designing for special needs children
DESCRIPTION
Architects and architecture play a critical role in creating an inviting and safe atmosphere for the end user, but they are not clairvoyant about client culture. Organizations are best served and more likely to achieve their desired outcome by spending time educating designers about their organizational culture, vision and what will spell success when the project is completed. The more information about the organization concerning outcomes and results that can be conveyed before the design phase even commences, the more likely the desired outcome will be achieved. It was my privilege to present some of these ideas at the Texas Society of Architects in Austin.TRANSCRIPT
DESIGNING
FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
Texas Society of Architects Annual ConventionOctober 20, 2007
INTRODUCTION
Steve Souter, AIAManaging PartnerMARMON MOK
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIESTO ARCHITECTS
Accessibility
Safety
Increased Independence
Stimulates Mobility
Provides Appropriate Privacy
Encourages Interaction
Provides Access to Recreation and Stimulation
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL DESIGN
Understand the Program
Participate in Activities With the Kids
Understand the Treatment Philosophy
Understand the Physical and Psychological
Challenges – Try to Put Yourself in Their Place
Unique Skills
Patience and Understanding
Many Facilities are Non-Profits
Strong Dedication –Become Trusted Advisor
Design for Family
Rewarding Experiences
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL DESIGN
HOW WE DEVELOPED PRACTICE SPECIALIZATION
Grew Out Of Healthcare
Range Of Practice Opportunities
Special Considerations
Interest in Community Service
Licensure/Certification Programs
Regulatory Considerations
Fundraising/Grant Process
Non-Profit Boards
SOUTHWEST MENTAL HEALTH CENTER (SMHC)
Children’s psychiatric hospital – history dates
back to 1886
SMHC is the only private non-profit children’s
hospital in South Texas
CASE STUDIES –TWO OF TEXAS’ MOST RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
CASE STUDIES –TWO OF TEXAS’ MOST RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP (TLC)
One of the best known camping facilities for
children with special needs in the U.S.
Founded in 1949, TLC provides summer camping
opportunities for children who have physical
disabilities, diabetes, and cancer
CASE STUDY #1
Geoff Gentry, PhD.Director of Clinical ServicesSOUTHWEST MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
CASE STUDY #2
Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAEExecutive Director TEXAS LIONS CAMP
THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR NON-PROFIT, NOT “NO-PROFIT”
• In most instances, designing for children with disabilities means you will be working with a non-profit organization.
• Non-profit does not mean that organizations described under 501 (c)(3), (c)(4), & (c)(6) are prohibited from making a profit.
• Non-profit means that the earnings do not inure to the benefit of an individual or stock-holder.
• Earnings will be used in pursuit of the organization’s stated mission and purpose rather than “profit.”
THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR NON-PROFIT, NOT “NO-PROFIT”
• Currently, there are ~1.5 million non-profits in the U.S.
• Aggregate annual revenues in excess of $750 Billion
• Roughly 15% of the Gross National Product.
• Employing an estimated 13 million people in the U.S. alone.
• Annual employment growth rate of 2.5%, while their for-profit counterparts experience a 1.8% employment growth rate.
THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR NON-PROFIT, NOT “NO-PROFIT”
• To state the obvious, a growing sector has many “growing” needs that must be professionally managed.
• As architects, you are one of the most important partners our sector relies upon to ensure rapid growth results in longevity and continued health.– Current and future donors will give commensurately with their
confidence in an organization.– Confidence is built after a gift is made and the administration of the gift
is complete.– The mission of an organization can be enhanced (or threatened) as new
buildings and construction projects emerge.
• For TLC, appearance is everything. Imagine if parents came to drop off their children, and there were broken windows, dilapidated facilities and safety concerns.
• Our architects are also on our front line of defense against litigation.
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS515 ACRES, KERRVILLE, TEXAS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSHEART OF OPERATION – DINING, SWIMMING, INFIRMARY
TLC AMPHITHEATRE – BEFORECelebrating Achievement
TLC AMPHITHEATRE – AFTERCelebrating Achievement
TLC AMPHITHEATRE – AFTERCelebrating Achievement
TLC AMPHITHEATRE – AFTERCelebrating Achievement – Now an Organization’s Icon!
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSDINING HALL – FROM THIS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSDINING HALL – TO THIS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSDINING HALL – FROM THIS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSDINING HALL – TO THIS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSAccessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSAccessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSAccessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSAccessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSAccessible Boat Launch/Storage
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSBOARDS OF DIRECTORS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSDONORS – FUEL BEHIND THE PROJECTS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSDONORS – FUEL BEHIND THE PROJECTS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSDONORS – FUEL BEHIND THE PROJECTS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSPicnic Area
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSPicnic Area
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSJr. Olympic - Swimming Pool
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSJr. Olympic - Swimming Pool
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSJr. Olympic - Swimming Pool
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSJr. Olympic - Swimming Pool
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSKIDS ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS…
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSKIDS ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS…
TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUSHelpful Deliverables
• Digital Concept Designs• Blue prints/Design elements
in .pdf• Half sized blue prints• Minutes of Meetings• Web pages & digital photographs
DESIGN AT ITS FINEST!