squarefifteen: An Inclusive Recreational Environment
squarefifteen is an inclusive recreational environment with the goal of better integrating children and young adults with autism, sensory processing disorder, and other disabilities into public space.
Project Brief
For my undergraduate senior design project, I combined inclusive design with urban design and applied UX principles to the design process. Through a 4 phase process, I developed squarefifteen.
squarefifteen is an inclusive recreational environment with the goal of better integrating children and young adults with autism, sensory processing disorder, and other disabilities into public space. The final design for squarefifteen is spacious, vibrant, inviting, appealing, and safe. Through an open play area, an interactive light installation, and a sensory garden, users of all abilities can receive positive sensory feedback in a safe environment where they are included and understood.
Featured Project
squarefifteen was selected by a group of CSULB's Bachelor of Arts in Design instructors to be displayed at the BA Design Senior Showcase "EMERGE" in May of 2016. My project was 1 of 21 to be displayed out of the larger group of approximately 80 BA students. It is currently on display in the hallway of the CSULB Design Building.
Process
Define, Research, Develop, Refine
Open Play Area
The open play area is comprised of grass space for users to play, rubber climbing structures with resistance for sensory feedback, and Playworld Cozy Cocoon Swings designed for children with autism. Multiple seating options are provided for users to relax, work, or picnic.
Interactive Light Installation
Users can touch the lighting poles to change their color. This immediate response creates a cause and effect play scenario for the user. These scenarios are particularly beneficial as they provide users with confidence because there is no wrong way to interact with the installation.
Sensory Garden
The sensory garden encourages interaction with nature in a quiet setting. Users can touch, smell, and taste various plants while observing birds and listening to the calming sound of water. Seating areas are available as a retreat from overstimulation.
Process Book
The process book displays initial project exploration from name to logo development, psychology of color, spatial layout, material and plant usage, as well takes as a look at inclusive towns. Even more importantly, it establishes the need for a project like squarefifteen by addressing definitions and behaviors associated with autism and sensory processing disorder. It then details how squarefifteen can help to alleviate daily difficulties for this underrepresented population of children and young adults.
CSULB BA Design Showcase Poster
