3. Transitioning to Independence
Nashville, Tennessee
Nicholas Salvatore Emma
Roger Williams University
Arch 613.01 | May 20, 2017
Nicholas Emma Date Andrew Cohen, AIA Date Stephen White, AIA Date
Graduate Student Professor of Architecture Dean of Architecture
4.
5. “There needs to be a lot more
emphasis on what a child can do
instead of what he cannot do.”
- Dr. Temple W. Grandin
11. Architecture should enhance people’s well-being. The space one lives, works, and enjoys should
be able to help advance their lives. Design of the building’s function should help increase their pur-
pose. For schools, children in the United States are not producing the type of education needed, as
compared to other countries. Part of the issue is to take a closer look at those with disabilities, such
as autism. Autism has become the fastest growing developmental disorder in the country. With a
phenomenon like this, there hasn’t been any concern to address the issue as the schooling for the
them to grow, develop, and become more independent.
INTRODUCTION
04
12.
13. -
ties can aid the problem. Distractions are a major factor that affects a child’s learning ability and
cognitive development. Disruptions mainly affect the sensory process; those with autism have a
very heightened sensory process due to the disorder. Autism continues to be a very complex disor-
der to understand, there is a wide spectrum one can fall into which determines the severity of the
disorder. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States, about
1 in 68 children have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is also predicted for
rates 30% higher in the future.
The most problematic issues are the sensory process, as they can become a distraction and can
cause outbursts. A buildings design is very crucial for people on the spectrum; as there are design
characteristics that can dull or eliminate these distractions, which will support their learning and
growing abilities. By catering to the sensory needs in the building’s design, and having the students
school. In a series of levels, the students will progress into their own independence.
The day of a student at the school should be resourceful and fun. Children with autism progress
at their own rate, so the school environment must cater to their level of growth. Learning can be
fun, its been proven that children learn better in an active environment; rather than retrained to
sitting in their chair, they should be able to move around in a non-interruptive manner to the rest
of the class. Children with autism also need therapy sessions to help with their other skills besides
learning; such as speech, physical, and interaction. These therapies have found success by using
various natural activities – swimming, horseback riding, running, and gymnastics. The students’
day should be fun, active, and engaging as it will hopefully progress their learning and development
as a person.
Project Statement
06
16. ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a
developmentally disability which causes
major social, communication, and behavioural
challenges. This disorder is nothing of how
people with ASD look, like down syndrome,
that distinct them from others. People
diagnosed may converse, interrelate, act, and
learn differently than others. There is a wide
range of abilities for people diagnosed, varying
from gifted to severely challenged. Based on
the severity one might have, they might need a
lot of help, while others need less help in their
the Autism Spectrum Disorder which includes
other conditions, such as autistic disorder,
pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS),
and Asperger’s syndrome.
09
17. About 1 in 68 children have been diagnosed
with ASD – and is predicted for 30% of higher
rates
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the U.S.
Occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
groups
About 5 times more common in boys (1 in 42)
than in girls (1 in 189)
10
18. 11
ASD
Signs + Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ASD can be separated into categories, social skills, communication,
and uncommon interests and behaviors. Development skills are different for everyone. People
progress at different rates of development with language, social, and learning skills; and they
progress at their own rate.
Social skills, which is the most common symptom, varies with different people; some might
want to be alone, while others want friends but don't undrstand how to develop friendships.
feelings.
Communcation skills are different for each person. Some individuals speak well, whicle others
might not speak at all, which typically involves 40% of children. People with ASD use language
language, such as facial expressions, gestures, and movements.
There can be some uncommon interests and behaviors with those diagnosed with ASD, such as
repetitive motions and activities. It has been found that having a regular routine can help with
the development process, but they might have an outburts if there is a change in a pattern.
There are other signs and symptoms associated with ASD, such as hyperactivity, impulivity,
short attention span, aggression, and unusual mood reactions with their senese. Each person
wth ASD is different, and they progress and develop at their own rate.
19. There is no medical test to diagnose, doctors examine behavior and development to make
diagnosis. By age 2, a diagnosis can be considered very reliable.
