“The Imperfect Fit”

“Creating a Transitional Work Program Designed for Adults with Autism & the Trained Professionals That Teach and Care for them, located in Charlestown MA”

Alicia VenturaThesis II

Conceptual Design

Mentors: Maureen Finlay

BS in Civil Engineering & M.I.D.Amanda Riley

BS in Sociology /Master’s Program for Severe/Moderate Disabilities

Literature Review

- Understanding the challenges faced by both someone with autism and their professional aid.

- Understanding how to create an environment to aid these challenges and stressors.

Common Challenges of an Autistic Individual

Sensory Challenges

Social Challenges

Communication

Common Challenges faced by the Professional Aid

High Turnover Rates

Literature Conclusions

It was found that both autistic individual and the trained professional would benefit from:

Low Noise Pollution

Areas which provide comfort and low distraction levels

Proper Lighting:Artificial and Natural

To create an environment to aid the challenges and stressors faced by both

the autistic individual & the trained professional

A transitional live – in /work program aided by a trained professionals

Cyber Cafe

Support Classes

Program

Thesis

Location: 36 1st Avenue, Charlestown Navy Yard MA

Site: Catherine Filene Shouse Building / MGH

Exterior Views

Interior Views

Floor Plans

Section: Forth Floor

Plans / Sections

Public Spaces: Entry /Café, Offices, classrooms

Private Spaces: Living / Sleeping Quarters, Common Space

Key

VIEW DESIRED

IMMEDIATELY ADJACENTCLOSE & CONVIENT

ENTRANCE / EGRESS VISUAL & ACOUSTICAL PRIVACY

CONVIENT

Entrance

Café /FOH

Managerial Offices

BOH

Support Offices

Classrooms

Entrance

BedroomsCommon

Space

Bedrooms

Common Kitchen

Aid’s Overnight Shift Space

Bubbles

Concept Scheme 1 – Adaptation

Designing a space that adapts to its users

Adaptation: “ The process of change to better conform with environmental conditions or other external stimuli.”

2D Diagram - Adaptive Space

Concept Model

Concept Scheme 2 – Transition

Designing a space that will ease transitions

Transition: “The act of passing from one state or place to the next”

2D Diagram - Transitional Space

Concept Model

Concept Scheme 3 – ConvergenceConverge/ Convergence: “The occurrence of two or more things coming together.”

“To move from a state of having many concepts to a state of having a focus on, and understanding of ... “

2D Diagram – Converging Space

Concept Model

Designing a space where convergences make focused space