The goal of this project is to design a care center for people on the Autism spectrum to go during the day and learn, grow and become productive members of society. The center will aim for young adults and adults from 18-40 years of age to provide the people with Autism rehabilitative services, social programs and activities that focus on health promotion, employment and education.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by: Social impairments, Cognitive impairments, Communication difficulties, Repetitive behaviors. The center mainly targets individuals with high-functioning Autism to moderate Autism
The building site is located in the residential, commercial and industrial neighborhood of Testaccio in Rome, Italy. The area is characterized by its close proximity to the Tiber River along with its social housing units and former slaughterhouse. The project is located in one of the buildings of the slaughterhouse pavilions in the complex along with the adjacent outdoor area
Concept Statement: At Games for Care, the goal is for young adults on the spectrum to learn important life skills that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. This is achieved through the activity of games such as chess or solving puzzles to sporting activities like soccer, which allows for team collaboration, socialization and ability to make friends
Growing: Refers to the new life skills that they will learn through the games. Which includes working as a team and practicing a skill
Engaging: Activites are meant to keep people active and always having something to do. It also encourages socialization among peers
Calming: In the space, which houses a lot of activites, it is important to not overstimulate. The implementing of soft curves and biophilia will help soothe the environment and keep everyone more calm
The product on the right was used in the main indoor game area as flexible partitions that can be folded up and used for separation of each activity for privacy and ease of use
Function Precedents by Maria Giuseppina Grasso Cannizzo: These two projects are great examples of how a central element can divide a space up and force circulation. The two bathrooms create paths for the users to circulate. This concept is used in the space planning of the care center
