Vocational Training Center and Outreach Center
“Akshadhaa Assisted Living Project” has been designed with a primary focus on providing a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals with Neuro Development disorders such as Autism and Down Syndrome. The project centers around the theme “Architecture for the Senses,” which aims to create spaces that cater to the sensory needs of the residents by incorporating open spaces and lush green landscapes to enhance their emotional well-being.
Key Features:
- Sensory-Responsive Design:
o Lighting: Soft and diffused lighting is used to prevent sensory overload and create a calming ambiance.
o Colour Palettes: Muted and soothing colour schemes are employed to provide a tranquil environment.
o Acoustic Balance: Spaces are acoustically balanced to minimize noise and reduce stress, ensuring a peaceful setting. - Tactile Surfaces and Materials:
o A variety of textures are incorporated into the design, providing a multisensory experience. This includes the use of tactile surfaces on walls, floors and in sensory gardens, that residents can touch and
interact with, enhancing their sensory engagement. - Open Spaces and Green Landscapes:
o The facility features ample open spaces and lush green landscapes, creating a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere. These areas serve as spaces for relaxation, social interaction, and emotional well-being. - Community Focus:
o The overall master plan emphasizes human interaction and fostering a sense of community. Communal spaces are designed to encourage residents to engage with each other, promoting socialization and a supportive environment. - Intuitive Navigation:
o The architectural flow is designed to be intuitive, ensuring ease of navigation and way finding for residents. This helps in minimizing potential stress points and makes moving through the facility straightforward and stress-free. - Technological Integration:
o Modern technology is integrated to ensure safety, security and to support the residents’ daily routines and enhance their independence. Smart home systems, assistive technologies, and interactive features are seamlessly incorporated into the architecture, providing a technologically advanced and user-friendly environment. - The design philosophy of Akshadhaa Assisted Living Project is rooted in creating a human-centric environment that promotes inclusivity and sensitivity to the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. The architectural approach is not only functional but also deeply empathetic, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort.
The vocational or learning center is designed to enable a holistic development and growth of an SNI. Wide corridors and a ramp enable them to move through the spaces easily. The sensory garden in the central courtyard acts as a calming refuge for autistic individuals. The classrooms are separated by small courts in between which acts as a noise buffer and provides sensory stimulation to people with AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER [ASD]
Compressed Soil Stabilized Block has been used extensively as the main building material in the project to provide a very earthy tone to the built environment. The visual tactility and warmth of the material will bring the much needed multi sensory experiences for Autistic people. Load bearing walls with SSB, Kadappa flooring, jack arch roof and filler slabs with earthen pots not only brings down the cost of construction by reducing the consumption of steel and concrete but also makes it more sustainable, green and timeless.
| Project Type | Institutional & Educational |
| Location | Chikkaballapur, India |
| Client | Akshadhaa Foundation |
| Project Status | Ongoing |
| Plot Area | 4.79 acres |
| Built-up Area | 2,23,660 sq.ft |
| Structural Consultant | RK Consultants |
| Landscape Consultant | Reading Grounds |
| MEP Consultant | Skyline Electro |
| Team | Divya Ethirajan, Pramod Jaiswal, Keins Prajapati, Yash Singhi, Nadeem M |
