Unhindered
A Study of Movement Through The Woodbury University Campus
Inspired by crutch and cane users, a series of pavilions propose to utilize the location of preexisting handrails found throughout the campus to site and develop the design for pavilions. The programs include isolated study spaces, material and book swap spaces, and a café. The pavilions incorporate the requirements of the movement disabled but are designed for everyone. With this approach pavilions are extremely easy to access and clearly address the concept of universal design.
Further incorporating previous research studies, the pavilions utilize methods of construction discovered while performing material studies with Homasote and other sheet materials. Stemming from the creation of a wearable device that allows the user to sit and rest, the pavilions incorporate benches and resting areas allowing the movement disabled to take frequent breaks as they move up the hill of the campus.
Defining the Need of the Cane/Crutch User
In the application of designing spaces for the physically disabled and movement impaired, little beyond the standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require. These standards are a good start for the creation of spaces that are easily accessible, but they focus on the bare minimum for the users to get around. With the application of these standards little is done for the creative design aspect. Spaces are often designed for the more extreme physical disabilities, such as those confined to wheel chairs.
The standards set forth by the ADA require public structures to be easily accessible by everyone. The issue with this broad definition for people on crutches or using canes is that they are generally seen as not having an extreme disability as someone in a wheel chair. Thus it is assumed that the modifications made for those with more extreme disabilities is enough to compensate for them as well, this may not be the case. Modifications such as ramps, used for wheeled mobility, often adds extra time and distance traveled for someone on crutches, also the surfaces utilized on ramps needs to be such that it does not hinder the use of crutches. A positive modification to ramps though, is the installation of handrails at appropriate heights. This allows the users of canes to help support themselves while using the ramp.
Some modifications made for other disabilities are universal, the installation and use of objects such as automatic door openers and chair lifts make getting through doors and accessing higher floors easier for people on crutches and using canes.
Book-Swap / Reading Space
Located at the northern most pavilion is a book-swap / reading space. With an elevated seating area for reading, students can choose a book from among the hundreds on the shelves integrated into the louvered shading structure. Massive center hinged doors open at both ends of the structure, enabling directed cross breezes to pass through, cooling the space.
Materials Swap / Workstations
Located strategically, where the movement impaired would benefit the most, the pavilions attach themselves to pre-existing handrails. This also allows them to be used as rest points for the movement impaired because of the need for them to rest after long distances. With this in mind, all three pavilions incorporate seating into their design. An environmental issue also tackled by the design of the pavilions is the harsh San Fernando sun. To deal with the intense heat generated by the direct sunlight the southern facing façades are generated by utilizing slanted planks that allow indirect light into the structure, while blocking the rest. This allows the building to stay cool by direct the flow of wind and air and light. They metal mesh screen on the top of the southern façade also helps to absorb excess heat held by the structure. Designed to open air pavilions they can be totally enclosed with center pivot sliding doors for the occasional winter shower.
Cafe
Further incorporating previous research studies, the pavilions utilize methods of construction discovered while performing material studies with Homasote and other sheet materials. Stemming from the creation of a wearable device that allows the user to sit and rest, the pavilions incorporate benches and resting areas allowing the movement disabled to take frequent breaks as they move up the hill of the campus.