Child behaviour once in comfort zone

The following post is the theoretical explanation behind the reason for the cafe and tree houses looking into the activity area of the G.E.A.K. Development Centre:

Development Evaluator from KDP, Miss Cloete explains that children tend to open up to those they are comfortable with, which is essential in order for therapy to continue successfully. Children tend to ‘tell secrets’ to their caregivers when in comfort.

Once separated from the parent, the child has limited time to get to know the new caregiver. The aim is therefore to make use of therapy such as play therapy which children can relate with. A familiar and comfortable setting is created in which the child feel relaxed and at ease in the care of a stranger in order to:
· Allow the evaluators to find the problems experienced
· Feel confident to take part in activities in groups
· Allow the evaluators to teach the child to overcome challenges
· Tell therapists about possible abuse concerns

quick post

Quite random.. I know.. but how cute are these bubble clocks!!! Wish I had one......have one :)

beautiful noise... wanted

Check out these fun and colourful decoration elements used to absorb sound. These panels can be incorporated as curtains, carpets and even wall coverings. The sound-absorbing panels of Karim Rashid, Christel Mansson and Anne Quinn Kyyro is ideal for surface coverings in child activities areas, child libraries and schools. The soft surfaces allow the children to relax around the applied areas and experience the chance in texture as part of education.

ref: The noise becomes beautiful. [s.a] Internet: http://www.interiorwarrior.com/the-noise-becomes-beautiful/ Access: 12 May 2010.

light from above

Alex gave me a case study to research after design the other day; The CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS by Steven Hall. The manner in which he introduced light into the interior by means of seven light tunnels, inspired the way in which I shall introduce light and colour to the therapy spaces of the existing, dark warehouse on Mangold Street.

With the power of colour to heal, calm and excite, light tunnels facing North-west shall supply coloured light into the interior with the help of coloured Plexiglas panels. Instead of painting the walls in bright friendly colours, a coloured glow from 'above' subtly can control the mood of the children during therapy sessions.

http://www.stevenholl.com/project-detail.php?id=40

Tree house...?

I came across the picture of this beautiful residential property as i was seeking inspiration for my space planning... The picture inspired me try create an interior tree-house effect to manipulate the illusion of the exterior into the interior.

The absence of an garden on site allow no escape to the children visiting the centre, therefore calling for the floating levels to direct the mind of the child into a mystical bearing, allowing the child to feel in his/her comfort zone. Lets see if the concept will work....

Reference: Exinteriordesin 2010. Internet: http://www.exinteriordesign.com/spain-banco-de-sabadell-barcelona-by-josep-lluis-mateo/ Access: 29 March 2010

You are here...

Location, location, location! Am I the only Btech student with a proposed building in Newton Park? Let me explain why:

1. GEAK Development needs a building that is close to as many possible schools. These include primary schools, pre-schools or day care facilities.
2. Newton Park is relative central and close to Greenacres hospital in case of medical emergencies.
3. The Diaz sports club is two blocks away from Erf no. 236 Newton Park. The children can be transported from the development centre to the sports field with little hassle for their sports development

Additional factors such as the Greenacres shopping centre allow parents to drop their children at the GEAK development centre for development therapy while they do shopping or meet a friend for a cup of coffee.

Location, location, location! The building is on 79 Mangold Street, Newton Park.
Directions: From Greenacres shopping centre, up in Cape road, right into 5th Ave and left into Mangold Street. As easy as that!

Inspired....Andree Putman

Oi… I freaked out a little this weekend. After my presentation on Thursday I could not help wondering if I made a mistake to attempt a design aimed at children? Lying on the floor, attempting a few sit ups to create a ‘healthy looking me’, I found an old Elle magazine under my bed. An interview with Andree Putman, the ‘unrivalled doyenne of French design’ inspired me to lift my head up high again and continue my attempt.

I won’t bore you with the whole article but Andree basically told me: “To not dare is to have already lost. We should seek out ambitions, even unrealistic ones…. Because things only happen when we dream”

Reference: in conversation with Andree Putman. 2007. Elle Decoration. October 2007. pp 26-27.