SUBMISSION

DESIGN BRIEF REPORT NO. 01

TDJ4M1 CAPSTONE PROJECT

PROJECT AREA: BELL SCHOOL Line Milton, Ontario L9T2Y1
PROJECT TITLE: Rehabilitation Center

DESIGNER: Amber Christensen

DATE: 2024-03-22

PROJECT SCOPE

● What is the problem that you are trying to solve or the need you are trying to meet?
o Unfortunately, from experiences I have researched online most rehabilitation
centers often feel depressing, sad, and anxious looking, causing many to not seek
after it. Having a rehabilitation center that is welcoming and inviting is important
because it creates a positive and supportive environment for individuals seeking
help. When people feel comfortable and accepted, they are more likely to engage
in the treatment process and open up about their struggles. A welcoming
atmosphere can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek the help
they need without feeling judged or isolated. It also promotes a sense of
community and connection, which is crucial for recovery.
● For whom are you designing? Are you designing for a specific person or group of
people? Who are the users, who is the client? Who would use it or benefit from it?
o Rehabilitation centers are for anyone who is struggling with addiction, substance
abuse, or mental health issues. They are designed to provide support and
treatment to individuals who are ready to make positive changes in their lives.
Both the people who use the center and their loved ones can benefit from the
resources, therapy, and guidance offered by rehab facilities.
● Describe what you will design and define the project scope clearly (i.e. how much detail
will the project have? What will it seek to accomplish?).
o The floor plans of a rehab facility typically include various rooms to cater to
different needs. Common rooms may include therapy rooms for individual and
group sessions, medical examination rooms, activity rooms for recreational and
therapeutic activities, and communal spaces for socialising and relaxation. It's
important to ensure that the interior design is calming and conducive to healing,
with comfortable furniture and soothing colours. On the exterior, the aim is to
create a welcoming and serene atmosphere, with well-maintained gardens and
outdoor spaces for fresh air and relaxation. I’m looking at accomplishing full
architectural floor plans, elevations, and drawings as if I am presenting this to the
town and/or specific person to get approved.

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PROJECT CONTEXT / DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

● What background information did you find to set the context for this design problem and
to justify that it is a problem that needs to be addressed?
o Many people online have expressed their concerns about how rehab can be
intimidating and scary. It's so important to change that perception and create an
environment where individuals feel comfortable acknowledging their problems
and seeking help. By fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere, where
people can witness the positive impact of others, and giving them the
encouragement they need to take that important step towards change. My goal is
to make rehab a place of comfort and inspiration is truly admirable, and it can
make a world of difference in someone's journey to recovery.
● What did you find that already exists to solve this problem or a similar design problem?
What are the pros and cons of existing designs that you examined? What are the features
you found that you included in your design? What are features you excluded? Evaluate.
What were your most important sources of information? What did you gather from these
sources that you incorporated into your design? List the requirements/needs for the
project: What must the solution do or be or have? Under what conditions must it work?
What should it look like?
o Switzerland and Thailand have some amazing results in their approach to rehab,
and their architectural choices definitely play a role in creating a positive and
supportive environment. Incorporating architectural ideas from those countries
can be a fantastic way to make my rehab center stand out and offer a more
comfortable experience for individuals seeking help. Using natural elements like
wood, white, and nature-inspired designs can create a sense of tranquillity and
connection to the surroundings. The use of wood, for example, can bring warmth
and a sense of grounding to the space. White, on the other hand, can create a clean
and fresh ambiance, promoting a feeling of purity and new beginnings.
Integrating elements of nature, such as plants and natural light, can further
enhance the healing atmosphere and contribute to a sense of rejuvenation. I would
also incorporate more curved lines and avoid pointy corners. This can definitely
contribute to a more inviting and comforting environment. Curved lines have a
way of softening the space and creating a sense of flow, which can have a positive
impact on people's emotional well-being. By eliminating sharp edges, it created a
safer and more visually pleasing space. It's also great to consider the colour
palette carefully. Excluding dark colours and anxiety-inducing shades like pink.
Instead, incorporating bright neutral tones can help create a more uplifting and
positive atmosphere. By combining these architectural ideas, it is conducive to
healing and personal growth.
● Provide your sources of information, such as specific websites. Include pictures, sketches
and other graphics to illustrate your research.
o https://miraclesasia.com/best-countries-for-drug-rehab/

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o https://claritythailand.com/which-are-the-best-countries-for-drug-rehab/
o https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/rehab-rooms
o https://www.e-architect.com/england/good-rehab-architecture-and-design
o https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/designing-for-typologies/a6047-the-philoso
phy-and-architecture-of-rehabilitation-centers/
o https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects/categories/rehabilitation-center

● List the constraints for the project:

o What are the “hard dimensions” that you cannot change? Are there standards or
conventions that must be followed (i.e. the Building Code, Green Standards,
Municipal Zoning by-laws, accepted practices)
▪ The minimum setback from a lot line is 7.5 metres

▪ The minimum interior side yard setback to a lot line is six metres

▪ The minimum setback to a street line is one metre for porches and
verandas, patios and balconies
▪ The minimum setback to a lot line is 0.6 metres for stairs and accessible
ramps
▪ There is no minimum setback from a lot line where a driveway or drive
aisle is shared between properties
▪ The maximum building height is 15 storeys

▪ Water Closets for over 100 people must include: 6 plus 1 for each
additional increment of 30 persons of each sex in excess of 100

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▪ Automatic fire sprinkler systems must be installed in all newly built

commercial buildings with a fire area that exceeds 5,000 square feet
▪ The line of travel to an exit/fire exit shall be not more than 45.00 meters
(150 feet).

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

● Submit any sketches or rough notes to illustrate the development of your design concept.
● Describe the process of developing the design for your project to-date
o 1. Gather information about the specific needs and requirements of the rehab
center. This involves understanding the goals, desired services, and target
population of the facility.
o 2. Site Analysis: Assess the site where the rehab center will be located. Factors
such as topography, accessibility, views, and neighbouring structures are
considered to determine the best placement and orientation of the building.
o 3. Develop a design concept. This includes the overall vision, layout, and
organisation of the rehab center. (Focus on creating a healing and supportive
environment, incorporating natural elements, or promoting a sense of
community).
o 4. Translate the design concept into rough sketches and diagrams (to illustrate the
spatial arrangement and relationship between different areas of the rehab center),
and then into revit.
o 5. Detailed drawings and specifications to communicate the design. These
documents include architectural plans and structural details.

DESIGN SCHEDULE

● Develop a critical path schedule for your project (Gantt chart) and reference it in this
section. List all of the critical dates (milestones) that you must meet for your design
schedule.
o April 1st-5th: Finishing design, figuring out elevations, and start.
o April 8th-May 15th: 60% Preliminary Design
▪ Exterior

▪ Required walls/rooms in the interior

o May 16th-June 18th 100% Final Design
▪ Interior designs

▪ Furniture

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▪ Landscaping

▪ Massing Model (if time allows)

o June 19th-21st
▪ Final floor plans

▪ Final drawings

▪ Final elevations

▪ Finish presentation and any extra work that comes up

● Provide a brief description of what technical/graphical drawings, computer models, or
prototypes that you will produce to represent your design.
o Revit/Enscape renderings
o Technical drawings
o Presentation drawings
o Roadside & left side elevations
o Video walk through
o Massing model

*Will add my bubble diagram, sketchings, rough ideas, and drawings throughout the course as
my concept and ideas are always changing and are not finalised*

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