EDUCATION / HEALTHCARE
Imperial Valley Center for Exceptional Children
CALEXICO, CA USA
In response to the unique conditions and critical needs of Imperial County and its border region on southern California, a project was born to provide the specialized educational and healthcare services necessary for children of extreme conditions and disability. Current facilities were not adequate or updated to accommodate the care necessary for this exceptional group of kids.
Taking into consideration the unique conditions in both learning and special care for the health of these children, the design focused on creating fluidity and ease of movement through the variety of spaces within the facility. Education of all levels became part of each detail, but didn’t overshadow the importance of function and the healing aspects that are a part of each child’s life. The introduction of light, soft volumes, and connection to the outside all brought a natural calm as well as new excitement for taking steps forward in learning and healing of these important client’s.
* Work completed while at HMC Architects