Fig. 3
then dropped to any depth the user requires. This feature is most useful for patients that are confined to a wheelchair. When a patient uses the pool, they are moved to a waterproof wheelchair and then rolled onto the raised pool floor. The pool operator then lowers the therapist and patient into the pool, which requires little effort. The aquatic therapy center at St. Vincent’s is an excellent case study because it is immersed in solutions for contemporary design issues. The facility uses ADA compliances and Universal Design principles to ensure that the pool and its ancillary spaces are accessible and safe to all users.
USERS The owner, client and users are all unique in their intents for the space. The owner of this building is the FEROLETO Children’s Developmental Center. While the FEROLETO building was established in 1991, the Special Needs subsidiary of St. Vincent’s Health Services has been in existence since 1955. That being said, both the FEROLETO Children’s Developmental Center and St. Vincent’s Health Services are responsible for the upkeep and funding of the building.
After some observation, the users and clients of this space are the disabled children who visit the facility to seek treatment. The family, loved ones and guardians are considered to be users and clients of the space. Some additional users of the space include the occupational and physical therapists and the administrative faculty.
Fig. 4
SITE + CONTEXT The location of St. Vincent’s Special Needs is in Trumbull, Connecticut., The setting for the facility can be described as suburban. The campus of St. Vincent’s Special Needs is relatively secluded, as it is situated at the end of a street with no outlet. However, this quiet street is located in an industrial park and is adjacent to Unilever’s national headquarters complex. While the socio-economic conditions of the neighborhood are not obvious, assumptions can be made. After deliberating on the economic status of the neighborhood, the facility is in a middle-working class area. The industrial park is the site of companies ranging from research labs and data centers to a gym and newspaper publisher.
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
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