Mikado - Designing Harmony
The main concept for the Mikado redevelopment is an achievable level of independent living through personal growth and custodial care. In order to change Mikado patients into Mikado residents, Mikado must act as a junction between communities.
a shallow bathing pond. This bathing pond utilizes algae and bacteria eradicating plants rather than chemicals. To the South of the building is the neighborhood petting zoo. Through redevelopment, it is now united with Mikado park and connects the East and West of the complex.
With three types of housing designed for varying care needs, the urban plan supports a total of sixty-five housing units. Each housing type has its own public and private space. These spaces are connected to each other and the surrounding neighborhood through sight-lines and easily accessible pedestrian routes. Residents also have the option of semi - public space for their own terrace or patio area.
With their blue clay roofs, the C & G buildings have been redesigned both internally and externally for residents needing more constant custodial care. However, unlike the small cell living quarters that resided there before; the twenty new units give a more homely feel. Residents can also use the shared recreational space and kitchen. This integration will help to improve social skills while providing contact and guidance.
The varying types of housing environments are designed to be cognizant of the need for trigger limiting spaces for some residents. Within the complex are both socially inviting housing units such as D building as well as low stimulation units located in C & G buildings. This creates zones that respect the human scale as well as individual needs.
In order to create a realistic redesign for Mikado, building designs must be feasible. Utilizing tract housing for the new residences allows for clear financial planning as well as customizable design possibilities. The concept of motivating the community to help with the redesign and maintenance of Mikado is crucial. Through the introduction of inviting public places such as the park, water feature, and restaurant. The community will have an incentive to help keep Mikado charming. Whilst allowing the residents to build life skills and social skills, these places also provide locals with new and inviting incentives to embrace Mikado and its residents.
Building A can be seen as the heart of Mikado as well as the neighborhood. The exterior has been renewed with a fresh, bright visualization of the future of Mikado and of care. Just East of the administrative building is a recreational park. The park consists of a low maintenance grass with
The former D building that is now recognizable by its green clay roof, has undergone a major transformation internally as well as externally. The new glass facade on the first floor of the building opens up both to the lively new community square in front of it as well as the surrounding neighborhood, bonding the areas. The building contains a bike retail and repair store, as well a luncheonette/cafe. While these facilities feature amenities useful to the local community, they can also provide career opportunities and life skills learning to the residents of Mikado. This renewed functionality creates a healthy environment for interaction between the residents of Mikado and the surrounding community. The second floor features eight spacious 49 m2, independent apartment units. These “urban-style� living spaces are accessible both to able-bodied and handicap residents.
The interior of the Mikado terrain has been completely transformed by thirty - seven new housing units. The houses are arranged in a way to create a new urban framework. This shapes several cozy places, town squares, and streets. There are two green spaces; the public park and a second green space that features a vegetable garden. Residents can grow food for personal use and also for the new local luncheonette. The interiors and exteriors of the houses are designed in a traditional Dutch style; compact yet functional. On the first floor, there is a living room and open plan kitchen. The second-floor features a loft-style bedroom and bathroom that capitalizes on the natural light of the dormer windows. The rear of each housing unit features a large glass sliding door that is the focal point. This component softens the border between public and private space.