san francisco-based design firm IDEO, michael graves & associates, and clark realty capital have collaborated to create the recently unveiled wounded warrior home — a comfortable and functional residence for the injured veterans returning home from war. currently located in a military base in fort belvoir, virginia, the patriot and freedom homes are prototypes which go above and beyond the current ADA standards (americans with disabilities act of 1990) and attempt to provide a better living solution which can be customized to individual preferences.
all images courtesy IDEO
the homes are the results of interviews and observation of 10 civilians and 20 injured soldiers along with over 20 experts from relevant fields. the goal was to produce a dwelling which supports a dignified living situation and fosters relationships between friends and family as they resume activities associated with daily life.
dining/living room features low-windows to provide ample natural lighting and optimum views
guiding principles in the form of seven dualities arose during the study including social privacy, mobile roots, visible and invisible security to generate a home which caters to physical, mental and emotional needs. the flexible floor plans sustain family interactions and evolving spatial uses over time.
kitchen provides room for a full-turning radius
the newly furnished family room features an automatic adjustable height dining area, accommodating all residents
the kitchen opens directly into the family room, which features access and ample visibility to the outdoor space
master bedroom provides abundant floorspace for maneuverability
rendering
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Very Subtle.
I honestly think that this is where design is going. The use of interviews, research, and case studies towards the creation of specialized design solutions. You see it in the work of many science and technological companies and now you are seeing it more and more in architecture and even art and industrial design. Smart on the part of IDEO and Michael Graves to address a field wherein in particular I imagine there is surely an ethical need as well as a market.
A big part of Architecture is to provide better spaces for the people that use them, this home clearly places building users first, providing amenities to people who served our country and deserve our attention. Michael Graves understands which features will benefit our veterans and IDEO always delivers designs which improve objects in our daily lives. Homes are one of the most important places where people spend a lot of time.
Thank you IDEO and MG for thinking about the people who served our country and deserve better
@The Wounded: The floor graphics, like the wall signage, are only there to explain the accessible features to people touring the prototypes. They’re not intended to be permanent.
Why do they have to be reminded of their “handicapped-ness” by graphics on the floor??? Isn’t the past torture enough that we are here to create a separate home for them and show them time and again that they do not belong to our society and need another house away from their families??