REHAB CENTER: WHERE THE YOUNG AND OLD COMES TOGETHER A BREATH OF FRESH AIR : A COHOUSING + HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY A COMMUNAL LIVING
MASS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
AN ADAPTATIVE BUILDING DESIGN
SKETCH - BEYOND SHELTER_ A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS 44 48
Project type
Healthcare | Individual project Designer
Juliet Oluyale | 3rd year Masters | BSU Supervisors
Professor Timothy Gray and Maria Coronado Software used
Revit, Lumion, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Cove tool
Date of design completed
August 22 , 2024 - December 10, 2024
Located on a 40-acre site in Maumee, Ohio, the Nexus Boulevard Rehabilitation Center is a stimulating environment for adults and children blending inclusivity with sustainability. Situated on the site’s southern portion, the center is designed for community engagement and onsite therapy, aligning with goals to create therapeutic, accessible spaces while addressing long-term environmental and economic impacts.
Key sustainable features include green roofs, advanced water management systems, operable high-performance windows, and passive shading strategies, and materials selected for durability and low embodied carbon. These include recycled steel for structural components and perforated exterior panels, brick veneer accents, and cross-laminated timber for floor and wall systems. A 5435 sq. ft. solar panel array on the southern roof supports the center’s energy efficiency objectives. Energy modeling software was used in the design process to optimize building performance.
The site design prioritizes connectivity and safety with a pedestrian boulevard extending north to south, eliminating traffic disruptions and fostering walkability. By integrating sustainable strategies and prioritizing occupant well-being, Nexus Boulevard serves as a model for resilient rehabilitation facilities. This project underscores the intersection of human-centered design and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for future development in the region.
(Initial form was a rectilinear massive form) (New form
(Void, horizontal and vertical shading is added to enhance the building performance (daylight and glare reduction) (A
form has been extruded to allow for more natural light and accessibility)
(Subtracting masses from the building)
solid skin added to create terraces and provide more shading)
(Solid skin is being perforated to filter more air and light)
The Nexus Boulevard concept in the master plan envisions an inclusive, sustainable, and equitable community by integrating mobility equity, green infrastructure, and affordable housing, fostering social and environmental justice.“
The strategy for all-inclusive community design centers on integrating mixed-use spaces, sustainable infrastructure, and accessible public amenities that promote social equity, environmental resilience, and economic opportunities for all residents
DESIGN GUIDE _ NOBERT LECHNER’S TREE DIAGRAM ON HOW A BUILDING PERFORMS
I used the Lechner’s tree diagram above as a design guide on how the proposed Rehab building on the 40 acre site can efficiently perform. Concept idea: “………. the essentially free ones should be “picked” before the more specific and expensive ones higher up” (Grant 2017, pg. 102).
So, Lechner used the order of picking a fruit from a tree to categorize building designs process and performance.
There is an inclusive and grand access point at the East facade. Also, there are some key sustainable features employed which includes green roofs, advanced water management systems, operable high-performance windows, and passive shading strategies, and materials selected for durability and low embodied carbon. These include recycled steel for
structural components and perforated exterior panels, brick veneer accents, and cross-laminated timber for floor and wall systems. A 5435 sq. ft. solar panel array on the southern roof supports the center’s energy efficiency objectives. Energy modeling software was used in the design process to optimize building performance.
The children’s clinic is located on the first floor and southern part of the building. The clinic is designed for different age groups. It comprises of patient and staff entry / exit, visible reception check in and out, patient rooms, consultation room, exam rooms, and Centralized nurse stations,
Patient entry
Staff entry
Waiting room
Reception / check -in point
Patient room
Consultation room
Exam / Patient room
Nurse station
Check - out
Exit
Staff exit
Design Considerations
• Impact of color on children
• Sense of belonging
• Wall artwork
• Way finding
• Lighting
The second floor comprises of three blocks_adult rehabilitation center (which includes offices, reception, waiting areas, open nurse station, consultation rooms,, patients and exam rooms), acute need accomodation, and a roof outdoor garden.
Mezzanine and Third floor plan
The Mezzanine floor is positioned in between the second and the third floor. it is stepped higher above the swimming area on the first floor. The Mezzanine floor includes consultation and therapy room, while the third floor features are the same as the second floor except for the outdoor garden.
