PROJECT TITLE
Adult Day Care Center
AUTHOR
Adair Thorn Bowen, Ph.D.
Baylor University
Waco, TX
adair_bowen@baylor.edu
PROJECT LEVEL
Second/Third Year
ABSTRACT
Students collaborate with community health care
providers of adult day services and related campus disciplines (i.e. Gerontological
Studies) to create an environment that will contribute to the health,
safety, and welfare of a special and diverse population.
OBJECTIVES
• To gain proficiency in the development
of a written program based on extensive research (i.e. literature review,
interviews, observation, lectures).
• To develop a greater awareness of the field of health care
design.
• To interact with other campus disciplines (i.e. Gerontological
Studies) and community health care providers in providing data.
• To create a new, specialized environment in an existing space
(adaptive reuse).
• To develop proficiency incorporating national codes, life
safety codes, and ADA requirements.
• To recognize and supply standards and guidelines as set forth
by governing agencies for adult day care facilities.
• To gain proficiency in space adjacency analysis.
• To utilize schematic drawings to show the progressive development
of the design solution.
• To address lighting issues for special populations.
• To enhance space planning and furniture layout skills.
• To improve furniture, materials, and finish selection skills
for a special population.
• To develop sensitivity to the third dimension with the construction
of a color-rendered flip-up presentation model of specified space.
• To gain proficiency in graphic and verbal presentation skills.
CRITERIA
Project Format: This project was designed
for a beginning commercial design studio. It is categorized as nonresidential
and is an example of adaptive reuse of an existing facility. The design
of an adult day care center addresses the growing need for the creation
of healthy environments to serve special adult populations. The project
involves the students in all phases of the design process from research
to the formal design solution and formal presentation.
Problem Statement: A large metropolitan church
in an affluent area of Houston, Texas has received a sizable monetary
gift in honor of a long-time church member. The funds have been designated
for the design and development of an adult day care center that will occupy
the vacated space at the end of the east wing of the original church school
building. This site was selected because of the adjoining tree-shaded
fenced area to the east, which will allow for outdoor activities. A covered
drop-off area is on the north side. The donor, church board, and future
day care director would like this center to serve as a model (state-of-the-art
facility) for other centers with the need of adult day care facilities
increasing as the population ages. (See footprint)
The architectural board at the church has hired your design firm to creatively
address issues related to lighting, use of color, acoustical needs, wayfinding/signage,
and accessibility within the space as they relate to the health, safety,
and welfare of the users and caregivers. They would like a very comfortable,
home-like environment designed to serve the needs of adults with various
impairments and disabilities. Only individuals in the very early stages
of dementia will be able to participate. Those in more advanced stages
will require a facility with more assisted care. The space will serve
as many as 25 to 30 adults ("participants" as they are referred
to at the center) and a staff of 5 to 8 (nurse and assistant, director,
assistant director, volunteer staff, and cook/dietitian at a given time.
The specified areas used by participants should be designed for ease of
observation by staff at all times.
The available space is a 3750 square foot rectangular area (slab on grade)
with a 10 foot high, 2'x2' acoustical tile ceiling. The desired square
footage of each space listed below is a close approximation based on need.
Because the specified areas should be easily defined and accessible, some
circulation may be incorporated into open space. All doors are standard,
metal-framed, three foot wide exterior doors with a glazed inset. Windows
are 3'x5' metal-framed, single sash and set at 18 inches AFF.
All spaces must be ADA compliant and meet standards and guidelines as
set forth by the National Institute on Adult Day Care, Washington D.C.,
National Council on Aging. Life Safety Code, SBC/ICC, and local building
codes should be addressed.
