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Literature Case Study 

Mark Openshaw Education Center Utah School for Deaf and Blind, Utah

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The entrance to the building with the playfield and the playground on either sides.

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The site plan of the education center

Mark Openshaw Education center designed by Jacoby Architects is a center for education, therapy, and services for varying levels of sensory, behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities. This facility has a full size gymnasium with indoor/outdoor performing arts capability, orientation & mobility area, indoor clubhouses containing physical and occupational therapy training, multi-functional kitchen for vocational and life skills training, early childhood classrooms customized for sensory disabilities; Snoezelen room (sensory/light room); enclosed courtyard with children’s playground and sensory/exploration gardens and video conferencing rooms.

Significant features of the center

  • Providing ramps at exterior accesses.

  • The acoustics in the classrooms adhered to the specifications required.

  • Toilets with wheelchair accessibility.

  • Fire and life safety issues are addressed.

  • Free movement space in the hallways without any protrusions and efficient lighting controls.

Inference

  • The building is in the farthest end of the site away from the street therefore providing security and safety.

  • The connection between the school, play field and the playgrounds are seamless without any interference.

  • The amphitheater is semi private with disabled friendly stage and linked with the outdoor to provide easy access.

  • Rooftop courtyard to provide relaxation for staff and visitors.

  • The deaf gardens and blind gardens with center pavilion provides students with an opportunity to explore their motor skills.

  • The well lit corridors and classrooms to eliminate any glare or reflections to enhance the students senses.

  • Pathway materials have distinct shade and color with bold lines and tactile surfaces for the partially blind to experiment.

  • The bright red masses on the facade of the building acts as a landmark throughout the center for students. 

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