Disable | Enable

DIS EN

ABLE

Allison M. Zuck

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Allison Zuck Design Thinking, Fall 2015 A Degree Project Proposal Washington University in Saint Louis Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Graduate Architecture & Urban Design Advisor Jesse Vogler Assistant Malia Kalahele

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CONTENTS

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Disable | Enable

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Invisible Disability

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ADA Studies

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Program Proposal

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Site Investigation

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Bibliography

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Designers, and society as a whole, feel a level of discomfort with disabilities, stemming from misunderstanding. Design and physical space, in turn, reflects this discomfort.

Disabled people do not have fundamentally different needs than abled people, it is the means by which they go about meeting these needs that differs.

If we shed this discomfort, we can meet the needs of people of all abilities in one, cohesive design.

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DIS•A•BLE

verb (of a disease, injury, or accident) limit (someone) in their movements senses or activities.

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EN•A•BLE

verb to give (someone or something) the authority or means to do something.

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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT 2015 Marks the 25th Anniversary of the passage of the ADA. The ADA imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations in order to prevent discrimination against people with mental and or physical disabilities.

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Nearly 1 in 2 Americans live with a chronic condition, or disability.

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19 in 20 people with a chronic disability live with a condition that is not immediately visible.

Despite their prevalence, hidden disabilities are frequently overlooked as able bodied people may not understand or be willing to acknowledge a problem they cannot see evidence of in a visible way.

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Many people with invisible disabilities transition between abilities, sometimes on a daily basis, depending on the severity and symptoms of their particular condition.

Because they may be or appear fully “able� on some days, they meet resistance when searching for accommodation.

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ADA AND INVISIBLE DISABILITY Existing ADA design components are most frequently used as “addons” to allow a space to meet the minimum code requirements.

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Braille / Touch Guidance

Handrails / Supports

Lifts / Physical Accessibility

Bathroom Accessibility

Included in ADA

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Vi su a He lly I ar mp i De ng aire pr I mp d e An ssi aire xie on d PT t y SD Ch ro n AD ic P HD ain In fla m Ce ma to lia r c Eh Di y Bo s le ea w rs el s Di Fib -Da e se n ro l as o e Lu my s S pu alg yn ia dro s Ar m th e rit Ep is ile p As sy th m En a do m Di et ab rio e Au tes sis tis m De ve CO lop PD me nt al He Di ar sa t bi M Dis lit ul y tip eas le e Sc le ro sis

ADA AND INVISIBLE DISABILITY Current design does not address additional unique spacial needs that allow people with hidden disabilities to comfortably interact with their surroundings.

Design components should instead be treated as integral pieces of a project, necessary for addressing the intersection between the needs of the abled and disabled.

Design should not leave disabled people to feel as if their presence and their desire to fully utilize a space is a burden or an afterthought.

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a He lly I ar mp i De ng aire pr Imp d e An ssi aire xie on d PT ty SD Ch ro n AD ic P HD ain In fla m Ce ma to lia r c Eh Di y Bo le sea w rs el s Di Fib -Da e se n ro lo as m e Lu y s S a y pu lg n ia dro s Ar m th e rit Ep is ile p As sy th m En a do m Di et ab rio e Au tes sis tis m De ve CO lop PD me nt al He Di ar sa tD bi M lit ul isea y tip se le Sc le ro sis

Vi su Defined Textures Clearly Demarcated Instructions Manageable Surroundings Frequent Places to Sit and Rest Soft / Comfortable Surroundings Open Surroundings Sensitivity to Extreme Temperatures Flashing / Colored Lights Well - Lit Surroundings Natural Light Clean Air Audible Instruction Lack of “Layered” Noise Lack of Sudden / Loud Noises Quiet Atmosphere Difficulty Sleeping Dietary Restrictions

Excluded in ADA 21

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Design should not leave disabled people to feel as if their presence and their desire to fully utilize a space is a burden or an afterthought.