Developmental screening examines how a child learns, speaks, behaves, and moves with their
parents; a delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a probelm.
Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is a more thorough review that looks at a child's behavior
and development and interviewing the parents. It may include hearing and visual screening,
genetic testing, neurological testing, and other medical testing
Screening + Diagnosis
12
Pediatric Developmental Screening Flowchart
20. 13
ASD
Treatment
There are no medications to cure or treat primary symptoms of ASD, there are medications
to help people function better. Medications might not affect all children the same. Early
intervention services helps children from birth to 3 years old learn important skills with
therapies to help talk, walk, and interact with others. Research shows this treatment can
Types of Treatment:
- Behavior and Communcation Approaches
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Dietary Approaches
- Medication
21. Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Monitoring Network (ADDM)
Estimates the number of children with ASD and other
developmental disabilities in different parts of the U.S.
Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental
Disabilities Surveillance Program (MADDSP)
Diagnose children who have five or more
developmental disabilities in the metropolitan Atlanta
area
Centers for Autism and Developmental
Disabilities Research and Epidemiology
(CADDRE)
Regional centers of excellence for ASD and other
developmental disabilities
Study to Explore Early Development (SEED)
Largest study in U.S. to help identify factors that may
put children at risk for ASD and other developmental
disabilities
Autism Treatment Network (ATN)
Provides state-of-the-art autism-related information,
services, and support from renowned clinicians,
researchers, specialists, hospitals, and academic
institutions for families, medical professionals, and
researchers across North America
Research Programs
14
22. ASD
15
Sir Issac Newton
(1643 - 1727)
E n g l i s h p h y s i c i s t a n d
Dr. Eugen Bleuler
(1857 - 1939)
Swiss psychiatrist, contributions
to mental illness and terms
‘schizophrenia’ and ‘autism’
Albert Einstein
(1879 - 1955)
German theoretical physicist,
developed general theory of
relativity and E=mc2
Dr. Leo Kanner
(1894 - 1981)
Austrian psychiatrist, notable for
work with autism understanding
Dr. Bruno Bettelheim
(1903- 1990)
Austrian psychologist, notable
for work on psychoanalysis and
emotionally disturbed children
Temple Grandin
(1947 - Present)
American professor, advocate for
autism and has ASD
James Taylor
(1948 - Present)
American singer-songwriter, 5
time Grammy Award winner and
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer
Dan Aykroyd
(1952 - Present)
Canadian actor, Academy
Award Nomine stared in 'Blues
Brothers,' and 'Ghost Busters'
Bob and Suzanne Wright
(1943 - Present / 1967 - 2016)
Founders of advocacy group, Autism Speaks, after their grandson was
diagnosed with autism
23. 16
Howard Hughes
(1905 - 1976)
American business tycoon,
became one of the wealthiest in
the world of his time
Dr. Hans Asperger
(1906 - 1980)
Austrian doctor, notable for his
mental disorders studies and
Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis
Charles M. Schulz
(1922 - 2000)
American cartoonist, best known
for the comic strip “Peanuts,”
and the Charlie Brown character
Dr. Ivar Lovaas
(1927 - 2010)
N o r w e g i a n p s y c h o l o g i s t ,
of applied behavior analysis
Andy Warhol
(1928 - 1987)
American ar:st, a prominent
mem ber i n th e v i sua l ar t
movement known as 'pop art'
Tim Burton
(1958 - Present)
his dark and eccentric fantasy
Daryl Hannah
(1960 - Present)
American actress, stared in
'Grumpy Old Men,' and 'Kill Bill'
Susan Boyle
(1961 - Present)
Scotish singer, shot to fame from
'Britain’s Got Talent' in 2009
Satoshi Tajiri
(1965 - Present)
Japanese video game designer,
creator of Pokemon
Clay Marzo
(1989 - Present)
American surfer, considered one
of the best in the world
26. AUTISM IN TN
Tennessee Autism Plan
The plan was developed as part of an
Autism State Planning Grant and is directed
at building a comprehensive, coordinated
system of care to increase accessibility and
availability of services for individuals with
ASD. The Tennessee Autism Summit team
was organized to serve as the planning and
advisory council for the Autism State Plan
Grant. The number of children receiving
autism-related special education services
have tripled over the past six years. The
is growing faster than any other disability
category, annual increase of 20.8%.
