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dream . relax . sense
YEAR
Capstone | 2023
CATEGORY
Hospitality
LOCATION
5880 Hillside Ave
Cincinnati, OH
DURATION
14 weeks
PROGRAMS
Revit
AutoCAD
Enscape
Photoshop
Illustrator
SENIOR CAPSTONE | SPRING 2023
Dreamscape is family-friendly resort that celebrates neurodiversity. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, this is an adaptive reuse of a vacant industrial building that comes with approximately 53 acres of green space. Unfortunately, the Midwest is one of the least autistic-friendly places in the US. Nestled close to transportation and the airport, this resort will offer opportunities for families to make
FLOORS:
GROSS AREA:
STRUCTURE:
USE TYPE:
ACCESSORY USES:
CONSTRUCTION TYPE:
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM:
2
56,000 sqft
varies
B, A-1, A-2, A-3
S-1
S-2, M
Type 1-B
Automatic
SITE & ANALYSIS
CONCEPT
CURVES
A perfect circle appears flawless much like society's status quo and high standards of life due to it's perfectly-shaped perimeter. However, like life and the journey to well-being, a circle is never-ending and can be flexible and broken down into tangents and curves, representing the natural path of life.
COMPRESSION + RELEASE
Forces of compression, like hugs, are used to relieve anxiety. It triggers the sympathetic nervous system, dropping the metabolic weight, which reduces your heart rate to a calming, resting heart rate. This allows your body to breath and finally feel a sense of release - the very sense of relief Dreamscape's guests will find at the resort.
BRANDING PACKAGE
LOGO DESIGN
Primary Logo
Secondary Logo
COLOR STORY
Subdued colors were chosen to create calming, yet
vibrant, and safe environments for anybody and everybody.
TYPEOGRAPHY
It was important to choose fonts that complemented each other, represent the brand, and cater to all abilities. Did you know sans serif fonts are more readable to neurodivergent individuals? While "Astralaga Light" is considered a serif, the tics are minor enough to read.
Branding was an important factor of this capstone project to ensure a cohesive experience for users from start to finish. A mock-up website employing the same universal principles used in Dreamscape's buidling design was used to cater to all abilities and needs.
Happiness
starts at the
tip of the finger!
Inspired by
NATURE
Hydrating, air-purifying succulents were used as inspiration to design furniture, lighting, and activities that populate the interiors throughout Dreamspace.
Unique
Designs
Above all...
We want acceptance
- DISABILITY REFRAMED
Mindful Designs
Safety was a key component to designing the interior of the resort. Cork, rubber, and carpet tiles were used to ensure the physical safety of guests as well as provide acoustical values.
Parking is along the East and Northeast side of the building. It was important to make the main entrance away from the busy street. A curved path with intriguing sensory elements are tools to guide neurodivergent kids safely towards the check-in point.
FLOOR 1 - DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
The first floor is divided in three parts. The east quadrant is dedicated for self-help and staff. Check-in is centrally located to provide easy access, which is vital for parents who are in a rush to fulfill sensory needs of their children. Centrally located on the first two floors are sound-proof sensory spaces. This is to allow flexible capabilities for families who need to de-escalate a meltdown with ease.
MAKE A BIG
The splashpad and pool is located on the southern facade of the building, parallel to to Scenic Ohio River. The space is finished with nature-inspired materials, such as rock-like rubber flooring and wood composite ceiling.
​
Solar shades serve a dual purpose of collecting energy from the Southern sun as well as provide shade to the splash pad/pool room.
To be able to cater to the sensory needs of all abilities, users are able to choose to play according to their wants and needs. Users can start off real simple with sensory tables and gradually explore with more water as they move towards the splash pad, and then eventually the pool.
SOMETHING FOR
While the resort is designed for families, it also offers chances for parents to unwind with spa treatments, ranging from haircare and nails to beauty and massage services.
​
The spa also has two sensory haircare rooms to cater to those with sensory issues.
FOR
THE
FLOOR 2 - MIND, BODY, AND SOUL
The second floor is dedicated to let users explore sensory needs. For children, there are gym and play spaces, food therapy cafe, maker's space, and play areas. Towards the east quadrant, adults are able to partake in healing activities such as gym activities, Zumba, yoga, and meditative tea room.
Much like the concept of the splash pad and pool room, users are welcomed to explore the play area in their own pace. Entrance of the room starts with visual cues, and slowly adds in other sensory elements the farther down you explore the room.
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Private sensory rooms are also accessible within the space to ensure the best possible outcome for all users.
Sometimes, you have to pick your battles, especially dealing with children. This is why Dreamscape offers an array of dining opportunities for families of all abilities. Here are some experiences to make dining an ease for families who visit the resort.
CAFE DINING
Located on the second floor, directly above the first-floor restaurants is a casual café. Here, families are invited to take their time ordering palate-friendly foods and seat themselves wherever. This relax style is to ensure the success of dining at ease!
SUPPORT DINING
Dreamscape has autistic-certified staff, and food therapy services parents are able to sign up for as support. This is a great teaching opportunity for parents to learn and get tips that addresses their concerns for their child's/children's eating habits.
FAMILY DINING
Family sit-down dining is located on the first floor. There are two parts of this family dining. One, pictured above, allows cozy experiences for those with all abilities to feel comfortable and secure. The other portion, pictured below, allows parents to connect with other parents, and eat at ease while their child/children fulfills their sensory needs. This creates a judgement-free zone, where everyone can feel belonging.
CONSIDERABLE DINING
Children and adults, alike, have the option of fidgeting around with assorted sensory items in the middle. This allows parents and caretakers to sit back, relax, and enjoy their meals.
ADULTS-ONLY DINING
Dreamscape features two adult-only dining spaces. The restaurant pictured above, is located on the first floor, is geared for adults to reconnect with friends or a romantic night-out with their significant other.
RESPITE ENTERTAINING
The second adult-only space is located on the second floor. It's a tea room-style space visitors can book to casually dine with friends or get self-care as they take advantage of the nature views in the lounge section.
ROOM FOR ALL
Resort rooms are located on the third and final floor. Rooms are soundproof and provide security for those who stay.
THIRD FLOOR
Sleeping quarters are located on the third and final floor plan. There are different options to benefit different family's needs. Guests are welcomed to choose between enclosed bedroom suites or studio-like rooms.
SUITE ELEVATION 1 - KITCHEN + LIVING
Kitchen and bathrooms are located towards the entrance, the noise area of the room, while the sleeping areas are located at the other end. Walls are sound-insulated to provide ultimate acoustic security.
SUITE ELEVATION2 - SLEEPING QUARTERS
Sleeping spaces are more compressed than other areas of the room to provide a sense of comfort.
COZY CABIN RETREAT
10 Cabins are nestled in the green space of the site, providing exclusive privacy for those who want to feel off-the-grid, yet at-home.