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SPACIAL SIZING

ADA Requirements

The minimum requirements for spacial dimensions are determined by the dimensions of a wheelchair.

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SPACIAL SIZING

Integrated Design

Design restrictions outlined by the ADA only address people with physical disabilities, with preference given to those who are wheelchair bound.

Space acts on the human experience in very complex ways, beyond simply physical navigation.

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For example, people with emotional disorders may be very sensitive to small spaces. Feelings of claustrophobia or confinement are frequently triggers for panic and anxiety attacks.

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Personal, Pop up Space for Anxiety

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Inversely, small, familiar surroundings can evoke comfort and prevent someone from becoming overwhelmed.

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INTERACTION WITH SPACE ADA Defined Requirements Handrails are required on stairs, ramps exceeding a 6 inch rise, and ramps exceeding a slope of 1:20.

Slope are designed to allow wheelchair users to easily navigate them.

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INTERACTION WITH SPACE Integrated Design Handrails are currently designed as add-ons to protrude into space.

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Instead, handrails can be integrated into wall trim.

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INTERACTION WITH SPACE Integrated Design In Times Square, a single bench design by Snøhetta allows users to interact by sitting, leaning, or reclining. The benches are also placed to help organize and direct pedestrian traffic to reduce the chaotic atmosphere of the space.

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INTERACTION WITH SPACE Integrated Design In Robson Square, in Vancouver, an accessible ramp is incorporated into the stair design so that all users share the same experience.

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TEXTURE

ADA Defined Requirements Requirements primarily focus on the proper use of braille and sign placement.

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TEXTURE

ADA Defined Requirements Surface texture is focused on roll resistance for wheelchairs and warning users of changes in grade.

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TEXTURE

Integrated Design Tactile cues help to orient the visually impaired within a space and allow them safe mobility.

The use of textured material allows them experience of the atmosphere of a space.

Textures also help to ground someone with anxiety, and can be used during an anxiety or panic attack to focus.

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Braille on railings can be used to convey information to users in a more integrated way.

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Stair treads help to establish secure footing. They can be integrated into step design rather than placed on existing steps.

Floor grooves that alert the visually impaired of changes in level while also allowing traction can be integrated into the textural design of the floor.

Signs with both braille and elevated lettering should be routinely oriented to aid the visually impaired.

Elevated and textured plans can help to orient and explain a space to the visually impaired.

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POOL ACCESS

ADA Defined Requirements The ADA outlines add on design methods to allow handicap users pool access.

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POOL ACCESS

Integrated Design Instead of adding a ramp onto design, slope can be incorporated into the landscape to allow wheelchair users to access water features.

This would also facilitate use by users with invisible disabilities that have difficulty navigating stairs or a steep pool edge or who may need to gradually submerge themselves.

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VIRGINIA G. PIPER Sports and Fitness Center for Disabled People Baldinger Architectural Studio

72’

SPOFIT Center 45,000SF

Disability Empowerment Center

108’

Site Accessibility Exterior Pool | 7800SF Accessible space 48

Accessible Site: Flat or sloped exterior access, no stairs to circumnavigate.

Wheelchair Lift Chair Lift Ramp Access 49

16’

54’

31.5’

36’

Sports and Fitness Center for Disabled People Baldinger Architectural Studio

85.5’

VIRGINIA G. PIPER

Fitness Space | 4600SF Interior Track 108’

126’

54’

76.5’

54’

Community Space Admin | 1800SF Locker Room | 2000SF Rock Wall 50

Open Gym | 1400SF

Simplified, open plan design. Walking distances and sharp corners minimized.

Climbing Wall and Gym Affiliation: Open double gym space to allow maximum use with surrounding ramps and walkways, second story track.

Climbing wall communicates directly with the gym

Gym components are made to be used with equal ease by both able bodied and the disabled.

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SUM•MIT

noun 1 The highest point of attainment or aspiration. verb 2 To overcome, to prevail over.

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SUM•MIT CENTER

noun 1 A place where disabilities are overcome.

