Participatory Design Project of an Outdoor Classroom in a Special Needs Children Center
Simulation of street with some kiosks was the research outcome undergone with the special needs kids in the Zeitoun Children Special Needs Center, Cairo, Egypt. Children needed to deal with people and real life before going out in the real world. Together, the students of the Human Factors in Design course and the special needs children worked in developing the rear abondoned area into a simulative classroom of a busy street.
Based on research, the special needs' children feel secrure and safe within the walls of the center, but could not deal with outside of its borders on their own. Accordingly, the students have undergone a thoroughful process of investigation about the center, the children and the nature of their disabilities, their socioeconomic status (and the possibility of their work after they graduate from the center at the age of 18). Creating a life or a “Simulation” for them, which will help them later on, facing and dealing with everyday life. Through this simulative classroom, children are to deal with other people, how to deal with money, and to be efficient on their own.
The process of the project after the research were: - observation of children behavior in the center - investigation with children, parents, teachers and management - conducting design workshops- planning for action and implementation - budgeting - fundraising - implementation (site preparation of flooring and plumbing/ wall painting/kiosks implementing).
Images and Plans
Technical Description
Technical problems of plumbing had to be solved first. Then came the flooring, and then came the wall paintings. Finally were the installations of wooden kiosks and tires. The students themselves did all the work, together with the special needs children - whenever their actual contribution was possible.