Project Requirements
1. ENTRANCE (Welcome area): (50 sq. ft.) small table for sign-in/small
chair or bench
2. PERSONAL STORAGE AREA "CUBBIES": (130 sq. ft.) 30 "cubbies" for
personal belongings with area to hang coats or wraps
3. DIRECTOR'S OFFICE: (180 sq. ft.) desk with return for computer,
executive chair, 42" four-drawer lateral file, small bookcase, one side
chair, small conference table to accommodate four
4. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/SECRETARIAL SUPPORT/VOLUNTEERS: (130 sq. ft.)
desk with return for computer, one desk chair, copier, fax, standard four-drawer
file cabinet, small credenza/bookcase
5. BREAK ROOM FOR STAFF: (120 sq. ft.) kitchenette with under counter
refrigerator, small sink, microwave, small table, comfortable seating
for two or three at a time, secure personal storage area
6. MAIN ACTIVITY AREA: large, flexible open space (750 sq. ft.)
socializing, exercising, special programs, etc.; flexible seating arrangements
with small sofas, chairs easily repositioned to meet specific needs (include
recliners), portable wall partition may be used, one to two game tables
to accommodate four chairs each, television alcove
7. QUIET AREA: reading/resting area (200 sq. ft.) comfortable seating
for 8 to 10 (include at least three to four recliners)
8. NURSE'S STATION: (300 sq. ft.) 12 linear feet of counter area
with upper and lower cabinets, a small sink, and a lowered desk area 30"
in height by 42" wide, 2 side chairs, two-drawer file in base cabinet,
a small private treatment area with bed and bedside table, bathroom area
with accessible water closet, shower to accommodate a wheelchair, and
lavatory
9. PERSONAL CARE AREA: (100 sq. ft.) small sink, station for hair
care with mirror, portable cart for storage
10. RESTROOMS FOR PARTICIPANTS:
MALE: (120-135 sq. ft.) three stalls (two barrier-free, allowing space
for personal assistance), one urinal, two sinks, and one hand-dryer
FEMALE: (135-165 sq. ft.) four stalls (two barrier-free, allowing space
for personal assistance), two sinks, and one hand-dryer
11. RESTROOM FOR STAFF AND VISITORS: (42 sq. ft.) water closet,
lavatory, hand dryer
12. KITCHEN/DINING AREA/CRAFT AREA: (600 sq. ft.)
FULL-SIZE KITCHEN: range with convection oven, large refrigerator/freezer,
double sink, microwave, upper and base cabinets with a lowered counter
area at a height of 30" by 42" wide, small pantry area, an area for serving
is desirable
* Kitchen should provide enough privacy to ensure the safety of
participants.
DINING AREA: four to five 48" round pedestal tables to accommodate up
to six chairs (a sturdy, stackable type with arms)
CRAFT AREA: activities will take place in the dining area
* While most lunch meals are catered in, snacks in the morning and
afternoon are prepared on site. A full-time cook/dietitian may be hired
in the future.
13. STORAGE: (120 sq. ft.) Storage should be easily accessible to
main activity area and kitchen/dining/craft area. This space is primarily
used for storage of tables and chairs, craft supplies, and equipment for
various activities. Include 24 linear feet of open shelving.
14. WASHER/DRYER/CLEANING SUPPLIES: Creatively incorporate a small
area for emergency needs. Linens are supplied daily through a service.
Daily cleaning is provided.
15. WATER FOUNTAIN OR COOLER: adjacent to main Activity Area
CIRCULATION: meet all necessary requirements - main circulation paths
may overlap open areas. Allow 25% of available space for circulation.
Plan creatively!
PROCESS
Design Analysis - Research and Programming:
Phase I - Research
1. introduce project
2. research adult day care via periodicals, journals, brocures,
and websites (min. three web citations) - prepare literature review
3. visit Gerontological Studies - interview professor and discuss
issues related to aging (psychological, sociological, and physiological
needs and changes)
4. visit two to three existing adult day care centers - observe,
sketch, interview healthcare providrs discuss findings
5. develop written program
Phase II - Concept Development
1. create adjacency matrix based on research and project requirements
2. further develop concept by listing fifty descriptive words or
phrases that describe the space - crate word analogies and concept squares
(Leigh, 1999)
Design Synthesis:
Phase III -
Design Development
1. begin preliminary schematics - bubble diagrams, block plans
2. refine space planning and furniture/equipment layout
3. select materials and finishes as specified
4. complete graphic ideation of interior, including flip-up model
5. prepare presentation layout
6. complete all project requirements
Formal Presentation
PRESENTATION
FORMAL WRITTEN PROGRAM in three-ring binder. Include
pockets with all schematics. Include documentation of all research.
