New learning disabilities home
We are designing a new supported living block of 1 bedroom flats for people with learning disabilities. The site is in an urban location and is therefore likely to be on 4 floors served by a lift.
Does anyone have any experience of a newbuild development for this user group of more than 2 storeys? Our client is concerned that building height will be problematic.
Hello Wendy,
If you have a look at the Case Study 58 on Vernon Gardens - this might come close to what you are looking for. This was an extra care scheme aimed at people with a physical disability but also relevant to those with a degree of LD.
I was involved in the project originally but I am sure if you speak to either Brighton or Guinness they can provide some further information on how things have progressed since it was commissioned.
Regards
Gary
Associated files and links:
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CaseStudy58_Brighton.pdf
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It all depends on the design, layout etc. Its impossible to generalise. Also depends on the specific needs of people moving in, degree of intellectual impairment, whether they have other conditions such as autism, or physical disabilities such as poor eyesight (often experienced by People with Downs syndrome). In my opinion this is entirely new territory & uncharted design with very few examples of good practice. It is a giant national experiment. On.On a personal note , as someone who originally studied architecture & has a sibling with learning disabilities & complex needs, the major deficit of schemes I have seen is the lack of social spaces.Learning Disabilities is an over general term; its not simply a lack of ability to learn; most people have a significant degree of social impairment and other disabilities. Even schemes for people with physical disabilities alone handle social interaction poorly. There was a good article in AJ 2009 calling Housing for people with Learning Disabilities a 'neglected sector'. It also describes one of the few schemes of this nature of architectural merit. ( Yew Tree Lodge, Ruislip, Middlesex, by Duggan Morris Architects) www.architectsjournal.co.uk/architects/supported-housing-a-neglected-sector/5201605.article)