While the primary goal of my design is to create a healthcare environment that serves both young and old, including vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and children, sustainability remains a critical consideration. The design incorporates key sustainable strategies, including the use of solar panels to harness renewable energy, green roofs for irrigation and water retention, and sustainable materials such as recycled
steel for perforated panels, as well as CLT and steel for structural systems. Additionally, the integration of low-emissivity (low-e) windows and shading devices ensures energy efficiency and enhances thermal comfort, contributing to a resilient and environmentally responsible design.
Permeable surface
Recycled perforated steel panels
Material selection for structures; CLT, and steel
Energy Efficiency
A 5434 sq. ft. solar panel array on the southern roof supports the center’s energy efficiency objectives, contributing to a modeled EUI of 52.56 kBtu/sqft/yr which falls within the EUI target of 59.53 kBtu/sqft/yr, as calculated using Cove tool.
The design perforated that adds a unique while serving purpose. perforations and air to pass creating balance between openness and It’s durable, and visually making it a addition to
design includes a steel panel unique touch serving a practical purpose. The perforations allow light pass through, creating a between and privacy. functional, visually appealing, thoughtful to the space.
Materials selected for durability and low embodied carbon include recycled steel for structural components and perforated exterior panels, brick veneer accents, and cross-laminated timber for floor and wall systems.
Project type
Healthcare + Housing | Academic Team
Juliet Oluyale, Elizabeth Wickware, Laney Lanter | 2nd year Masters | BSU Supervisor
Architect Daniel Overbey
Software used
Revit, Lumion, Photoshop, and Illustrator, Tally, Cove tool
Date of design completed
January, 2024 - April, 2024
URBAN LUNG | URBAN FOREST | URBAN LIFE-FORCE CATALYZE NET-ZERO AND [ENVIRONMENTALLY, SOCIALLY] RESILIENT COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE MIDWEST AND BEYOND
This is a mixed use development project that includes office space, hospice, walk-In clinic, pediatric clinic, residential and retail centers. The project goals are promoting the health of occupants and the community, prioritizing long-term economic impacts, and stewarding water, while working toward carbon neutrality. These project goals usher in “A Breath of Fresh Air,” and are drawn from studying the systems and processes of trees to inform the design and systems of the project.
Step to optimize view D Sweep skin to protect
for energy
Global warming poten al for the proposed design project (when structural element is of mass timber)
Global warming potential (when structural element is of concrete)
The design project, “A Breath of Fresh Air,” incorporates timber for its structure. Timber structures offer a significantly lower global warming poten al. We conducted a compara ve analysis of the overall global warming poten al between mber and reinforced concrete structures. The results revealed a 92% carbon emissions saved with timber structures compared to concrete structures.
The project’s sustainable strategies visibly intrigue and demonstrate to users how the built environment can be more akin to natural processes. The design team studied tree systems, learning about their energy-producing and saving qualities and integrating them into the design. Tree-like energy production, resource distribution, and hibernation were the most influential discoveries and implemented themes in the design – influencing the make-up of the double skin, the circulation and HVAC systems, and the series of indoor-outdoor spaces that expand and close depending on the time of year. Studying trees informed the design team that nature is the best teacher when it comes to efficiency, orchestrated by extremely complex yet simple systems.
West Indianapolis is gasping for a breath of fresh air in the wake of factory closure, COVID-19 Pandemic, the ongoing climate crisis, environmental racism, poverty, gentrification, and other social ails. Drawing influence from trees and lungs, “A Breath of Fresh Air” uses regenerative design, high-performance materials, and biophilia principles to sequester carbon, generate energy and resources, and restore social and environmental ecosystems in Indianapolis to move toward a more resilient site, city, and future.
Design Principles incorporated in this project
Design for discovery
Design for ecosystems
Design for energy
Design for water
Design for economy
Design for equitable nities
Project type
Residential | Academic | Individual project
Designer
Juliet Oluyale | 2nd year Masters | BSU Supervisors
Arc. Emile Dixon and Arc. Damon Hewlin Software used
Revit, Rhino, Lumion, Adobe Illustrator, Date of design completed August, 2023 - December, 2024
URBAN LUNG | URBAN FOREST | URBAN LIFE-FORCE CATALYZE NET-ZERO AND [ENVIRONMENTALLY, SOCIALLY] RESILIENT COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE MIDWEST AND BEYOND
This is a mixed use development project that includes office space, hospice, walk-In clinic, pediatric clinic, residential and retail centers. The project goals are promoting the health of occupants and the community, prioritizing long-term economic impacts, and stewarding water, while working toward carbon neutrality. These project goals usher in “A Breath of Fresh Air,” and are drawn from studying the systems and processes of trees to inform the design and systems of the project.
