Staff administration space a hub of activity

This residential drug and alcohol recovery program was run out of an old building which comprised a maze of corridors and uninviting common rooms. The project aimed to open up corridors to create better vision around the buidling, clearer orientation and greater sense of connection between the different spaces. Residents would also gather near staff areas, but the interface between staff and residents was uncomfortable. 

DESIGN IDEA:  People like to see what is happening outside their room, ideally through some form of visual connection between bedrooms and the corridor. This can be supported by providing an area to sit directly outside a bedroom, such as a small alcove. Buildings also need to ensure good lines of sight between a bedroom door and the main common room of a cluster.

PROJECT: The project involved the creation of a simpler corridor structure with good views from the main social spaces to the doorways to bedrooms. Lounge rooms were created as wider sections of the corridors and the area around the staff station provided space for people to sit. The counter itself was designed to give the staff some privacy, but also allow a ledge for people to comfortbaly lean against. Warm colours, timber and carpet were used to give life to what would otherwise be a very dull space.