemire developed the WonderSphere for use in the NCBG’s Wonder ConnectionOpens in new window program. The mission of the donor-funded program, which serves pediatric patients at UNC Hospitals, is to empower patients with the wonders of nature and science through multi-sensory learning experiences that promote joy and well-being.