19
State Agencies
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities
- Department of Children’s Services
- Department of Education
- Department of Health
- Department of Human Services
- Department of Finance and Administration
Private Agencies
- Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Monitoring Network Site (Nashville)
- Autism Treatment Network (Vanderbilt
Kennedy Center, Nashville)
27. A voluntary partnership of stakeholders from
the public, private and non-profit sectors
comprised of more than 65 individuals
representing State Agencies, family-based
or disability support advocacy organizations,
community service providers, and universities.
Initially formed after the 2009 Summit on
Autism for the Southeast region hosted by the
Tennessee’s University Centers on Excellence
in Developmental Disabilities at Vanderbilt
University and the University of Tennessee.
Serves as the planning and advisory council
for the Autism State Planning Grant. Summit’s
goal is to create a plan to build, improve,
and sustain a coordinated system of care for
children and youth with ASD.
Autism Summit Team
Screening Programs
- Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy
of Pediatrics' Screening Tools and Referral
Training (START)
- Tennessee Early Intervention Services (TEIS)
- Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP)
20
28. 21
AUTISM IN TN
Existing Autism Resources
As part of the Tennessee Autism Plan, the
development of building a comprehensive,
coordinated system of care to increase
accessibility and availability of services for
individuals with ASD. Currently, there are four
public schools, three private schools, and ten
therapy facilities in the city of Nashville.
1. Nashville Autism Center
Nashville Autism Center is a program
dedicated to comprehensive autism spectrum
services. They provide therapy, group, family,
educational consultation, and training services
for families, schools, and individuals.
2. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Apart of the Autism Speaks Autism treatment
Network, they created a model for helping
parents and children by providing services,
such as family services, workshops, therapies,
and child care. Vanderbilt University has
other center for assistance, such as the Bill
Wilkerson Center and the Next Step Program
that offers a four-year post-secondary
education for students with intellectual
disabilities.
1 Nashville Autism Center
2 Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
3 Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center
4 Autism Foundation Center of
Tennessee
5 Genesis Learning Center / Genesis Academy
1
5
2
3
4
29. No two children with ASD have identical
needs, impacted by different conditions,
different ranges on the spectrum, and might
also have other conditions or disabilities.
Educational programs for all students is
a life with independence and purpose in
the community. Transitional planning and
implantation, from early intervention and pre-
school to elementary, and from secondary to
post-secondary education and life after school
are important in a child’s education.
Education
Existing and Emerging Models
- Treatment and Research Institute for Autism
Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) at the Vanderbilt
Kennedy Center
- University of Tennessee Boling Center on
Developmental Disabilities
- Support and Training for Exceptional Parents
(STEP, Inc.)
22
32. Location: Nashville, TN, USA
Coordinates: 36°10’00”N 86°47’00”W
Population: 678,889
Set in the southeast of the United States, Tennessee is made up of agricultural and
manufacturing communities, ‘blue collar’ communities. Tennessee is mainly a farm state with
a couple of major cities, such as Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. Nashville is the capital
city, located in the north central portion of the state on the Cumberland River. The city is the
center for music, healthcare, transportation industries, and home to numerous colleges and
universities. It is known as the center for country music, and earning the nickname "Music City
U.S.A." It is the largest metropolitain statistical area in Tennessee, and is one of the fastest-
growing areas in the Appalachian region. After the Great Recession, Nashville was ranked as
New York Times described Nashville as the
new "it" city in the United States.
25
CONTEXT
Nashville
34. 27
CONTEXT
History
Trading post at
French Point Creek
French Point
settlement
Tennessee joins
the Union
Town of Nashville
established
Music recording
begins
State Capitol built
Nashville becomes the
capital of Tennessee
Civil War
1 In 1710, Charles Charleveille opens trading
post north of the French Lick Creak.
2 In 1780, James Robertson crosses the
Cumberland River and establishes a settlement
at the French Lick.
