Spanning three floors of a high rise in San Francisco, this 40,000-sf headquarters for one of the oldest social-services organizations in California represents the latest in design, technology, and training for blind and low-vision individuals. The space encompasses optometry exam rooms, a retail store showcasing adaptive technology devices, training rooms for hands-on learning of Braille and adaptive technology, a training kitchen, and 11 dorm rooms where up to 29 clients can stay onsite for immersive training.
The project team developed subtle design features to ensure the spaces function well for everyone. Wayfinding is aided by a ring of polished concrete encircling the public areas on each floor, while open spaces are defined by metal floor transition strips to give an indication of spatial demarcation to cane users. In training rooms, bold-colored felt-wrapped acoustic panels are used because rich, saturated colors can be discerned by many with low vision.
The design team even converted its drawings into tactile prints with raised line work to make them legible for blind stakeholders.
Building Team – Submitting firm, architect Mark Cavagnero Associates Owner LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Structural engineer Murphy Burr Curry MEP engineer Glumac General contractor DPR
General Information – Size 2,600 sf Construction cost Withheld at owner’s request Construction time February 2016 to May 2016 Delivery method Design-build
Related Stories
Building Team Awards | Apr 9, 2015
IPD-driven fusion facility serves science and student life in Chicago
In dire need of modern science labs and a student union, North Park University built both—in the same building.
Building Team Awards | Apr 9, 2015
‘Prudent, not opulent’ sets the tone for this Catholic hospital
This Building Team stuck with a project for seven years to get a new hospital built for a faithful client.
Building Team Awards | Apr 9, 2015
9/11 museum triumphs over controversy
The Building Team for this highly visible project had much more than design, engineering, and construction problems to deal with.
Building Team Awards | Apr 7, 2015
Unique test facility will help make wind power more feasible
A new facility at Clemson University makes it possible to test the huge stresses that large-scale wind turbines must be able to withstand.
Building Team Awards | Apr 5, 2015
UK's leading foot and mouth disease lab turns containment design inside out
A daring Building Team breaks the bunker mentality common to research containment with this light-filled, open facility in the English countryside.
Building Team Awards | Apr 5, 2015
‘Project first’ philosophy shows team’s commitment to a true IPD on the San Carlos Center
Skanska and NBBJ join forces with Sutter Health on a medical center project where all three parties share the risk.
