IIRIS (servicing the visually impaired) by Lahdelma-Mahlamäki Architects

this building is a rehabilitation center for the visually impaired, funded by the finnish gambling monopoly. we are studying this building for building systems class and i found it to be a very interesting building - and set of program. the main function of the building is for people who are learning to live with visual disabilities of many kinds to stay for 2-3 weeks in order to learn basic skills. there are typical apartments for them to stay in, so they can learn how to function on their own, as well as activities (such as pottery) for the clients to take part in while staying there. they have a recording studio for audio books, which is pretty neat, and a library that rents / sells them. there are doctors, therapists, teachers, etc. working here. there is a workshop where furniture is made, and various other things, that can hire those with disabilities. the pictures of the pieces of different materials below (middle picture) is the floor plan of the facility, so that anyone can touch the layout and understand what rooms and where. the bright colors in the building contrast against the dark ones to show where hallways intersect or designate elevators. there are lots of material changes on floors and walls to help clients become more aware of feeling where they are touching / walking. (this building is in helsinki.)