Universal Design Example (Montemor-o-Novo)
EDP national solidarity award
Located in a rural landscape, near Montemor-o-Novo this little farm with only 2,3ha it’s crosses by a Riverside call “prelada”. The surround landscape has olive groves and cork oak mounted.
The project buildings (housing / therapy and studios / art craft) were located on the slope. These two buildings required ambulance access and paths with universal design. For the design of these paths we used stairs and ramp systems, which connected the two buildings and also the natural space around them.
This project needs a little more of research as dedicated recreational and therapeutic spaces for people with special needs such as cerebral palsy, mental, cognitive and perceptual deficits or even motor deficiency.
This project was the reason for my walk in design for all. For about two years I did a long research with therapeutic associations like Casa Santa Isabel, psycologists and environmental psychologists. The result of this investigation was a new methodology of design with criteria that both evaluate and allow to create new and inclusive spaces.
In this project and after my investigation it was possible to understand the main needs and how to support them with the design of the landscape or with the help of nature. Different sub spaces appeared where it is sought to amplify the sensorial sensations as:
“the florest of sounds to help feel the space without vision”
“the symbols place where in shaping abstract shapes are perceived”
“the viewpoint as a big-headed prince throne”
“the big meadow glade with a great power of extension”
“the secret garden or the mysterious place”
“the romantic ruin and the big tree”
or the “ amphitheater for group events”.
CarlaMarisaMadeira 