Concept Statement

Imagine opening a storybook and being thrust into a magical world with enchanted forests, lavish characters, and happily ever afters. A partner of Forest General, The Children’s Institute for Down Syndrome will be a colorful space that will excite and transport children to a land like no other. A variety of themed play areas will adorn the space which will allow staff to treat and evaluate the children in a calming, fun, and safe environment. Fun accent colors such as greens, reds, blues, purples, etc. will be employed throughout the space to give a more juvenile and exciting aesthetic which will add to a very anti-hospital feel. Children’s rooms will be designed to aesthetically match well-known storybook characters which will immerse the child into the theme and drama of the space while adding easy wayfinding throughout the space.

Goals

Anti-Hospital Aesthetic

When designing for a child, “camouflaging” the space is the best way to make sure the child is at ease and more open to evaluation by the staff.

Agency of Space

This goal means that the space should be designed in a way where a child would feel like it is their own space. They are comfortable exploring the space and interacting with everything because it does not look like something too “adult” for them.

Integrated Modern Technology

New medical equipment and technology will be utilized throughout the space but will be integrated into the design to not distract or alarm the children.