Page 4 - Parea

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF DESIGN SOLUTIONS
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This design speaks to an overall atmosphere of a home away from home while still embodying the client’s values of universal design and inclusivity. A priority throughout the design process was to maintain an inclusive and easy to navigate space for the community, including patrons and employees with cognitive or physical disabilities. The restaurant itself serves to embody these values as well as represent them within certain motifs and a subtle expression of home. This design illustrates a successful application of universal design features along with promoting a relaxed environment where people can enjoy the company of others.
In order to truly create a non- stigmatizing restaurant, the design adheres to all codes from the Americans with Disabilities Act including things such as proper widths of circulation paths, correct counter heights, and properly measured restroom dimensioning. It was also considers factors that go
beyond just physical limitations, such as, creating a non-threating or over stimulating space. These ideals are represented in many aspects of the design, including the floor plan itself. The physical layout of Parea sections off different areas that allows the user to have the option of a more casual, social atmosphere, a more open and community centered area, and a secluded lounge setting. These separate areas create zones that are often times helpful for people with cognitive disabilities to remain relaxed and know what to expect as they move throughout a space. Similarly, the Prospect and Refuge Theory is used in the application of house shaped wooden frames around the restaurant’s booths. These wooden frames form an enclosure that creates a smaller and more private dining environment while adding a unique design visual. The different ceiling types above each space ranging from hanging plants to acoustic wood beams, further this idea. Altogether, these separate sections help create suitable
environments for individuals with hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity.
Another design solution that cateres to the individuals with cognitive disabilities is the addition of a vestibule at the restaurants entrance. Not only does this serve as a way to regulate the space’s indoor temperature, but it also creates a transition point from the exterior to the interior that allows an individual to adjust before being fully submerged in the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant. The additional space and presence of a small waiting area by the door adds an assurance that a patron will not be immediately overwhelmed as they walk into the space.
This directly ties into Stimulation Theory, which focuses on creating a space that is not over stimulating for users. Further application of this theory can be seen in the simple, yet visually interesting color pallet of Parea. Black, white and gray are implemented in the more textural
elements of the design allowing for various shades of green to be celebrated. The simplicity of the design continues with clear sight lines to all areas of the restaurant. Research shows that people with cognitive disabilities prefer to have measures set in place to minimize visual distractions when they are working. A back counter facing the walls behind the ordering counter and the bar allows employees to focus on the task at hand instead of getting distracted by things happening in front of them.
More physical design considerations are seen in areas such as the restaurant’s bar. Although most restaurants have a raised bar with higher stool seating, Parea offers a more inclusive solution by lower ing the counter to wheelchair height. Customers can easily pull up to the bar and sit at the same level as friends and family. Provisions for wheelchairs can also be seen in the extra square footage behind the bar for wheelchair circles and in the pull out counters at the ordering station.