NAVIGATE
WHAT WE DO
Effective architectural design is about meaningful interactions with the built world. For a client with cognitive, executive function, memory, emotional, or other challenges, it is critical that the built world supports independence and well-being.
Our brief development work flow is a bit different, as we strive to see the project through the eyes of those who will be interacting with the space. Both at the physical eye level and at the level of cognitive experience.
Our educational background and experience with special needs individuals has led to our commitment to employ creative communication strategies at all stages of the project, including involving non-verbal, memory-impaired, and visually impaired clients in the design process. We also view partnering with caretakers and other professionals as integral to forming a successful architectural design solution.
We create sensory-rich spaces that embrace, empower, and instruct
HIGHLIGHTS
CURRENT PROJECT: DESIGN Proposal for Creative Therapy Center
A shared creative clinic space for therapists. This proposed plan utilizes an existing industrial space and can be adjusted according to the demands of other existing spaces, as well as be expanded to a newly built center.
The center will offer sensory-rich and relaxation spaces for therapies including play, music, art, garden, and movement, as well as PT, OT, groups, and individual and family counseling.
The plan also features a dedicated multi-sensory room known as “the grotto”, outdoor decks and greenhouse, outdoor sensory gardens, art gallery space, and a multi-use stage. The plan uses form, light, and floor levels to intuitively guide the users through the building, and offers different experiences built into the architecture.
NAVIGATE and CHALLENGE
INSTRUCT and
INSPIRE
CREATE and
GROW
ORGANIZE and
PLAN
REASSURE and
FOCUS
INTERACT and EXPERIENCE
A curved guide wall provides an intuitive circulation path.
A raised hill mound in the playroom floor helps to define space while providing an integral challenge for children who would benefit from work on motor skills. Upcycled tires provide an interesting, textured partition.
A ramp leading to the greenhouse uses the senses of proprioception and light for navigation.
and CHALLENGE
INSTRUCT
The flexible use central stage offers an art gallery to display work created by the center’s clients. It also provides a venue for lectures, as well as stadium seating for the movement therapy classes
Much emphasis is placed on user experience of the space from the user’s physical position. For example, in the playroom, windows placed strategically low on the wall allow a child sitting on the floor to interact with the sights and scents of the garden.
and INSPIRE
CREATE
The plan provides inspiration for growth through creative expression
The art therapy room is located inside a deck greenhouse, adjacent to a garden with different scents and sounds and interactive paths. The flexibility of the space allows the user to choose the desired level of sensory input.
The garden space also provides opportunity for horticulture therapy, while the deck adjacent to the music room provides a place for outdoor sound producing sensory equipment such as pipes and bells.
and GROW
ORGANIZE
Portals at the doorways to the client meeting rooms introduce the room and draw in the clients in a non-threatening way. The portals are color coded and textured.
Inside the meeting rooms skylights add an extra measure of positivity.
The corridor leading to the private meeting rooms can be accessed via the main center, as well as through a private entrance for privacy.
and PLAN
REASSURE
Alternative seating options offer the reassurance of a protected niche in an otherwise exposed space.
The window seat on the stage is a quiet space of reflection, positioned at tree canopy height of the adjacent tree of the outdoor deck.
Swinging seats in the reception area provide a supportive zone for children with attention challenges and anxiety who are waiting for their appointments.
and FOCUS
INTERACT
One of the highlights of the center is The Grotto.
The Grotto is an interactive multi-sensory room equipped with hanging chairs surrounded by textured hanging plants and bubble lamp illuminated trees, giving an underwater cave experience.
What distinguishes the grotto from conventional multi-sensory rooms is the use of natural materials wherever feasible, and a theme which lends itself to focus and concentration. The space can directly exit to an outdoor sensory area, equipped with sand and water tables, scented and textured plants that attract birds and butterflies, and a running water fountain.
The architecture provides organic opportunities for physical therapy sessions, featuring an angled floor, cave bed, climbing ropes, and other physical challenge attributes.
and EXPERIENCE
