Maryse Siervo

BIO

When designing interior spaces, I like to approach them with flexibility and an open mind. I am always willing to try new ideas and embrace new design challenges.

Thesis Project

4Leaf Child Care & Development Centre

4Leaf Child Care & Development Centre is a facility dedicated to providing early childhood services that encourage learning and development for children with autism spectrum disorder. This facility also aims to benefit and improve their mental/physical health in their early stages of life to enhance their future lifestyle.

Preliminary

4Leaf Child Care & Development Centre is located in the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga, Ontario. This facility provides Day Care/Preschool services and Early Childhood Intervention services. Overall, this project strives to promote, encourage, and bring support to children with autism spectrum disorder by creating a safe, functional environment to facilitate these activities. This includes designing spaces that minimize sensory overload, optimizing exposure to natural light, incorporating acoustical features to reduce distractive noises, and adding biophilic elements to improve occupant well-being. For the design concept, a slow reveal of interior features and a gradual transition between different zones is achieved by emphasizing gentle curves. Not only will this allow time to process the physical environment, but aims to evoke a sense of motivation to explore and be curious. Repetition of playful colours, curvy shapes, and soft materiality builds a comfortable inviting space.

Process

Zone Diagram & Organization Sketch
Medium: Procreate
Description: The Zone Diagram demonstrates the four major zones at 4Leaf Centre. 'Restorative Zone' is dedicated to providing therapy services. 'Instorative Zone' provides daycare/preschool services. 'Information/Office Zone' specifically contains employee office space. Lastly, the 'Community Zone' is open to the public and allows flexible space for hosting events or community gatherings. For the Organization Sketch, circulation and room types were determined. Public spaces are open, whereas, spaces that require privacy and sound levels to be regulated are either semi-open or closed.
Block Plan
Medium: Procreate
Description: For the Block Plan, I began to develop how rooms would be accessed, identify sightlines, and ideate furniture placement.
Final Developed Floor Plan
Medium: AutoCAD
Description: In the Final Developed Floor Plan, the Main Entrance is located on the east side of the building. The Daycare/Preschool Area is situated closer to the Main Entrance, allowing easy access for children to be dropped off and picked up. Next, the Resource Centre was designed closer to the middle in reflection of the facility's central goal, which is striving to support and provide the resources needed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Moving southwest through the curved hallway is the Flex Area. This large open space can be used as a quiet sitting area or for hosting events. Then further north, Therapy and Multi-Sensory Rooms are available. These rooms are the furthest away from the Main Entrance as they require a more quiet, private space.

Product

Key Area 1: Resource Centre Rendering

Key Area 2: Flex Area Rendering

Key Area 2: Flex Area Elevation

Key Area 1: Resource Centre Elevation

Key Area 3: Multi-Sensory Room Rendering