ENTRY VIEW

C E N T E R F O R I N D E P E N D E N T L I V I N G

Meraki, Greek for “the soul, creativity, or love put into something,” truly embodies the core values of the Meraki Center. Located in the Greek community of Tarpon Springs, FL, Meraki encourages personal growth, inclusivity, and individuality. Often in centers for independent living, individuals with disabilities are empowered to live active, self-determined lives. At the Meraki Center, individuals are additionally encouraged to express themselves in their work and truly find purpose in doing what they love.

“ t h e s o u l , c r e a t i v i t y , o r l o v e p u t i n t o s o m e t h i n g ”

FLEXIBLE USE ROOM

DEMO KITCHEN

CRAFT ROOM

SENSORYROOM

ENTRY RECEPTIONAREA

MULTI-PURPOSE TRAINING

GROCERYSTATIONADA

STAFFRESTROOM

ADAUNISEX

RESTROOM

ADAGUEST

RESTROOM

DIRECTOROFFICE

TRAINERSPACE

MOCKAPARTMENT

MOCKAPARTMENT

ADAAPARTMENT

BATH

MEETINGNOOK

EXPANDABLE PARTITION WALL

WORKTRAINING

SORTINGSTATION

ACCESS TO STAFF OFFICES

WORKSHOPMEDITATION

GARDEN

OUTDOORRECREATION

SPACE

FLOOR PLAN

Smart Lighting ControlLutronThroughout the building

USER-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY:

In-Ceiling Sound MaskingCrushfieldSensory Room & Hallways

Tarpon Springs, FL

What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions that result in challenges regarding communication, social skills, and behaviors (Autism Speaks). Diagnosis - An estimated 1 in 59 children are affected by autism - Diagnosis is increasing because of increased awareness

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Motorized Blackout BlindsVeluxSkylights

LOCATION ANALYSIS & SITE SPECIFICATION

Meraki Center for Independent Living is located on a busy street in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The Greek population in this area is 10.4%, making it the highest in the U.S. The existing building is composed of concrete block walls and smooth finish concrete floor. Steel columns support steel trusses that are located under a flat roof. The facade of the building is a typical segmented storefront. There is an outdoor space located at the back end of the building.

DESIGNGOALS

PREDICTABILITY

BRAND RECOGNITIONCreate a positive and personable

environment where clients feel

comfortable to express themselves.

Create familiarity through

the flow of the space and

reduction of environmental

stressors.

WELL-BEINGEnhance quality of life for clients, their families, and the

community through universal design, ease-of-use, and sustainable

solutions.

CONCEPT

RECEPTION AREA

WORK TRAININGROOM

& LARGE

MULTIPURPOSE TRAINING ROOM

FRONT/RECEPTION

DIRECTOR’SOFFICE

RESTROOM

MOCKAPARTMENT

DEMOKITCHEN

SENSORYROOM

FLEXIBLE USEROOM

TRAINER’SROOM

Challenges for Adults with Autism - Daily routines/skills (cooking, cleaning, etc.) - Social skills/communication - Physical health (muscles, balance , and coordination) - Mental health (emotions and behaviors) - Over or under sensitive to environmental stimuli Universal Design - Inclusive design that accommodates everyone despite their abilities, height, backgrounds, etc. - As it pertains to education, it is an adaptable environment that accommodates individual learning differences.

Center for Independent LivingA CIL is a facility designed to educate and train individuals with cognitive disabilities and encourage them to live independently.

A combined cashier/grocery station allows individuals to gain skills in customer service and practice the act of purchasing and stocking goods.

SPECIAL FEATURES

An outdoor garden and meditation space gives individuals the option to connect with nature which can be extremely beneficial for both physical and mental health.

A workshop gives individuals an active learning environment where they can excel in different trades and hands-on skills.

SENSORY ROOM

DEMO KITCHEN

The dry-erase column assists staff in teaching individuals the skills required to cook. Magnetic action cards can be rearranged on the column to note the order of actions performed to prepare and cook a specific meal.

FURNITURE & FINISHES SPECIFICATION:

1. Interface Carpet Tile 1029052. Interface Carpet Tile 3329043. Interface Carpet Tile 332906

KnollSpark Side ChairDemo Kitchen

HaworthTulip ChairMeeting Nook

SteelcaseNode ChairMultipurpose Room

BuzziPuzzle SeatsSensory Room

BuzziAcoustic Chair Sensory Room

Herman MillerRenew Sit/Stand Desk Demo Kitchen

HaworthQ_Bic Settee Reception Area

10. Interface Slip Resistant Tile11. Ceramic Subway Tile12. 3form Gray Oak

4. Slip Resistant Rubber Flooring5. Pervious Concrete Pavers6. Armstrong Slip Resistant Tile

7. Armstrong Eco-friendly Tile8. 3form Resin Panel9. Geos Recylced Glass

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USER-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY:

PREDICTABILITY

Cubbies enable users to personalize their space by bringing in items from home to encourage them to live out their own meraki.

BRAND RECOGNITION

A built-in fish tank promotes a positive environment for users to relax. The multi-color light settings and vast array of Floridian fish can be visually stimulating to people with cognitive disabilities.

WELL-BEING

3

45

6

78

9

1011

12

GROCERY STATION

WELL-BEINGA living wall enriches and enlivens the Meraki Center. Some benefits of this green feature include air purification by removing unpleasant odors, sound absorption, and a wayfinding indicator of the fresh foods below.