Monarch House, Multi-faceted Autism Treatment Centre
Multi-faceted autism treatment centre: Design that complements treatment
Client: CBI Health Group envisioned a unique Treatment Centre in Vancouver that offers integrated, multidisciplinary treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
Space: 20,000 square feet.
Challenges:
- ASD clients are often hypersensitive to environment. This influenced all aspects of design, including lighting, appropriate circulation space, sound control, and colour palette.
- Finish and materials had to be tough and durable, without a clinical feel.
- Design and construction budget was moderate, without compromising the client held vision.
What was done:
- Specified high NRC ceiling tiles were used to soften noise.
- Careful attention to lighting:
- Diffused, recessed lighting with frosted lenses.
- Outdated light fixtures were replaced with indirect lighting.
- Natural light used in treatment areas, meeting rooms, and staff work areas.
- Use of durable furnishings and materials to withstand potential abuse by clients.
- Minimize distractions in learning areas.
- Open areas and widers corridors provide increased "personal space".
- Whimsical fabric mobiles, floor patterns and colourful beanbag sacs to tickle the senses.
- "Ganesha" mobile in Lobby to inspire visitors (Hindu diety known to "remove obstacles").
- Softly backlit fabric "sky" diffuses lighting in kids' playroom.
Results: This facility was the first of its kind in Canada, and set a standard for autism focused design solutions. The positive space is durable without appearing clinical. Its design features provide comfort and appropriate stimulation for clients and a welcoming space for families.
Headache & Pain Relief Centre
Calm, healing space for patients and staff
Client: Headache & Pain Relief Centre
Space: 4,500 square feet.
Challenges:
- Clinic relocated to a retail floor of an office building; this provided an opportunity to attract new clients.
- Unique multidisciplinary medical and rehab team providing treatment to patients in chronic pain.
- Partial view of concrete building.
What was done:
- Warm and inviting, Zen look and feel in reception area.
- Soothing colours and materials, clean lines with soft drapery.
- Special attention to lighting for migraine sufferers.
- Practical yet beautiful finishes in high traffic areas.
Results: A beautiful healing space that is calming and comfortable for staff and patients with specific needs.
"We continue to get compliments from our patients about the layout and decor. The setting is both calming and pleasant for our patients and efficiently laid out for the staff. The entire process was carefully described and our options thoroughly explained at every step. Donna and her staff delivered that extra attention to detail that you just don't seem to get these days."
Dr. Michael Zitney
Aisling Discoveries Autism Services
Project: Autism Treatment Centre to house children’s therapy, gross motor activities and parent consultations.
Space: 15,000 square feet.
Challenges:
- Individuals with autism are typically much more sensitive to sensory stimulation and more easily distracted from learning activities.
- Create an energy efficient, environmentally sustainable space for the children and families.
- Work within the constraints of a very tight budget comprised of a small tenant improvement allowance and a loan from Aisling Discoveries’ charitable foundation.
What was done:
- The design was informed by the expertise of the project team in creating healthy learning spaces for children with autism. Great care was taken in material selection and design.
- Development to minimize sensory overstimulation. Whimsical features were strategically infused to suit kids of all ages.
- Design decisions such as plumbing and light fixture choices reflect a balance between the clients’ learning needs, environmental goals, cost, and maintenance considerations. Over 45% of the existing partitions, doors, ceilings and millwork were re-used.
Results:A playful, healthy and cost efficient environment for children with autism and their families.
"You have done a great job designing our new space at Middlefield -- you are amazing! The colours are super -- bright and cheerful yet very calming. Thanks for creating this for us!!!!"
VenGrowth Capital Partners
Corporate redesign to reflect new Brand
Client: Toronto investment company required a sophisticated, professional environment.
Space: 3 floors, 40,000 square feet.
Challenges:
- Aggressive project schedule.
- Project cost to remain within the tenant allowance.
- Client desired a gymnasium but landlord concerned about sound transmission.
What was done:
- Planning, design concept and budget developed in parallel accelerated the process.
- Timeless, elegant materials created sophisticated new look in high profile areas.
- Conservative, quality finishes controlled costs.
- Oversized pivot doors expanded space between boardroom and reception area.
- Gym floor raised, rubber tiles and insulated partition provided noise and vibration barrier.
Results: A beautiful space, in character with company’s sophisticated new brand, all within budget.
100 Yonge Street Lobby
Interior landscape adds warmth and beauty to office tower
Client: Gistex Inc.
Space: Main Floor Lobby at 100 Yonge Street.
Challenges:
Lobby was striking, with beautiful vaulted ceilings, granite and glass materials, but felt cold and uninviting.
What was done:
- Stainless steel planters with greenery infill the spaces between columns and infuse some natural material at human scale.
- Exotic multi tiered trees provide interest and texture.
- A welcoming seating area with classic furnishings and custom area rug provides an elegant touch down space.
Results: An already beautiful lobby now invites its occupants to rest and enjoy its ambiance, now enhanced and rejuvenated by its new landscaping.
