BID projects – Fanshawe College
We are thrilled to continue our celebration of the class of 2023 from Ontario ARIDO-recognized schools this year. This is our third year of posting graduating student work on BLOG//ARIDO and we are pleased to share their accomplishments with the ARIDO community and beyond.
ARIDO has worked with these schools to promote a selection of 4th year BID student work on BLOG//ARIDO and will be posting the work each Wednesday during May and June.
Carley Mulligan – Improving the Experience of the Visually Impaired in a Hotel Reception Space Through Interior Design Practices
The main implication that people with visual loss need to remove to achieve independent living, is the amount of information they can gain by interacting with an unfamiliar environment. Currently, many elements of public space are composed of visual information like signage, focal points, or floor patterns. Since most of this information is presented visually, it constitutes a source of exclusion and places all
those with vision loss in a vulnerable condition.
The goal of this study is to gain an understanding about individuals with vision loss and their needs within a hotel lobby space. The study will involve a compilation of interior design concepts and themes that aid individuals with vision loss in the feeling of independence, safety, and comfort. Evidence-based design techniques will be used to reduce vulnerability of individuals with vision loss through external elements, which will ultimately create a human-centered design focusing on their quality of life.
Karie Wood – Designing A Health And Wellness Centre To Promote Independence In Seniors
Health and wellness senior centres are becoming increasingly important with the rise of the senior population and increased need to reduce social isolation. Seniors are living longer, healthier lifestyles, so, designing a health and wellness centre is important to improve the health, well-being, and independence by incorporating sustainability and biophilic design. Designers must create spaces that improve the quality of life to keep seniors happy, healthy, connected to the community, and living independently for as long as possible. Therefore, these spaces must be safe, functional, welcoming, and universal to accommodate for a variety of needs.
Flexibility in sustainable, durable, cleanable materials, and function will provide an inclusive environment for all staff and seniors aged 50+, and the space will be easily comprehensive through recognizable wayfinding techniques. Public and private areas emphasize community connections and contribute to meaningful experiences that promote belonging, choice and independence to improve the quality of life for all members and staff.
McKennah Huha – Starseeds Youth Centre
Instagram: @mhuhainteriors | LinkedIn | Portfolio Website
There are seldom services provided that support mental health issues for youth transitioning into adulthood. Additionally, there has been a problem of poor access to evidence-based services and lack of an informed developmental perspective. The new design of Starseeds Youth Centre will be located at South London Community Centre Pool and School (585 Bradley Ave, London On, N6E 2H8).
The Centre will use the concept of ‘Starseeds’ to empower youth to seed themselves in order to overcome tough issues within their lives; ‘Starseeds’ are fictional microorganisms that seed planets with new life. Additionally, the centre will embody the phrase ‘from earth to energy,’ by using architecture as an art form to create a space that will promote healing. The act of using nature as a medicine has been around for a long time, and healing crystals date back thousands of years, so the incorporation of natural elements will bring positive healing properties to the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of users.
Moreover, Starseeds will provide tranquility and familiarity by implementing technology, artistic activities, and calming colours. The experience will also promote friendship and belonging to manifest a connection within the community. Starseeds will also embrace privacy and variation to create an inclusive space for all youth who are experiencing different distresses.
Sierra Joyce – Nurture by Nature
LinkedIn I @sjoyce.interiors I Portfolio Website
Nurture by Nature is a Health and Wellness Centre that was created for the growing number of young adults experiencing mental health conditions. The intended purpose for this design serves as a space that young adults receive as part of their treatment. The goal of the project was to allow people to relax while being connected with the environment and offering diverse options to create a user centred design.
The concept focused on creating a Health and Wellness Centre that embodies biophilic design and its properties of healing; while connecting young adults through a sense of community, therapy, universal design, and featured spaces that benefit health and well-being for the user. The spaces offered are a fitness room, yoga/meditation room, therapy rooms, a biophilic room that also can have multiple creative uses, a cafe/ juice bar, lounge seating, and a multi-media mezzanine. The facility encourages the natural principles of biophilic design to support the user and help promote a sustainable environment.
