CLOUD ZONE
LEARNING CENTER FOR CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Cloud zone is a learning center for children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder from ages 2 to 12; it located in Portland Japanese Garden's new Cultural Village, the buildings were designed by Kengo Kuma. Portland Japanese Garden's new Cultural Village is a modest, human-scaled set of buildings arranged around a courtyard plaza, whose fourth side is the existing, untouched gardens from the 1960s.
1 in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder, begins in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood. Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that affect spectrum disorder, including the environment.
CONCEPT
CUMULUS
Cumulus clouds have defined edges and a flat base, which is puffy, like floating cotton in the sky, they change their form in response to the environment, which are delicate and soft like the personality of autistic children, who are sensitive, pure, and with a soft heart.
Through “Cumulus” shapes show educational facility is warm, soft and pleasurable. Children can physically immerse themselves inside the interior; this makes them feel safe and calm and encourages them to embrace the learning, they can run through the sky and take a nap among the clouds.
3D MODELS
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
SKETCHES
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LOBBY/ART GALLERY
Children and their parents arriving at the learning center are greeted at a softly lit, dynamic waiting area that’s backed by a natural garden view.
MULTI-FUNCTION AREA
There is a sensory experience area, a meeting room and a slide next to the stairs in this area. Minimalist lighting in the meeting room also emits a warm glow throughout the space.
DINING
Dining room adjacent private dining room
introduces children to sit with others.
VIRTUAL REALITY AREA
The slide to the first floor next to the stairs and virtual reality area.
QUIET ROOM
The quiet room mainly inspired by meditation. Indirect lighting was used to soften the space with cove lighting providing an additional calming effect. A fresh and neutral base was chosen with a minimal orange color interspersed throughout.
READING
A series of framed windows in the reading room are covered with translucent screens to soften daylight streaming through from the outdoors. The way in which the geometry circulates and unfolds not only promotes an atmosphere of calm, rest, and relaxation but in severe circumstances, also prevents children from harming themselves on corners.