Kaitlin Madio
With a passion for improving well-being through interior design, Kaitlin explored a wellness and community centre for families going through the divorce process, in Toronto, ON. The design considers extensive research such as psychology theories (ex. Maslow's hierarchy of needs), the most important factors for post divorce adjustment, and the wellness benefits of biophilia in interior spaces. According to research, the divorce rate is 40%, which comes with a variety of long and short term negative effects, such as increased anxiety and depression, and an overall reduced quality of life. Research also suggested that there is a lack of resources and issues with accessibility to these resources. Kaitlin's project will address all of these important issues under one accessible facility. Kaitlin's passion for hospitality and wellness guided her design of the project.
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Project Overview
Rekindle will bring together & support families experiencing seperation & divorce in Toronto, ON. The project will provide accessibility to multiple resources under one facility, Healing through therapy and mental health services, connecting to others through shared experience & support networks, holistic solution to wellness by supporting physical wellbeing, and learning through resources, self development classes, & events.
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Parti Diagram
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Exploded Diagram
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Spatial Organization Exploded Diagram
Concept/Design Process
Rekindle will provide a grounding space: A space that feels connected to the earth, nature, the planet's natural rhythms, and your body's optimal health. Overlapping spaces create organic flow and sightlines.
Nodes and green spaces create 'grounding spaces' to connect to nature and ones self. The central flexible lounge/ seminar space grounds both levels and connects one to nature through a feature skylight, organic seating, and a surrounding of natural elements. The feature skylight creates a 'rain of light' effect on the surfaces, creating a unique connection to the biophilic element of sunlight, and providing a positive distraction.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
The first level contains the social spaces and the second level contains the wellness and self development spaces. There is a central concentration which overlooks the feature skylight in both levels, and provides an easy traffic flow.
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Spatial Organization
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Floor Plans
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Walk-through Green Space Upon Entry
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Central Flexible Lounge & Seminar Space
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Lounge
3D Views
The 3d views capture the biophilic elements such as water, sun, fire, and greenery. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is also indicated to show how they are addressed in the design. The material palette features a biophilic colour scheme along with a variety of calming textures and colours.
Poster
