BID projects – Humber College (Part 2)
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.
Elijah Alejandro – Contrast Seniors Community Centre
The thesis project centers on crafting a senior community center that serves as a comprehensive one-stop destination for all senior needs. This pioneering concept aims to establish a convenient hub where seniors can readily access essential services and resources, spanning from healthcare facilities to recreational activities. By embracing a holistic approach to senior care and support, the center endeavors to foster social engagement, independence, and an improved quality of life within the community. It acknowledges the critical significance of Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) and strives to create an enriching space tailored specifically for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs).
Through strategic integration of advanced technology, the project aims to streamline administrative tasks, allowing staff to prioritize meaningful human connections within the NORC setting. This endeavor reflects a steadfast dedication to addressing societal needs through innovative design solutions, with a strong focus on enhancing seniors’ well-being.
Grace Taylor – Unity House
Unity House is a resource centre for pregnant and parenting young adults between the ages of 18 to 24. It is a two-storey project that involves a meticulous functional plan and a detailed floor plan organization. The project is geared towards marginalized users, including young adults, young parents, and children.
Adjusting to the variety of mental, physical, financial, and social changes of parenthood, in addition to the existing circumstances that young adults may already be experiencing, can evoke a sense of instability and uncertainty. Unity House aims to address and support the users’ needs through trauma-informed and inclusive design, while also exploring prospect-refuge theory.
Developing design solutions through modular and accessible strategies is crucial to a successful and empathetic centre. Inspired by the idea of “form following feeling,” the two-floor design uses the concept of “symbiosis”, where distinct yet interconnected functions correspond harmoniously, creating a cohesive and supportive environment
Hannah Hayes – LuxeLife Wellness
The goal of this project is to develop and establish an inclusive Women’s Wellness Centre in Toronto. The aim is to create a supportive atmosphere that promotes physical health and mindfulness while providing a wide range of facilities and services to promote overall well-being.
The soft curves in the design mimic the gentle flow of water, symbolizing adaptability and strength. These waves illustrate the interconnectedness of mind and body, fostering a sense of calm and introspection. Each curve embodies a different aspect of wellness, reminding us to embrace life’s fluctuations with grace, just as water adjusts to its environment.
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Honey Jean Dubria – Creative Hub for Deaf, Blind, and Disabled Youth
The Creative Access Hub is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and career development opportunities for deaf, blind, and disabled youth with a passion for the arts. This thesis project stems from the design problem of limited accessibility as a crucial barrier that restricts artistic and employment opportunities for this demographic.
The project is committed to developing an accessible and inclusive environment, with a particular focus on multisensory design. The concept of multisensory design aims to redefine the conventional understanding of wayfinding by embracing the senses to navigate the space. Integrating tactile, auditory, or olfactory elements can help participants navigate the space independently and easily further contributing to enhancing their well-being. By fostering a supportive environment, the Creative Access Hub enables participants to explore their creative potential, develop essential skills through hands-on learning, and access valuable career development and networking opportunities.
Jessica Byers – Athlete Development and Training Hub
The Athlete Development and Training Hub at 21 Ossington Avenue is an exclusive place for athletes aged 17-25 competing at the highest levels of their sports. It would serve as a ‘home base’ for bringing a variety of young athletes together and providing tailored services to support common struggles these athletes face to enhance their sport performance and overall well being.
Data was collected through interviews with athletic therapists, sport institution directors, athlete career development coordinators, sport and media experts and through an athlete survey. It guided the inclusion of game broadcast analysis spaces, a photography studio for athlete digital branding opportunities, a physical and mental health spaces and communal kitchen.
The double-height focal area was designed with a diagonal angle so that as people enter, they are immediately greeted to a striking oversized stair/bench seating inspired by bleachers. It overlooks a floor to ceiling video wall where games can be played or to host events. It celebrates the energy of gathering for sports. A complementary colour scheme, natural materials and graphic murals unite the intensity of athletic facilities with Scandinavian design principles.
Jhenae Stephens – BLK Innovation
BLK Innovation is a proposed Social and Innovation Hub for Black higher education students between the ages of 18 and 29 in Toronto. It is a visionary project aimed at addressing the underrepresentation and lack of belonging and improving the academic experiences, well-being, and safety of Black higher education students. Inspired by Place Attachment Theory and Trauma-informed Design, the hub serves as a sanctuary celebrating the resilience and pride of the Black Canadian community.
At the heart of the concept lies a dynamic central display, symbolizing Black achievements and serving as a focal point for inspiration. The design’s radial configuration encourages spontaneous interactions, fostering a profound sense of community and belonging. By prioritizing transparency, technology integration, and user-centricity, the space becomes more than just a physical environment—it becomes a catalyst for empowerment where Black students are seen, heard, and celebrated, forging a deep bond between individuals and their environment.
For more information on these projects and others visit the Humber ON/OFF website