2 A place where people of all abilities can equally

engage in their environment.

3 A place for emotional therapy and physical

fitness.

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SUMMIT CENTER

The traditional fitness center is largely inaccessible to physically disabled people, but also to emotionally and socially disabled people.

The Summit Center is an inclusive space where the needs of all abilities are integrated into the design.

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Lap Pool Submersion

Large Open Pool Small Pools Hot Tub

Therapy

Sauna Adaptable Climbing Wall Large Climbing Walls

Fitness

Open Gymnasium Track Cross-Use Machines

Texture

Classroom Space Locker Rooms Meeting Spaces

Support

Atmosphere

Offices Administration Pathways

Space

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Wood

ersion m b Su

SUMMIT CENTER

Large Open Pool

Hot Tub

The use of textures will be integrated into the facility design in order to enhance the existing components.

Small Pools Lap Pool

Sauna

Stone Locker Rooms

Wat er

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Therap y

Wate r

Stone

Adaptable Climbing Wall

Classroom Space

Fitness

Pathways

Large Climbing Walls

Track

Open Gymnasium

d Woo

Cross-Use Machines

Meeting Spaces Offices

Administration Support 57

SUMMIT CENTER PROGRAM Submersion 15,000 SF • Warm and cool pools of varying scales.

• Water as a dynamic tactile element.

• Running water as a soothing element to guide meditation and relaxation.

• Water submersion as a means of relaxation.

• Water as exercise and physical therapy, buoyancy and impact reduction allows exercise to a wider range of abilities.

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AQUA T

IC 15

,000

SF

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SUMMIT CENTER PROGRAM Rock 5,000 SF • Adaptive Climbing wall.

• Rock and pseudo rock as both an anchoring tactile presence and an opportunity for fitness.

• Surrounding integrated walking track / space.

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TRAC

K

ROCK 5,000 SF

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SUMMIT CENTER PROGRAM Fitness 10,000 SF • Open gymnasium • Fitness room with typical machines and adapted machines to accommodate people with disabilities.

• Classroom space and smaller rooms for fitness classes of various sizes and private use to accommodate all levels of comfort.

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FITNE

SS 3,

GYM

/ MIX

ED 7,

000 S

F

000 S

F

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SUMMIT CENTER PROGRAM Support 10,000 SF • Office / rental space for local disability organizations.

• Summit Center administration

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TAL N E

CE SPA

0 ,50

SF

4

R

LOCK E

R 4,0

00 SF

ADM

IN 1,

800 S

F

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SUMMIT CENTER PROGRAM

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AL NT

CE A P S

0 ,50

SF

4

TRAC

K

ROCK 5,000 SF

RE

AQUA T

IC 15

FITNE

SS 3,

GYM

/ MIX

ED 7,

,000

SF

000 S

F

000 S

F LOCK E

R 4,0

00 SF

ADM

IN 1,

Total: 40,000 SF

800 S

F

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SUMMIT CENTER PROGRAM ADJACENCIES AND SCALABILITY

Program components are shifted and adapted to address the widest range of users. People can access all program components at a scale and occupancy they are comfortable with.

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Fitness Gymnasium Sauna

Sauna

Hot Pool

Hot

Fitness Room

Pool Climbing

Pool

Climb

Locker

Fitness Room

Main Pool Olympic Specifications Locker

Pool

Fitness Room

Climb

Hot

Admin

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Natural and man made rock for climbing and as a building element.

PROGRAM TEXTURES Wood as a building element and to integrate friction into pathways

Water as an element for physical and therapeutic use as well as a design element for visual, tactile, and auditory aesthetic.

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CONCEPT

To cut away at rock to create a sheltered oasis.

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CONCEPT

Excavation and modulation of the ground plane to achieve a variety of spacial effects to accommodate multiple different uses.

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CONCEPT

To pile and build upward to create a tactile wall.

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CONCEPT

Escalation and modulation of the ground plane to achieve a variety of spacial effects to accommodate multiple different uses.

