Independence through innovation

October 24th, 2012

The philosophy for the new state of the art facility for Cerebral Palsy Alliance was centered on the vision of “creating an environment to build confidence and self esteem, balanced with spaces to stimulate the imagination and encourage the development of social skills”.

Designed by DEM the design solution was required to incorporate ’over-code’ accessibility and amenity facilities, setting a new benchmark for planning within corporate facilities and providing maximum independence.

Crystallising the vision of creating an environment that builds confidence and self-esteem, DEM have designed a visually transparent and flexible facility. The space reflects a zero boundary, non-institutional workplace enhanced with places for reflection, contemplation and renewal. Other features include a parent lounge and counselling facilities, innovation & research centre, outdoor play area, custom designed disabled gym & sport centre, specialist wheel chair fitting & bespoke workshop facilities as well as a range of specialist training/education and administrative facilities to cater for CPA’s national operations.

The result is a collaborative and inclusive environment focused on learning and well-being. The facility creates a true sense of belonging and common sense of purpose.

All building components were designed and selected to serve a purpose of both functionally and sustainability. The specification of Tenup, by Italian design house Sinetica for the workstation and meeting area was the perfect alignment to meet the high design requirements along with embodying the versatility and flexibility of this unique project.

Tenup’s in-built electronic height adjustability system permits desk tops to be raised or lowered to a comfortable sitting or standing height, allowing the work area to be easily adjusted to the needs of both disabled and able-bodied workers. The minimalist structure and potential for expansion with accessories, such as integrated power, data and AV connections, encourage efficiency and dynamism within the CPA teams.

Maintaining the aesthetic of lightness and modernity the Paustian Spinal tilt table was selected for the training area, further supported by the clean lines of the Pascal Lounge for casual seating.

The Kubis lateral file and tambour door units were used throughout the office to enhance the paper management system, and a collaboration between Kubis and DEM created bespoke curved mobile screens for the CPA Innovation centre.