3 Tennessee is admitted to the Union in 1796.
4 In 1806, Nashville is integrated as a town.
5 In 1824, music publishing begins in
Nashville, Western Harmony.
6 In 1843, Tennessee General Assembly
names Nashville the state capital.
7 In 1859, state capitol, designed by William
Strickland, is completed.
8 In 1862, Union occupies the city as part of
the Civil War, the Battle of Nashville is the last
9 Beginning in 1870, Nashville is the “traveling
salesman capital” of the south, due to the large
number of wholesale warehouses in the city.
10 In 1871, Tennessee Manufacturing
Company is established, later became a
historic landmark.
11
– 4 distilleries, 62 saloons, and 17 wholesale
dealers in wine and spirits.
1 2 In 1873, Vanderbilt University is
established.
1
5
2
6
3
4
7
81710
1820
1796
1806
1710 1830 1840 1850 1860
1780
1824
1859
1843
1862
35. 28
"Traveling Salesman Capital"
Tennessee Manufacturing
Company
big buisness
Vanderbilt University
13 In 1881, Tennessee legislature passes the
14 In 1897, Tennessee Centennial Exposition
begins in Centennial Park with 1.8 million
people in attendance, also the Nashville
Parthenon is constructed.
15 In 1900, Union Station is constructed, and
becomes the hub of the city’s rail service. Later
renovated to a hotel in 1986 due to the decline
of travel by rail.
16 In 1918, Old Hickory Powder Plant is
constructed to supply gunpowder for World War
I.
17
the Cumberland River in 1926, and again in
1937.
18 In 1927, Nashville was name one of the
two largest commercial fertilizer manufacturing
centers in the U.S, as well as one of the two
biggest in hardwood manufacturing in the
world.
19 In 1950, the city’s nickname is “Music City
U.S.A.” by local DJ David Cobb.
20 In 1960, half of all recordings in the U.S.
came from Nashville.
21 Tornado hits the downtown and East
Nashville in 1998.
22 The NFL brings a team to the city,
Tennessee Titans in 1999.
23 USA Today names Nashville the country’s
“most sprawling metropolitan region,” with a
population of 1 million or more in 2001.
24 In 2010, a shattering flood from the
Cumberland River kills 11 people, and caused
about 2 billion dollars in damages.
25 2013 is the 15th anniversary of the
Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County.
Tennessee Centennial
Exposition
Union Station
Cumberland
Fertilizer and hardwood
centers in U.S.
Music City U.S.A.
Half of music recordings in
U.S. came from Nashville
Tornado hits Nashville
NFL's Tennessee Titans
Most sprawling metropolitan
region in U.S.
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
10
20
Cumberland River
World War I
1870
1871
1873
2010
1960
1873
1897
Jim Crow law
1881
1900
1918
1926
1927
1950
1998
1999
2017
2001
1920 1960 2000 2010
25
15th anniversary
of county
2013
1870 1880
36. 29
CONTEXT
Metro Nashville-Davidson County’s fourteen
Community Plans are planning documents
adopted by the Metropolitan Planning
Commission that describe the role each
community plays in realizing the overall vision
of the County - what residential, commercial,
office and open space each community will
house for the County.
Each community’s Plan receives an overall
update every 5-10 years. All fourteen have
been recently updated as part of Nashville.
Next, the long-range plan for growth,
development and preservation in Nashville
and Davidson County through 2040.
1 Joelton
2 Parkwood-Union Hill
3 Bordeaux-Whites Creek
4 Madison
5 East Nashville
6 Bellevue
7 West Nashville
8 North Nashville
9 Downtown
10 Green Hills-Midtown
11 South Nashville
12 Southeast
13 Antioch-Priest Lake
14 Donelson-Hermitage-Old Hickory
37. 30
Nashville and its neighborhoods are leading in Tennessee in population growth. According to the Tennessee State Data Center, the Nashville
metropolitan area, had a population of more than 1.8 million people in 2015, which is about 28 percent of the state’s total pollution of 6.6
million people.
