The document describes the design of a building meant to represent accessibility. The building incorporates a facade ramp that connects all levels and references the universal symbol of a wheelchair. It is designed like a terraced mountain, sunk into the site, with ramps switching back across its face like the tea plantations of China. The profile of a seated person extends from the building into the landscape.

8. The Wheelchair

12. The Ramp – as a Universal Symbol
Design incorporates the Façade Ramp, linking all levels of the Institute

13. Terraced landscape of China
Tea Plantation
Building becomes the terraced landscape, sunken into
the site, the terraces provide for a walk out basement
and set the framework for the botanical garden which is
Viewed from every part of the building.

14. The profile of the seated person is the extension
Of the building itself, jutting into the landscape

38. The universal symbol for accessibility is the wheelchair logo with seated person. The number one architectural feature of accessibility is “the ramp”.
The architectural concept of the building, is in utilizing the universal symbol, the wheel chair. The building itself incorporates a façade ramp, which connects all levels on the exterior. The seated person is found in th
Key Features of the Design
•5 courtyards each having it’s own purpose. 1. Formed by the shape of the wheel of the wheel chair, the main courtyard is a central gathering place for the institution, and can be used as an amphitheater, a ballroo
•Blue glass highlights as blue is also an international color to represent accessibility.
•A metal shade structure provides solar protection at large openings and a unique pattern which is a layer of the building skin.
•The building openings provide maximum flexibility in the accessibility to the Institute.
•Parking garage functions as a dual use for both the regional park and for the Institute, with connections to the building from the basement level, or exterior roof.
•The building itself is a terraced mountain with switch back ramps traversing its face, the garden area similar to the tea covered terraces of China.
•The building ramp recalls the beauty of China’s Great Wall, challenging visitors to traverse the building, and take in the splendid views.
•The restaurant, in the arm of the figure, takes advantage of the best views of the lower courtyards, and allows for indoor and outdoor dining. For large functions both sides of the terrace may be used.
•Offices, laboritories, conference rooms and meeting places are housed in the “back of the chair” which is the proudly vertical element which comes out to the entry courtyard and greets the visitor in grand style.
•The building has a stately presence, yet maintains a scale and openness that allow an individual to feel comfortable, yet the facility is large and comprehensive.
•The fountains, water features, and the color blue draw together the highlights and landmarks of the design, set against solid masonry and stone.
•A delicate balance of tradition with modernism, allows for a landmark building which will last the test of time.