Elevations
Sections
FIRST FLOOR
Apartment A & D (Flat)
• Terrace
• Living room
• 2 Bedrooms
• Toilets
• Dining
• Kitchen
• Store
Apartment B & C (Duplex)
• Living
• Dining
• Kitchen
• Store
• Stairs
Project type
Residential project (Office work)
Designer Juliet Oluyale
Software used
Revit and Lumion
Date of design completed
2021
SECOND FLOOR
Apartment E & F (Duplex)
• Living room
• 1 Bedroom
• Bathroom / Toilets
• Dining
• Kitchen
• Store
• Stairs
• Terrace
Apartment B & C (Duplex)
• 2 Bedrooms
• Bathrooms / Toilet
• Stairs
THIRD FLOOR
Apartment E & F (Duplex)
• Private lounge
• 2 Bedrooms
• Bathroom / Toilets
• Terrace
Apartment G (Flat)
• Living
• Dining
• Kitchen
• Store
• 2 Bedrooms
This is a community design where households especially working- class people can live comfortably in Nigeria. This residential design comprises of 3 blocks of apartment. Each block consists of 4 duplexes and 3 flats. The spaces are well coordinated, and
each room is cross ventilated. The Vegetation emanates fresh and cool air, which would benefit both the occupant and the environment itself.
Project type
Residential | Individual freelance work
Designer
Juliet Oluyale Supervisor
Arc. Bademosi Adewale
Software used
Revit, and Lumion
Date of design completed
2020
The Architectural design of this building displays a well-ventilated interior, as well as a vegetated environment, which brings in cool air and fresh air to the occupant. Northern Nigeria is particularly hot and humid. This building was designed to withstand and adapt to such conditions; this includes the choice of building material too. The building comprises of 2 Lounges, 5 conducive Bedrooms, Kitchen, Dining, Gym/utility, Laundry, and a security room. Both the interior and exterior emanate fresh and cool air because of thermodynamic air conditioning, landscaping features, plant and trees that these purposes.
INTRODUCTION: Statistics have shown that drug addiction, mental illness, and unemployment are the major causes of homelessness. While affordable housing alone may not solve the homelessness crisis, it can mitigate it. Hence, I am proposing an affordable housing design and a rehabilitation housing center (Figure 1 & 2) that might help curb homelessness.
PROPOSAL: Amidst high demand and limited inclusive housing, real estate developers may consider surplus of affordable housing options for those with varied income. For instance, implementing mixed income housing (Figure 2, 4 & 5) or adaptive re-use of buildings (Figure 3) for residential use can enhance affordability.
To cater for the people who may still be unable to afford a cheap house rent (such as those unemployed), and those with mental illness or drug addiction, a rehabilitation center is a workable option offering supportive environment for change. These centers will offer transitional housing (Figure 1) along with essential services such as health care, education, counselling, and skills training. By providing temporary housing and support, in exchange for fair deliverables, individuals without homes can work towards stability and independence. Additionally, sustainable features in housing (Figure 1 & 2) such as wood materials, solar panels, skylights, can be integrated to promote cost effectiveness, energy efficiency, well-being, and human connection with nature (Biophilia).
To avoid a feeling of segregation, community event center (Figure 2) is integrated into the architectural design, fostering a community interaction among people with diverse and socioeconomic background.
In conclusion, real estate developers, building professionals, government and non-profit organizations will play a significant role in mitigating homelessness. Also, a VR empathy machine can be used by building designers to tell a story that conveys the real experiences of homelessness, motivating house decision makers and stakeholders.
Therefore, integrated strategies such as surplus of mixed income housing, adaptive reuse of buildings, and clean rehabilitation facilities in every state or neighborhood will greatly impact society, promote inclusivity, well-being, and alleviate homelessness.
event center
This community project aims to create a nurturing environment where people can heal and connect. This includes a transitional housing designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness providing them with resources they need to build their lives. At the center of this community, a community event center is proposed to serve as a focal point to bring together people of various economic background. This multifunctional space not only fosters cultural exchange but also promotes unity and understanding among community members.
Light well
Mixed income apartment.
Affordable housing should maintain high standards of quality and functionality, even when offered at lower costs.
Plants and greenery in a room not only enhance its aesthetics but also improve air quality and contribute to a sense of relaxation.
bed spaces