Nashville is ranked 36th out of the 412 metropolitan areas in the U.S. for one-year growth in 2014 to 2015. The top 10 fastest-growing counties
in Tennessee were either located in or bordered the Nashville area. They were Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, Maury, Montgomery, Sumner,
Dickson, Bedford, Davidson and Smith counties.
Music is one of the largest economy in the city. The Music City is the second largest recording cities in the U.S., behind New York. Healthcare
located in and around the city.
Census Population
1810 1,100
1820 3,410
1830 5,566
1840 6,929
1850 10,165
1860 16,988
1870 25,865
1880 43,350
1890 76,168
1900 80,865
1910 110,364
1920 118,342
1930 153,866
1940 167,402
1950 174,307
1960 170,874
1970 448,003
1980 477,811
1990 510,784
2000 569,891
2010 626,681
2015 678,889
Population
38. 31
CONTEXT
Demographics
For the 2010 census, the racial makeup of the
city was 60% white, 25% African-American,
3% Asian, 8% Hispanic, and 4% of other
races. Due to the low cost of living and the
rather large job market Nashville has to offer,
the city has become a popular destination
for immigrants. Nashville's foreign-born
population more than tripled in size between
1990 and 2000; the city's largest immigrant
groups include Mexicans, Vietnamese,
Arabs, Somalis, and has the largest Kurdish
community in the U.S.
Map Key
1 dot = 1 person
White
African-American
Asian
Hispanic
39. 32
Density
For the 2010 American Community Survey,
there were 626,681 people living in the
Music City. The population density was about
were 282,452 housing units with an average
Map Key
1 - 1,012 people
1,066 - 2,336 people
2,435 - 4,145 people
4,190 - 7,304 people
8,947 - 12,355 people
40. 33
Zoning
Zoning districts for the city of Nashville are
broken down into nine districts. The districts
are agricultural, residential, specific plan,
shopping center, and industrial districts.
CONTEXT
41. 34
plain management, regulation, and insurance
that may threaten life and property. Flood
plain maps are reviewed and approved by
government. The maps have been revised
2010 that caused about two billion dollars in
damages.
Flood Plain
42. 35
CONTEXT
Architectural Landmarks
The following architectural landmarks are the
best preserved examples of the architectural
and historical significance of this era in
Middle Tennessee, which is now part of Metro
Nashville. These landmarks contain historical
significance of Tennessee’s origin, semi-
restored Civil War resources buildings, and
famous landmarks that make up the Nashville
skyline.
1 Tennessee State Capitol
2 The Hermitage
3 The Nashville Parthenon
4 AT&T Building
5 Ryman Auditorium
6 Fifth Third Center
7
8 Union Station
9 The Pinnacle at Symphony Place
10 Davidson County Courthouse
1
5
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
44. Mayor Karl Dean and the residents of
life is intrinsically bound to its history and
beauty. Striking river bluffs along the winding
Cumberland River, rolling hills, and serene
forests are essential to the character of
Nashville and help foster the creativity found
in the region’s country music and other
innovative industries. These assets become
even more important over time in a region
where a projected one million new residents
are expected to arrive by 2035.
The plan vision called for large blocks of
connected open space in the four corners
of Davidson County and nine bends of the
Cumberland River through a network of
protected lands at key points along the
Cumberland River, including a greener
downtown with a revitalized riverfront.
37
CONTEXT
Green Space
45. 38
Warner Park Centenial Park Radnor Lake State Park
Shelby Park Cumberland Park Bicentennial Mall State Park
46. 39
CONTEXT
Climate
Nashville has a humid subtropical climate with
hot, humid summers, and moderately cold
winters.
December, and the spring; August to October
are typically the driest months. Spring and fall
are mostly warm but prone to thunderstorms
which an occasional tornado; most recently
was in May 2010.
Allergies are very severe due to the city’s long
springs and autumns, which a wide diversity
of trees and grasses. Nashville is ranked 18th
as the worst allergy city in the U.S.