BOARD LAYOUTS TO INCLUDE
1. floor plans of spatial layout of specified
areas —1/8" = 1'
2. floor plan/furniture plan —1/4" = 1'
3. color-rendered perspective of interior (must exemplify your design
concept)
4. sample board with materials and finishes for all floors, walls,
ceilings, window treatments, and built-ins
5. color-rendered flip-up model of main activity area —mount
on bloack foam core
6. reflected ceiling/lighting plan on mylar overlay —in pocket
on back of board
BOUND CLIENT PROGRAM TO INCLUDE
1. formal title page
2. design concept
3. concept statements - justifying the following recommendations:
color palette, lighting (be specific and detailed); acoustical concerns;
accessibility needs; signage and wayfinding; suggested furniture style/type,
finishes, and materials as best meet the needs of the users
4. reduced copy of floor plan with furniture layout
EVALUATION
30% Research
40% Design Development (Space Planning/Problem Solving)
10% Flip-up model of designed area
10% Visual/Verbal Presentation
10% Professionalism/Craftsmanship
100%
PROJECT LENGTH
Six to eight weeks
RESOURCES
About Adult Day Care. (1986). National institute
on adult day care. [Brochure]. Washington D.C.: National Council on
Aging, Inc.
American National Standards Institute, Inc. (1998). Accessible and
usable buildings and facilities. (ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998). New York:
Author.
Bush-Brown, A. & Davis, E. (1992). Adult day care centers. Hospitable
Design for Healthcare and Senior Communities. New York: Van Nostrand
Reinhold.
Harmon, S.K. (1994). The codes guidebook for interiors. New York:
Wiley & Sons.
Huelat, B. & Parimucha, J. (Speakers). (1992). Technical aspects of
healthcare interiors. San Diego, CA. Fifth National Symposium on Healthcare
Design.
Leibrock, C. (1993) Beautiful barrier-free: A visual guide to accessibility.
New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Leigh, K.E. (2000, March). Creativity and concept-based design: A system
for Learning. Paper presentation at the Interior Design Educators
Council, 2000 Conference, Calgary, Alberta.
Mace, R. (1991). The accessible housing design file. (Barrier Free
Environments, Inc.) New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Malkin, J. (1992). Health care design. ASID Professional Practice Manual.
New York: Whitney Library of Design
Marberry, S. & Zagon, L. (1995). The power of color: Creating healthy
interior spaces. New York: Wiley & Sons.
National Adult Day Services Association. (1997). Standards and guidelines
for adult day services. (3rd Ed.) Washington D.C.: National Council
on the Aging, Inc.
National Fire Protection Association. (1997). NFPA 101, Life safety
code. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.
Reznikoff, S. (1986). Interior graphic and design standards. New
York: Whitney Library of Design.
Seek, J. (1992). Health care design. ASID Professional Practice Manual.
New York: Whitney Library of Design.
Southern Building Code Congress International (1997). Standard building
code. Birmingham, AL: Author.
CREDITS
This project was developed after my involvement
with the Center for the Studies on Aging and personal research related
to the relationship of the physical environment and the behavior of older
adults. I also developed a presentation entitled, Adult Day Care Centers:
Interior Design Solutions That Contribute to the Health, Safety, and Welfare
of Users and Caregivers, which was presented at a conference for Adult
Day Services providers - June, 1996 (sponsored by The Center for the Studies
on Aging, University of North Texas).
DOCUMENTATION
Student Project
Handout
Board
1 Board
2 Board
3 Model
1
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