Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland
Architect: SmithGroupJJR
72,000 Square Feet, Art Count: 69
Art Budget: $104,500
Timeline: April 2010 – June 2010
The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) is dedicated to the advancement and understanding of traumatic brain injuries and psychological health conditions of those in service. Artwork selected supports a vision of hope, healing, discovery, learning for injured warriors returning from war.
Soaring Pathways, a monumental aluminum sculpture by Zachary Oxman was commissioned to soar through NICoE’s multi story interior family gathering space. The birds personify strength, hope and freedom as they ascend the wall and fly freely through the air to again be experienced from the second floor family lounge. The sculpture illustrates motion and progression when viewed from the interior stairway and the building exterior. At night, the illuminated flight pattern becomes an identifying building element.