Snowfall occurs during the winter months, but
not heavy. On average, there’s about 6 inches
during the months of January and February,
and sometimes in March and December
50. 43
Location: Bordeaux, TN, USA
Coordinates: 36°15’57”N 86°49’51”W
Population: 28,020
Bordeaux-Whites Creek is a neighborhood community of Nashville, located in the northern part
of Davidson County. The community is named for the creek of the same name running north-
south along U.S. Route 431. The district was established in 1780 and contains some of the
Tennessee, which is now part of Metro Nashville.
SITE ANALYSIS
Bordeaux
SITE ANALYSIS
Bordeaux
52. Hardin's Bend is a stream bend along the
Cumberland River in the northwestern part of
Nashville. It is near the Bordeaux Gardens,
Edward S. Temple Track, and Boyd park, and
the Nashville Metropolitan Bordeaux Hospital.
It is currently owed by the government.
During the Civil War, Hardin's Bend was the
supply area for the Union Army during the
Battle of Nashville. The location allowed for a
secured section from the Confederate Army,
by having the Cumberland River surrounding
the land.
45
SITE ANALYSIS
Hardin's Bend
58. 51
The typology of building's designs of Nashville
columns displays the use of a building. Brick
refers to a production use infulstructure.
Wood is seen has a residental material. The
use of columns to create a portico is seen
as a civic building. Incorporating the same
typologies into the design would allow for a
true connection to the community, and not
something that doesn't seem foregin.
DESIGN
Imagining Spaces
59. 52
The line between the exterior and the interior
should be blurred. This allows for the interiors
to have the outside feel. Autism's biggest
issue is the sensory process, so by developing
a exterior feel in a safe and sensory consious
atmosphere would allow for the students to
experience the outside, without actually being
outside,
60. 53
DESIGN
By organizing the different programs into
similar groups allowed for closer relationships.
The programs accounts for a typical education
various programs are utilized for the growth
and development of the students based on
the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The IEP is designed to meet a child's individual
needs as each one is different with their level
on the autism spectrum. The sizes of the
spaces are also adpated to meet the needs of
a more intamite setting.
Program
Division Program Area (Net) Quantity Total (SF) Division Program Area (Net) Quantity Total (SF)
General Classroom 380 15 5,700 Atrium Atrium 11,000 1 11,000
Individual Bathrooms 50 15 750 Pool 1 1,750 1 1,750
Storage 80 15 1,200 Pool 2 1,360 1 1,360
Break-Out Spaces 150 9 1,350 Tack Room 250 1 250
Bathrooms 275 4 1,100 Wash Room 250 1 250
Staff Workroom 1,080 2 2,160 Stables 250 6 1,500
Motor Skills Playroom 620 1 620 Feed Room 250 1 250
Communications Workroom 380 1 380 Laundry Room 250 1 250
Interaction Workroom 380 1 380 Office 250 1 250
Individual Bathrooms 50 3 150 Tractor/Truck Garage 2,000 1 2,000
Storage 80 3 240 Hay Barn 750 1 750
Administrative Directors Offices 100 6 600 Auditorium 5,700 1 5,700
Therapy Directors Offices 100 3 300 Band 1,225 1 1,225
Education Directors Offices 100 6 600 Drama 1,225 1 1,225
Vocational Directors Offices 100 3 300 Library 4,800 1 4,800
Behavior Specialists Offices 100 2 200 Art Rooms 800 4 3,200
Psychiatrist Offices 100 2 200 Cafeteria 2,500 1 2,500
Family Services Offices 100 2 200 Kitchen 1,830 1 1,830
Conference Rooms 275 5 1,375 Super Market 2,260 1 2,260
Nurses Office 100 2 200 Hotel Room 280 2 560
Exam Rooms 100 3 300 Hotel Front Desk/Lobby 850 1 850
Gymnasium 11,190 1 11,190 Hotel Cleaning 300 1 300
Fitness Center 2,150 1 2,150 Café Kitchen 300 1 300
Lockerrooms with showers 4,000 2 8,000 Café Dining 1,250 1 1,250
Soccer Field 54,000 1 54,000
Track 33,140 1 33,140
Admin.
