Revitalizing the Veterans Home at King
Mentor 1
Nisha A. Fernando
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
24-4-2015 10:30 AM
End Date
24-4-2015 11:45 AM
Description
Serving veterans for over 125 years, the Veterans Home at King in Waupaca, WI is a vast campus overlooking the Rainbow Lake. The facility is home to several hundred retired and disabled veterans from several wars. While some buildings are relatively new, some others have significant opportunities for improvement. The Marden Center (housing admissions and activities), was constructed in 1972 on the edge of Rainbow Lake. Though it functioned well at the time, the facility is in need of many updates. The Commandant’s Residence, adjacent to the Marden Center, is a 125-year old building that was part of the original campus and now on the Historic Register, remains empty and unused, with no accessible entries. / / This design project focused on providing design solutions to both buildings to better suit the veterans and their families. Research was done to assess what was vital for the occupants of assisted living facilities. Additionally, research was conducted on universal design for the visually, audibly and physically impaired persons and was applied to the project. Based on this research, new space assignments, improved accessibility and relevant technology were implemented into the new design scheme. / / In the Marden Center there was an opportunity to update worn finishes, bring more natural light through the building and introduce improved way finding for the residents. Introducing a connection skywalk between the Marden Center and the Commandant’s Residence was also a major feature. This new structure enables residents of all abilities to navigate between the two buildings with ease and comfort. Bringing the Commandant’s residence into use was important for the history of the campus. As a café it serves as a communal space for residents and their families to enjoy. After conducting the research and implementing the design solutions in a digital format, the Veterans Home became more functional and efficient, as well as more aesthetically attractive. /
Revitalizing the Veterans Home at King
Union Wisconsin Room
Serving veterans for over 125 years, the Veterans Home at King in Waupaca, WI is a vast campus overlooking the Rainbow Lake. The facility is home to several hundred retired and disabled veterans from several wars. While some buildings are relatively new, some others have significant opportunities for improvement. The Marden Center (housing admissions and activities), was constructed in 1972 on the edge of Rainbow Lake. Though it functioned well at the time, the facility is in need of many updates. The Commandant’s Residence, adjacent to the Marden Center, is a 125-year old building that was part of the original campus and now on the Historic Register, remains empty and unused, with no accessible entries. / / This design project focused on providing design solutions to both buildings to better suit the veterans and their families. Research was done to assess what was vital for the occupants of assisted living facilities. Additionally, research was conducted on universal design for the visually, audibly and physically impaired persons and was applied to the project. Based on this research, new space assignments, improved accessibility and relevant technology were implemented into the new design scheme. / / In the Marden Center there was an opportunity to update worn finishes, bring more natural light through the building and introduce improved way finding for the residents. Introducing a connection skywalk between the Marden Center and the Commandant’s Residence was also a major feature. This new structure enables residents of all abilities to navigate between the two buildings with ease and comfort. Bringing the Commandant’s residence into use was important for the history of the campus. As a café it serves as a communal space for residents and their families to enjoy. After conducting the research and implementing the design solutions in a digital format, the Veterans Home became more functional and efficient, as well as more aesthetically attractive. /
