SUMMARY

Working on SDA projects such as this development in Mildura, provided me with a thorough understanding of designing for individual client needs. I was involved in highly detailed client meetings being held responsible for sensitive information ensuring individual needs and requests are respected and designed for effectively. Designing for clients suffering from differing impairments from vision to mobility, I was able to sensitively approach their needs whist guiding their brief to an appropriate response, ensuring the delivery of exceptionally suitable and client specific outcomes. Liveability, comfort, safety and social interaction are key focus points that significantly impact on the design outcome in accommodating for various disabilities.

The attached ‘3 x 1 Bedroom Dwelling’ allows for residents who require their own space and prefer little interaction with others as they don’t share kitchen and living areas as in the 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. A private patio also accommodates this need whilst adequate indirect interaction is achieved through large windows and glazed door panels providing a connection to the outside and natural light. Transparency and open plan living often provide a physical, mental and emotional relief for people with disabilities which is a key aspect of this particular design response. As particular clients are unknown and changeable for this Mildura SDA development, a thorough understanding and application of LHA and SDA design standards was required as to not limit potential residents due to specific needs not being accommodated for.

The 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings illustrated below are detached residences intended to house multiple people with specialist needs. In most cases, houses designed for this purpose include an extra bedroom for a live-in care-taker. In this development, a separate residence is provided across the road for on-site assistance. These layouts consider the residents’ need for interaction as well as privacy and potential escape.