Athletics
Therapy
Equestrian
Center
Performing
Arts
Student
Center
Aquatics
Center
Vocational
Education
85,255TOTAL
Academics
62. 55
DESIGN
Academics
The school will provide educational services to about 300 children, ages 14 to 20 years old, with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Typically, the classrooms have a
1:1 staff-to-student ratio, and the staff is highly trained to apply the most active methods of working with kids on the spectrum. For the older students, there will be more prominence of transitional
skills to push students to become more independent. Building a relationship with the Vanderbilt University Next Step Program to allow students to advance to a four-year post secondary education
program.
Therapies
Communication
Speech-Language Therapy (SLT)
Designed to harmonize the process of speech with the meaning and social use of language.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Interaction
Sensory Integration Therapy (SI)
trampolines, and slides as tools, they are seen as a calming therapy that emphasizes positive behavior and help with transitions between activities
Motor Skills
Occupational Therapy (OT)
skills, learning, and self-care abilities.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Focuses on problems with movement that cause everyday limitations – such as sitting, walking, running, and jumping – by improving poor muscle tone, balance, and coordination.
63. 56
Equestrian Center
-
such as the tack room, wash room, feeder, and a two-tractor garage. Horses have been proven
to have a calming effect of people, and especially with those on the spectrum, this is a fantastic
activity. Not only does this help the students for therapeutic reasons, but it will also teach them re-
sponsibilities, such as caring for another, putting tools back int he right areas, and to be respectful
of the animals.
Vocational Education
After secondary education, students with ASD go to various activities. About 36% attend a post-sec-
ondary education program, 19% live independently, 74% received services, and 58% obtained a
paying occupation. This vocational education program will allow the students to train for an em-
ployment position, a “school within a school.” The programs will be a simulated work environment
to help the students learn the tools of the trade, which will allow for an easier transition to the ac-
tual job after their schooling. These simulated programs include a super market, hotel, and a café.
The Hardin’s Bend Market will allow the students to participate in tasks such as stocking shelves,
inventory, and operating the cash register. The Cumberland Inn is modeled with two rooms to have
students learn a variety of domestic and cleaning skills with the bedroom and the bathroom. They
will also understand the duties of a front desk attendant and concierge. At Sol Bean Café, students
assist in food preparation, service, as well as cleaning tasks.
Academics + Therapies
Administration
Athletics
Sensory Atrium
Performing Arts
Student Center
Vocational Education
66. 59
DESIGN
Lighting & Natural Light
“The key is light, and light illuminates, and shapes have
emotional power.” – Le Corbusier
Flexibility, everyone’s different
Natural light enriches the feeling in a building. – needs careful
consideration with autism in mind. Too much variety can scare,
too much shadow can create a visual stimulation
Diffused lighting creates an evenness of light entering which is
Acoustics
“Sometimes I heard and understood and other times sounds
and speech reached my brain like the unbearable noise of an
onrushing freight train. Noise and confusion at large gatherings
of people overwhelmed my senses.” – Dr. Temple Grandin
Autism struggles to differentiate different sounds and are more
sensitive. Design needs to respond to the elements that impact
walls and sloping ceilings eliminate the ‘box effect’ and provide
acoustic cures.
Ventilation
Need open windows for allow for people’s well-being to give
the building that fresh air feeling – natural ventilation. Low
placement gives an invitation for “escapes.” High placement
gives control to staff to be opened and out of reach of
“escapees.” Underfloor heating is ideal. Hidden. No sharp
corners for safety. Provides best insulation to a building.
67. 60
Materials
“Maintain a stable, ordered secure environment. The autistic
child simply cannot function if there are too many daily
changes..... The autistic child is unable to bring order to
his world. You must provide that order in his environment.
Autistics might march to a different beat but that beat can be
meaningful.” – Dr. Temple Grandin
Simplicity – less distractions for a calm and ordered space.
Similar materials for the walls, floors, and ceilings. Limited
pallet of materials. People will fill the space with the life and
color that the room design won’t have/need. Consistency in
color, heights, placements, etc.
Planning
Simplicity. Plans in a simple manner and organized allows for
people to use little effort to use, but rather enjoy the building.
Provide a “constant source of reference” that helps people
when they circulate have a sense of location in the plan of
the building. Refined planning creates a calm and orderly
environment to help autism and everyone.
