Giant Steps
Giant steps is an innovative educational and therapeutic program for individuals living with autism. As such, the combination school / training center was designed to allow students to be independent and navigate on their own. Four neighborhoods or sections were identified: primary, intermediate, junior high, and high school. Each neighborhood was painted an identifiable color scheme to make it easier to find. The color palette was based upon the earth’s four major biomes: mountains, jungle, ocean, and desert. The colors were changed slightly on each canted wall creating a gently flowing transition within and between each neighborhood. Long hallways were broken up by using canted walls. The space between each of the canted walls was filled with sidelights that not only flooded the interior with natural light but also allowed parents to view their children without detection.
Project Cost: $1,000,000
Site Location: Lisle, IL
Completion Date: 2009