Brianna O'Hare
DFN is a Diabetic Fitness and Nutrition Center that enhances counselling and education for diabetics by improving user experience through materiality. Throughout the fall and winter semester Brianna O’Hare studied, designed and developed a space that investigates the boundaries of natural materials and their impact within an interior space.
Project Overview
The Diabetic Fitness and Nutrition Center is located at 415 Eastern Avenue in Toronto, Ontario. The space spread across three breathtaking levels and occupied approximately 15,000 square feet. DFN has partnered with local health centers to improve counselling and education for diabetic patients as well for our surrounding community. DFN establishes a positive atmosphere through a healthy environment that implements the use of materiality.
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Material Investigation.
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Sun Study.
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Exploring Transparency.
Concept/Design Process
The design of DFN began by investigating the atmosphere of a space that features natural materials. By implementing finishes like wood, stone and glass user intellect and experience has been known to positively change which can impact personal behaviour and thought. DFN has explored the definition of boundaries in relation to personal energy to understand how various spaces reflect different feelings or thoughts. For example, the application of wood is known to have a positive effect on human emotions as well as comfort, where stone can influence factors of success and accomplishments.
Floor Plans
The Diabetic Fitness and Nutrition Center is divided into public and private spaces. The main level welcomes both DFN members and public guests. Here we feature two lounges, study areas, a coffee bar and wellness center. Our lower level and second level remain private for staff and members. On the second level we have our nutrition and fitness studio and finally on the lower level we have our administrative section where we host conferences and private consultations.
3D Views
DFN features an expansive view from the lower level up. Rammed earth frames the center of the space and is accompanied by wood detailing throughout the library, coffee bar and nutrition center.
Poster
The Diabetic Fitness and Nutrition Center Final Poster
Final Thesis Poster