Outdoors
“All of us need a private place. Autistic children need their
secret places too, in which they can hide and retreat to their
own world. After all autism is a withiness disability and autistic
children need the security of their own hideaways. I had mine
and it was a place for me to think and recharge myself.” – Dr.
Temple Grandin
Outdoor space is important for everyone’s well-being, and
provide kids a sense of independence. Space needs to be safe
for the kids. An area that can be overseen by staffers – but not
feel overly observed. How to provide a space to kids to wander
freely. Zen enclosed courtyard. Natural elements that provide
barriers.
68. This site helps with the development of the
children. It is located about ten minutes from
the downtown area of Nashville, away from
the hussle and bussle of the city, but not to
far to be so distant. It is located a little ways
that is needed to be away from outside
distractions. With the Metro Nashville Green
Space expansion project, this site is deignated
to be one of the expansion's anchor points.
Separating the site between the school and
the park allows for the public integration with
the school. It won't be too heavily incoporated
with the public that it will overwhelm the
students, but it will be enough to not have
that total seclusion feel from the rest of the
community.
61
Organization Divider
Green Expansion Topography
DESIGN
Site Relationships
90. Structure
The structure needed to be light and have
the ability to be movable. Steel construction
allowed for that to help the overall design.
With the various direction of the struture grid,
as well as the tall heights, the steel created a
simple collaboration.
Also, as part of the design, trying to have the
structure hidden, especially in the classrooms,
was very important. This would help eliminate
distractions for the students if a strutural
element was interfering or piercing an intimate
space.
83
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
92. Building Envelope Concept
The materiality helped to explore the
expression of natural light. The natural
light is a major component in the sensory
enviornment, which involves the direction of
light and the building's temperature. Using the
brick and wood materials are an expression of
the sunlight. The brick is a more dense, and
heavier material that will be primarily used on
the south and north facades, to help defect
that harsh sunlight so it won't infultrate the
building's interior core. The wood siding is
a softer material that will be primarily used
on the east and west facades, to help allow
for the subdude sunlight to infultrate the
interiors. The uses of brick and wood helps
displays the use of a building in relationship
to the community. Brick refers to a production
use infulstructure. Wood is seen has a
residental material. Incorporating the same
typologies into the design would allow for a
true connection to the community, and not
something that doesn't seem foregin.
The placement of windows in another
important design component with dealing with
natural light. It's not that the students can't
see sunlight at all, its just that the light needs
to be managed to eliminate the negative
affects of the direct light. The windows are
placed primarily above eye level to allow to the
sunlight to cascade overhead.
85
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Wall Section - Typical East and West FacadesWall Section - Typical North and South FacadesGlazed Curtain Wall Paneling
Brick
Wood
93. 86
Lighting Concept
The placement of windows is an important
design component with dealing with natural
light. In typical classrooms for special needs
students, they are subjected to only articical
lighting, and that isn't completely healthy.
Student's need natural light, as it is prroven as
a tool to help increase learning, productivity,
and a calming element. To manage the light,
design.
For the south and north facades, the use of
horizontal louvers will help eliminate the harsh
direct light, and will have the more indirect light
seep through the louvers and into the interiors.
The east and west facades will utilize the
vertical louvers to have the sunlight "wrap"
around and into the interiors, again, and allow
more indirect light seep through the louvers
and into the interiors.
For the more larger spaces, the windows are
placed primarily above eye level to allow to the
sunlight to cascade overhead; and utilizing the
slopped ceiling will also eliminate any other
direct lights to not infultrate the space, but
rather reflect off of the ceiling and thein into
the space indirectly.
In the classrooms, there is the use of the
windows overhead and the slopped ceilings to
have the light cascade over the room, but there
is also the element of the recessed windows.
Have the windows recessed from the classroom
will help eliminate the light coming into the
space, but is more for the students inside to
look to the outside.
Sun Shading - North and South Facades
Sun Shading - East and West Facades
Sun Shading - Sloped Ceilings - Large Public Programs
Sun Shading - Recessed Windows - Classrooms
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