Skills Therapy Courtyard: Real-World Recovery at UAB Medicine

When UAB Medicine’s new 106-bed, 11-story inpatient rehabilitation facility opened in August 2025, a unique courtyard was revealed that features a replicated streetscape area for patients to improve their motor skills. Designed by HNP, the Skills Therapy Courtyard gives patients a safe place to practice everyday movements that help them return to independent living.

With this streetscape simulation, patients practice navigating surfaces they might encounter in the city, including a crosswalk, curb, ramp, and sidewalk. Each element helps patients rebuild confidence as they practice walking, balancing, and navigating common obstacles they will face once they leave the hospital.

Within the design of the courtyard, patients encounter a variety of real-world textures and surfaces, from cobblestones and concrete to asphalt and even a sand pit. Recreational elements within the Skills Therapy Courtyard include a basketball goal and a synthetic turf putting green, which aids patients in improving balance.
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The collaboration by HNP, Gresham Smith, MBA Engineers, Dynamic Civil Solutions, and SSOE Group showcases natural light, outdoor spaces, and thoughtful design working together to support physical healing, mental resilience, and emotional well-being. Along with the simulated city streetscape, the rooftop gardens, and even an in-clinic auto simulator for practicing car transfers are notably one-of-a-kind details carefully planned with patients’ success in mind.