Day care center for persons with disabilities 27+

The building’s design is based on synesthesia, a neurological phenomenon where sensory input automatically triggers experiences in other senses. In ancient Greece, this intertwining of senses was captured by the single word “synesthesia” – combining “syn” (together) and “aisthesis” (perception). This means that some individuals, synesthetes, might simultaneously see the shape of a melody, assign colors to numbers, or perceive objects through taste. The possibilities are extensive, and recent research indicates that the most prevalent type of synesthesia involves associating colors with letters or numbers. The unifying characteristic among all center users is the simultaneous engagement of multiple senses (often compensating for a deficiency in one) to perceive space differently. These senses aren’t necessarily the typical ones; any stimulus can be processed as a unique experience. The common thread in all synesthetic experiences is their individuality. Ultimately, regardless of physical abilities, we all uniquely experience the world, and by sharing our diverse perspectives, we enrich it. Inspired by the traditional Montenegrin house, with its regular layout and four-pitched roof, the building’s geometry has been thoughtfully deconstructed and modified along the X, Y, and Z axes. This process has yielded a structure that, while possessing a unique and irregular form, stands apart from its surroundings yet remains compositionally linked to its origins. The chosen materials help to integrate the building into the existing architectural context. The entrance and administration areas occupy two visible stories, featuring a facade of white silicate render, while the user accommodation section is clad in wood.
Location
Montenegro
City
Berane
Area
780,48 m2
Year
2023
Status
Design

In the pursuit of inclusion and equality for people with disabilities, conceptual design was developed in accordance with universal design principles.  Universal design creates products, environments, and services accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of ability, age, or other characteristics. Therefore, universal design promotes an environment free from discrimination. This design is based on seven guiding principles: equitable use - ensuring accessibility for all users regardless of ability; flexibility in use - allowing for intuitive use of products and services in various environments; simple and intuitive – effectively conveying necessary information to users under diverse conditions and sensory capabilities; error tolerance – minimizing the risks and negative consequences of accidental actions; efficient and comfortable use – allowing for comfortable and efortless use of products and services; appropriate size and space – providing adequate size and space for access, manipulation, and use regardless of user size, posture, or mobility.

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Given the specialized services this center will offer to individuals with disabilities, the guiding principles have been adapted for the building’s intended use. The authors have thoroughly identified the target groups, resulting in the following categories: people with partial or complete vision impairment, people with partial or complete hearing impairment, people with mobility limitations, people with dyslexia, dyscgraphia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, people with ADHD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, people with Down syndrome, and autistic individuals. After identifying and analyzing the seven principles of universal design, the authors adapted and refined them into five principles for designing spaces accessible to people with disabilities.

The core principles included intuitive spatial design, optimizing hallway widths, creating clear visual pathways, and ensuring easy navigation; the use of tactile surfaces and spatial indicators, such as varied flooring, to enhance sensory experience; adaptable spaces to accommodate diverse needs, with user involvement in the design process; functional zoning for improved orientation; and acoustic design that supports openness, visual flow, and flexible seating arrangements, while also providing appropriate sound isolation.

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Gallery

Credits

Authors
Nikola Radović, Sonja Milićević, Kristina Radović, Nina Simović
Copyright
NRA Atelier