Special Needs Residential Design

Dickinson + Partners provides people-centered housing design solutions for deaf, blind, autistic and other special needs residents. Three common denominators must be addressed in designing special needs residential buildings. First, we believe in the important of creating spaces that are interesting and evoke a sense of style and comfort with the warmth of home. Second, attention to detail is required in designing living spaces that meet the specific needs of the people who will live there. Multiple and complex considerations for access and safety are essential in designing residential spaces for people who are deaf, blind, or physically disabled. Third, designing spaces that foster interaction among residents is important in creating a sense of community.

Fostering interaction among residents is of primary importance. They often live alone and have a physical or mental impediment that may increase their sense of isolation. There is a critical need to create catalysts through the use of physical space so that they may encounter each other and thereby feel more a part of the world.

In Residential design, we embrace a collaborative process. We believe is it important to bring together the community of users with diverse personalities, abilities and insights to enhance the comprehensive housing planning and design process.