IDEC Student Design Competition

INDEPENDENT

“ALL OF OUR KNOWLEDGE

BEGINS WITH THE SENSE” ~ IMMANUEL KANT

CONCEPT We experience environments in our daily lives through our five senses, which can can be manipulated to affect our spatial experience. The design of the “Independent 5” center tailors the needs of individuals with ASD. The design will also incorporate strategic design elements that engage the senses for the users of the space. There are two circulation paths, one for employees, and the other for the users.

These paths incorporate accessible wayfinding and escape zones throughout.

Each individual activity space utilized by the users, will focus on enhancing one of the senses. The apartment is a central space that engages all of the senses and allows the individual to manage sensory stimuli in the built environment. The overall goal of the “Independent 5” center is to learn how to live self-sufficiently and to train individuals with ASD, to live away from their familiar homes.

VIEW OF FRONT ENTRY RECEPTION

VIEW OF ESCAPE ZONE

●

The colour purple is used for wayfinding and designates areas of interest.

●

Research indicates, two of the most common symptoms present in individuals with ASD are “resistance to changes and limited ability to imagine” (Sanchez, P. et al., p.376). This can lead to nervousness when changing tasks or walking from one space to the next (Sanchez, P. et al., p.376). Therefore, the design incorporates visual cues into each space through the use of glass to avoid unexpected changes.

●

According to “Designing Learning Spaces For Children On The Autism Spectrum” , circulation space should be designed to, “...banish the conventional corridor by turning it into a useable space…”

(Scott, 2009. p.38). This concept was utilized and implemented into the main hallway in the form of retreat zones. These zones aid the users to transition between spaces if they find themselves overstimulated.

Activity Spaces

User Circulation

Apartment

LOCATION ANALYSIS

I ND

LA NG RIV

ER

RD

.

NE

LA

The Independent 5 center will be located in New Brunswick, NJ, USA. Research shows the number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) IS significantly greater in New Jersey compared to other states. Due to these statistics, Rutgers University established “ The new Rutgers Center for Autism Research (RuCARes)”.

Rutgers University is one of the leading universities researching autism and develops new treatment plans by working closely with individuals with ASD. The Independent 5 center will be located at the intersection of River Road and Landing Lane, a busy street near the University. It is also a three minute drive from the Rutgers Center for Autism Research (RuCARes) and is located across from Johnson Park.

(Center for Autism Research, Education & Services (RUCARES), n.d.)

VIEW OF MAIN HALLWAY & ESCAPE ZONE

VIEW OF SENSORY ROOM

●

Furthermore, the main circulation path incorporates simple wayfinding methods through coloured banding and LED strip lighting leading to the courtyard

●

People with ASD are often, “...more sensitive than other people to noises.” and research stresses the importance of implementing sound absorbing materials ” (Sanchez, P. et al., p.372). Based on these findings, the design specifies acoustical ceiling tiles, carpet flooring, vinyl flooring and acoustical wall tiles. In addition, research findings have also determined that fluorescent lighting can flicker and produce humming noises, which affects those with ASD (Sanchez, P. et al., p.374). Therefore, LED strip lighting was used to reduce unwanted sound stimuli .

SITE LOCATION- MAP

Resources Sanchez, P. A., Vazquez, F. S., & Serrano, L. A. (n.d.). Autism and the Built Enviroment [Abstract]. Autism and the Built Enviroment. Retrieved September 11, 2018.

Scott, I. (2009). Designing learning Space For Children On The Autism Spectrum. 36-50. Retrieveom http://www.aettraininghubs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/37.3-Scott-article-4-designs.pdf

INDEPENDENT 7 6

8 5

MATERIALS AND FINISHES Research suggests, a simple and muted colour palette to be beneficial to users with ASD because it evokes a sense of relaxation and tranquility (Sanchez, P. et al., p.371). Furthermore, muted colours have less visual stimuli which prevents sensory overload.

Due to ASD individuals high sensitivity to smells, all paint specified is Benjamin Moore Natura which is certified asthma and allergy friendly, zero VOC, zero emissions, durable and washable. Forbo acoustic vinyl flooring and carpet is used throughout the facility to control sound stimuli. Baux sustainable acoustical wall panels are made from cement, water, wool and recycled materials.

3 4 2

FURNITURE SELECTION Furnishings selected from Steelcase and Herman Miller, are also sustainable , contain recycled content and are flexible. All furnishings chosen are for single users and take into consideration proxemics. Proxemic is the “...amount of space laid between

N 1

individuals in different kinds of social situations...” (Sanchez, P. et al., p.372). Individuals with ASD may need more space in social and public environments, therefore increased personal space (Sanchez, P. et al., p.372). All the seating specified in the design is for single users to accommodate such needs. In addition, all seating specified also has no arm rests to incorporate universal design.

FLOOR PLAN 1.

Research indicates that distractions need to be taken into consideration, therefore the large

5. Escape zones with eco friendly acoustical panels and LED lights that are dimmable and have

windows at the front of the center have integrated blinds, not only to control natural daylight

the ability to “...control different illumination scenarios, each of which will generate a different

but also to control the views to the outdoor street (Scott, 2009, p.37)

ambiance ”(Sanchez, P. et al.,p.374). Allowing the users to retreat while still feeling connected

2.

Branding wall

to the social fabric of the center (Scott, 2009, p.38).

3.

Escape zone to aid users in transitioning between spaces and a place to escape if they find

6. Interactive screens to stimulate the sense of touch and promote physical activity

themselves overstimulated. Includes, interactive screens with headphones, dimmable lighting

7. Acoustical wall panels to control sound levels and different textured flooring to stimulate the

and carpet flooring for the absorption of sounds (Sanchez, P. et al., p.374).

4.

Research showcases that users may be sensitive to different scaled spaces (Scott, 2009,

sense of touch 8. Accessible sound proof tunnel with dimmable LED strip lighting

p.47), therefore they suggest providing a mix of both to accommodate all user sensitivities.

Thus, the design includes flexibility in large and small group seating arrangements.

Resources Sanchez, P. A., Vazquez, F. S., & Serrano, L. A. (n.d.). Autism and the Built Enviroment [Abstract]. Autism and the Built Enviroment. Retrieved September 11, 2018.

Scott, I. (2009). Designing learning Space For Children On The Autism Spectrum. 36-50. Retrieveom http://www.aettraininghubs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/37.3-Scott-article-4-designs.pdf

Resources Office Furniture Solutions, Education & Healthcare Furniture. (2018, June 11). Retrieved from https://www.steelcase.com/ Modern Furniture for the Office and Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hermanmiller.com/