Work submitted for the competition
"Best Interior Diploma".
The aim of the work is to create a dogo-therapy center for children in Poznan, which would respond to the needs of the environment and positively affect the development, comfort and well-being of the patients, the people staying there, as well as the four-legged therapists. The place was created by adapting the warehouse interiors of the School and Educational Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities in Poznań into a dogo therapy center. The space was designed for children with autism, various disabilities and physical and mental performance problems.
cross sections
© Aleksandra Nawrot
The dogototherapy center is called Dog-Stan. The name combines two concepts: "dog" - referring to therapy dogs, and "haven" - a word meaning, according to the Polish language dictionary, "a place that provides peace, safety, etc.".
The idea of the project was also to preserve the character of the original warehouse spaces. The building's facade maintains the characteristic atmosphere of the old warehouses, and the interiors retain a similar style. Raw concrete was left on the ceiling and parts of the walls, which allowed the interior to be consistent with the building's external form.
reception
© Aleksandra Nawrot
The design is based on symmetry and orderliness of the space, which is crucial due to the nature of the patients - children with cerebral palsy, people on the autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Every element of the interior has been thought out to provide the maximum sense of security and comfort.
The symmetrical arrangement of the rooms introduces order and has a positive impact on the well-being of children with autism, who often have difficulties with sensory processing. A clear, logical functional layout reduces feelings of anxiety and prevents overstimulation. Children with autism perceive stimuli differently, so they should avoid chaotic and incoherent spaces that can interfere with the therapy process.
dogotherapy office
© Aleksandra Nawrot
The area of the building is about 230 m². It has been divided into seven rooms, two handicap-accessible toilets and a communicating corridor.
Specific functional zones have been designed for the comfort of patients with various conditions:
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Common zone - including a reception and waiting area,
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Preparatory zone - with a checkroom and a front office for patients starting therapy,
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Individual activity zone - with dogo therapy offices,
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Sanitary zone,
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Group activities zone,
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Psychological zone - with apsychologist 's office,
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Rest zone - intended for staff.
psychologist's office
© Aleksandra Nawrot
The materials used in the project were carefully selected, with both the children and the therapy dogs in mind. The goal was to create a natural, friendly and safe environment by using natural and hypoallergenic materials. The dominant colors are blue, wood and gray - these hues promote tranquility, and the blue hue is associated with autism.
The walls were finished with a special latex emulsion, oak veneer and raw concrete left in fragments. Naturally indigo-dyed linen was used in selected areas of the walls, and the floor was covered with matte polyurethane resin.
corridor
© Aleksandra Nawrot
The "Dog-State" center fosters an improved quality of life for its patients. Therapy with therapy dogs brings many benefits - both physical, mental and emotional.
Aleksandra Nawrot
Illustrations: © Author.
