An
accessible and inclusive design, focused on real and overlooked needs in architectural composition, is the starting point for the rooms at
CASACOR Rio Grande do Norte 2019. While the
O Mundo de Caio space, by architects
Ticiana Martins and
Poliana Pinheiro, caters to a 5-year-old child with moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the
Longevity Suite , by
Danielle Sá ,
Adriana Nunes ,
Ceiça Marques and
Mônica Dantas, brings to mind an elderly person with a taste for adventure.
The project for Caio uses a fun and limitless language, with platforms and sensory materials that multiply the ways to enjoy the room. To feed his passion for numbers and letters of the alphabet, an interactive panel was placed, making the environment welcoming and familiar. In a range of primary shades of blue and green, the space is balanced and conveys tranquility – essential characteristics for a child. “The idea came about after contacting and talking to Caio’s parents. So we decided to create a space that would spark society’s interest in a subject that, in most cases, still generates a lot of doubt and lack of knowledge,” the architects explain.
A man's passion for surfing, reading and nature were key to the
Longevity Suite , which features automation in the bed and armchairs. The comfortable furniture was adapted to make it easier to use – and even has a description in Braille. The ceiling and walls were covered in MDF, integrating machined carpentry and directional lighting. “The Suite proves that beauty and comfort can and should go hand in hand with the conditions of safety and autonomy. Automation is present, making everything accessible to the customer, regardless of whether their sensory and cognitive conditions are limited or not,” they say. The bathroom is simple and features a plank-shaped bench designed by Rafael Viana.
The suite also brought an innovative proposal: the Vida e Cor app, which allows visually impaired people to visit the exhibition independently, being able to listen to detailed descriptions of the planned spaces.