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City Edge

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SITE

Bluff Edge

Saint Louis Bluffs

Intersection of river, rock, and city edge.

Rail

River

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SAINT LOUIS BLUFFS

The site is located in the interstitial space between the Carondelet neighborhood and the Mississippi River.

The site is situated looking over the river, but is disconnected from the river by the steep bluff line and the railroad track

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ff L

e

e

ine

Ed g

Riv er Ed g

Blu

Cit y

NEIGHBORHOOD SECTION

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SITE PROGRESSION

Visitors will progress from the city into a site that enhances the natural surroundings.

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Site Boundaries 87

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te a t s

SITE ACCESS

r te n I

.5

m

i

The site is easily accessible by both private and public transportation.

xit 1

m

i

es E Bat

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Interstate Proximity

dw ay roa SB St

.5

.5

m

i

m

i

Ba tes

Major Street Proximity

i m 1

i m 1

Vi rg in ia

Av e

73 40

Bus Proximity

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NATURAL CONTEXT The site communicates directly with the bluff line and the river edge.

While close to the larger Carondelet Park, it sits on axis with Bellerive Park.

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POPULATION CONTEXT Carondelet is largely a residential area with a large potential user population.

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POPULATION DRAW Carondelet contains a number of community based programs pulling a diverse population that would contain users with disability needs.

In addition to retirement and other assisted living facilities, other programs that would draw a diverse population include churches and education facilities.

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Intersection of natural bluff and river with Industry

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INDUSTRIAL CONTEXT

In the same way that the fitness center is stigmatized as inaccessible, the industrial backdrop lends an air of inaccessibility for the site to overcome.

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INDUSTRIAL TEXTURE Brick manufacturing building Large scale corrugated metal of shipping containers carried on the river and waiting in manufacturing lots for shipping

Barge exteriors weathered by the Mississippi

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Bibliography

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Washington, D.C.: Dept. of Justice, 2010. Print.

“Adaptive Recreation and Fitness Facilities Set an Example for All - Athletic Business.” Athletic Business. Athletic Business, 2015. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.

"Designing for Autism: More Able Not Less Disabled." ArchDaily. ArchDaily, 07 Dec. 2011. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.

“Invisible Disabilities: List & Information.” Disabled World. Disabled World, 2015. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.

Rhodes, Margaret. “The Benches Are the Coolest Part of Times Square’s Redesign.” Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 28 Nov. 2015.

"Sport and Fitness Center for Disabled People / Baldinger Architectural Studio." ArchDaily. ArchDaily, 15 Jan. 2015. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.

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Additional Image Citations Page 35

http://www.wired.com/2015/10/the-benches-are-the-coolest-part-of-times-squares-redesign/#slide-1

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http://www.leit-und-orientierungssysteme.de/1/wayfinding-orientation-guidance/model-series/barrier-free-signage/ http://www.floormats.co.uk/clear-stair-treads http://spcsigns.com/signs/ada-signage http://moviespix.com/it-hasnt-happened-yet.html.

Page 48-50 http://www.archdaily.com/587732/sport-and-fitness-center-for-disabled-people-baldinger-architectural-studio

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http://www.archdaily.com/587732/sport-and-fitness-center-for-disabled-people-baldinger-architectural-studio http://www.athleticbusiness.com/adaptive-recreation-and-fitness-facilities-set-an-example-for-all.html#!/ccomment-comment=1012

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http://www.archdaily.com/13358/the-therme-vals

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http://www.bemidjistate.edu/services/campus-recreation/outdoor-program-center/facilities/climbing-wall/ http://homedecorfashions.com/house-decorations/indoor-track-and-lots-of-plants-at-the-office-wellbeing-at-work-indeed-emre-dorter/

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http://www.athleticbusiness.com/fitness-training/outfitting-fitness-areas-to-serve-disabled-populations.html

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http://hellogiggles.com/the-five-people-you-meet-at-yoga/yoga-class-tree-pose_full/

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