BID students

BID projects – Georgian College

• ARIDO May 23, 2024
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Continuing our celebration of BID grad projects, we are excited to showcase the projects by the graduating students from ARIDO - recognized schools across Ontario on BLOG//ARIDO, and we're delighted to spotlight their achievements with both the ARIDO community and beyond.

Collaborating with these schools, ARIDO has curated a collection of fourth-year Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) student projects to feature on BLOG//ARIDO. We'll be unveiling these projects throughout May, June, and July, offering insights into the talent emerging from these institutions.

Brooke Hebner - The Village

‘The Village’ addresses the pressing issue of homelessness in Ontario by providing a transitional housing solution that empowers residents aging out of the foster care system, supporting personal growth, breaking down societal barriers, and ensuring a successful reintegration into the community. The upper level of the facility is a private residence tailored to these youth, where their self discovery is balanced with relationship building.

The lower level is an experiential restaurant that connects residents to the community, cultivates culinary and career skills, and works to bridge the gap towards a stigma free reality. The design is created around the vision of a space that is both dynamic and balanced. Implementing curved forms that mimic existing architecture and linear forms to contrast, the design introduces layers, scale, and symmetry towards visual interest. The selection of finishes prioritizes sustainability, with the design shaped around the ideas of LEED and WELL standards.

Caeley Leduc - Serenity Youth mental health awareness

In Canada, between 10% and 20% of youth experience mental disorders or illnesses. In 2020, one in five Canadians 12 and older needed to access mental health services. Due to the scarcity of facilities catering to youths between 13 and 18, the Serenity Youth Mental Health Group was developed to assess the needs of low-risk youth mental health patients. The facility offers grief counselling, support groups, cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, an inpatient unit, and more.

Mental health is like a drop of water. Just one drop can create ripples, altering its surroundings. Once proper treatment is obtained, the ripples can slowly settle and return to their original form. Serenity aims to deinstitutionalize and destigmatize mental health. To do so, organic forms and natural finishes were used to project a sense of calm and connect the users to nature. Using Greengard Indoor Air Quality Certified products like the 3form Varia panels and universal design features like wheelchair-accessible counter height, Serenity provides a healthy and welcoming space for youth.

Cali Pitcher - Springwater Summit

A streamlined and dynamic space has been designed for the Township of Springwater’s first community centre. Embracing this exciting development, the design will be a reflection of the township's growth, harmonizing sleek modern elements and biophilic design principles to create a space that fosters a sense of community.

This facility provides residents of Springwater with an artisanal food market and teaching kitchen that offers subsidized meal services and cooking classes featuring locally sourced products to promote healthy meal options. Amenities of the space include fitness facilities, a community gathering space, meeting rooms, a library, and a cafe. The facility has been designed to create an inclusive environment that adheres to LEED and WELL design strategies. Springwater Summit offers family restrooms, a lactation room, and an AODA universal bathroom in addition to private gender-free bathrooms to create a comfortable and inclusive experience for all users of the space. 

Hannah Kyla De Vera - Redolent’s Culinary Academy

The repurposed Barrie’s bus terminal, now Redolent’s Culinary Academy at 24 Maple Ave in Barrie, addresses key social issues and offers a holistic curriculum, community engagement, and educational flexibility.

Homelessness in Simcoe County was tackled through collaboration between the County of Simcoe and the Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness, revealing 722 individuals homeless on January 23, 2022, the highest recorded. Culinary skills include nutritional values and motor skills development. Canadians spend an average of $32 per online food order, with 49.4% intending to continue weekly post-pandemic. The academy aims to be a learning hub for culinary and hospitality skills, doubling as a haven for homeless individuals during specific hours, and fostering community and compassion.

In addition, it was important to utilize the natural shape and form of the building and create a design that speaks to balance, contrast, and harmony. Redolent’s plans incorporate LEED/Well concepts like rainwater management and nourishment, offering benefits such as reduced strain on municipal water supplies, flood mitigation, preservation of natural water sources, and decreased energy consumption. Nourishment education promotes balanced diets, and sustainable agriculture, supports local economies, and reduces food waste through mindful consumption.