Landscape Designs for a Center for Young
Adults Living With Autism
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Landscape Plan For Center For Young Adults Living With Autism
Copyright David Keegan Garden Design All rights reserved 2017© |
Like many I am sure, I had not really
thought about, or considered, the difficulties involved when living with a condition
that I myself have no direct experience of. However, when asked late last year
if I would be interested in designing the landscape for a proposed new development
for Oldham Council that would provide independent, as well as assisted living,
for young adults living with Autism I immediately said yes, seeing it as an invaluable
opportunity to explore new disciplines and areas of landscape design whilst working
on a worthwhile and exciting project.
Part of what initially appealed to me
about this project was the opportunity to learn and research a new set of requirements
for the grounds and gardens of the proposed center. What became clear quite early
on was, not only the very different design criteria required to that of domestic
gardens, but also the difficulty in finding any existing examples of similar
projects in the UK, or elsewhere. One study however that became an essential resource for my
research was carried out for a similar proposal for a center that was to be
created for The Kingswood Trust in Wolverhampton. Upon inquiring it seems the
gardens and the center unfortunately never saw the light of day. Still, I am
forever indebted to the research carried out by Katie Gaudion and Chris
McGinley and the invaluable book they wrote, without which my task would
have proved a lot more difficult. The only other research I could find were some
studies carried out in the USA but these were quite limited in terms of usefulness as they focused primarily on young children with Autism.
That said, it later transpired that many behavioral traits and specific needs of
children with Autism were carried through into adulthood.
In setting out to design the scheme I divided
the site into a number of zones, each with a specific theme focused on fulfilling a set
criteria. In doing this it was also important that the location of a zone be
determined by its function and purpose, as Autism effects different people in
very different ways. Due to this the main access points to the garden needed to
be open with all features clearly visible, easily navigated and understood
from all points of entry. Although the different zones will be segregated from each other
this is to be achieved by means of low level hazel hurdle fencing, allowing the
garden user to view all areas, thereby reducing any sense of fear or threat of a potential unknown. Zones 1 and 2, forming the largest open space, include designs for a water
feature immediately adjacent to what will be a covered pergola, also accessed
by a perimeter path. The perimeter path provides a number of passing points for wheelchair users. 3 circular spaces
set into the lawn provide unobtrusive and interactive elements, the first consisting
of a soft rubberised base, followed by a scented mounded dome with inset seating and planted with
a variety of herbs and finally a large round swing. As well as a central
stepping stone path connecting the 3 interactive areas these feature areas can also be easily
accessed via the perimeter path. Planting for each area is carefully chosen so as not to overwhelm the senses with either too much colour, or scent, but instead
is done in blocks based on species and characteristic of form, colour, texture and scent, if any. Zone 3 will be a secret garden with a planned Willow Cathedral.
Planting to this area will feature a variety of grasses that move and sway in
the breeze, with the cathedral providing the perfect environment for those seeking
some valuable alone time. A conservatory, garden store sheds and potting
benches are planned to the area adjoining Zone 2 and 5 whilst Zone 4 is
dedicated to providing a get out area, screened by low level hurdle curving fences, the space is a pared back area providing little more than a tree seat, allowing for a
calm retreat. This space is easily accessed from Zones 2 and 5. Zone 5 provides practical gardening areas by means of raised beds where residents can grow a range of vegetables and other ornamental plants. A line of fruit trees will soften the end wall of the center. Zone
6 will provide a shade garden and is to be planted with a variety of fruit
trees, with further seating for those looking for a break from garden
activities. Zone 7 is planned as a quite garden space for staff at the center
to take a break, weather permitting. Zone 8 provides uncomplicated garden spaces
for the independent living units, each planted with a low level boundary hedge
for privacy, as well as Acers for colour and interest, for both the public street-scape and
residents.
During the process of designing this
project I happened to hear a program on BBC radio that made it all too clear
why centers like this are so desperately needed. Due to a lack of facilities
for young adults with autism many end up in totally inappropriate centers not
set up, or designed, to cater for their very specific requirements. Many are also
detained in these places far away from home and held under the mental health
act, meaning neither they, nor their families, have much control over either their environment, or freedoms. The value of places like the proposed Limecroft center in Oldham
cannot be overstated as it will be primarily focused on housing adults local to
the community, therefore closer to home and family, but also in doing so saving the council large amounts
of money in the long run. In consequence I cannot understand why centers like
this are not being created across the country.
Credits
This project also gave me the opportunity
to work with a wonderful, caring and passionate architect, Harry Randhawa (Triangle Architects) whose input and
suggestions were always considered and focused solely on the needs of the clients
who will eventually live in the center. Special thanks to Julia Walsh (Sail North Consulting) for
introducing me to the project and the team in the first instance.
End
Pictures of the proposed site for the new center. Existing buildings demolished to make way for the new center
Copyright David Keegan Garden Design All rights reserved 2017©
