Alessia Maffeo
Alessia is a fourth year interior design student with a passion for creating spaces that harmonize functionality with well-being. For her fourth year thesis project, she designed a wellness and recreational centre for firefighters and their families.
Project Overview
The Alton Wellness and Recreational Centre is designed with the well-being of firefighters and their families in mind. It serves as a dedicated space where they can unwind and rejuvenate amidst a range of therapeutic treatments and recreational activities. Through the use of biophilic design principles, the center provides an environment bridging wellness and community. Located at 1402 Queen Street West, this centre holds profound significance for firefighters, who shoulder the weight of a demanding and often stressful profession. Providing them with a dedicated space for relaxation and rehabilitation not only nurtures their physical and mental health but also acknowledges their invaluable contributions to the community they serve.
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Connection - Explored through 3-dimensional forms
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Unity - Explored through intersecting points and seamless paths of travel
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Shared Experiences - Seamless travel and points of intersection, navigating diverse interconnected paths throughout the space.
Concept/Design Process
This Wellness and Recreational Center is set to serve as a channel, bridging the gap between firefighters and their support systems, particularly their families. Creating a seamless flow within the space to promote unity and shared experiences.
Encouraging a sense of connection, the Center as a transformative haven for firefighters and their families. Within this space, design elements and features serves a purpose—to strengthen bonds, celebrate shared journeys, and foster a collective sense of well-being.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
The floor plans below provide an overview of the distinct spaces and levels within the Alton Mill Centre. On the main level, the focus lies on recreational areas, showcasing a photo display section of firefighters that serve within the community, a spacious kitchen with ample seating for all group meals, and a dedicated recreational lounge complete. Moving to the upper level, you'll find an array of therapeutic facilities, including psychiatric therapy, physiotherapy, massage therapy, group therapy session spaces, meditation spaces, a sauna for relaxation, and a fitness area.
Descending to the lower level, you'll discover an expansive open event space designed to accommodate various ceremonies and gatherings significant to the firefighting community. This versatile area serves as a hub for fostering connections and hosting events that strengthen the bonds within the firefighting community.
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Main Level Floor Plan - Recreation
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Upper Level Floor Plan - Wellness
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Lower Level Floor Plan - Open Event Space
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Building Section
Sections/Elevations
This Section perspective explores the relationship between the recreational and wellness spaces. The partition wall on the upper floor allows for privacy to therapy entrances, while also unifying the space with large openings to allow for seamless pass through.
3D Views
Below are a series of 3D renderings that exemplify the essence of connection, unity, and shared experiences embodied within the design of the centre. Each rendering offers a glimpse into the harmonious spaces crafted to foster meaningful connections and create memorable shared experiences for all who visit.
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Entrance
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Photo Display
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Upper Level Hallway Pass Through
The Alton Mill Wellness and Recreational Centre for Firefighters and Families
Poster
The poster provides an exploration of The Alton Mill Wellness and Recreational Centre for Firefighters and Families. Through a collection of renderings, sections, and floor plans, it conveys the center's core values of connection, unity, and shared experiences. Each element intricately woven into the design is showcased, highlighting how the center serves as a beacon of support and rejuvenation for firefighters and their families. From the inviting recreational spaces to the therapeutic amenities, every detail reinforces the impact of this center in fostering a sense of community and well-being.
