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Wood & Wellbeing: Design Strategies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

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Join us for an insightful session on an innovative project at the intersection of architecture and accessibility. We’ll explore design strategies behind the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth in Vancouver, Washington, where designers followed DeafSpace principles as part of a deaf-led design process for the bilingual school. This case study presentation explores how an exposed wood structure contributes to the sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity of the Center, including ADA-compliant and barrier-free design. Further discussion will detail how the biophilic benefits of wood helped frame strategies for visual aids and wayfinding. And, in a pioneering mass timber application, how wood’s acoustic vibrations help extend occupants’ sensory reach. Don’t miss this webinar on designing inspiring, safe, and inclusive learning environments. 

Register
Location:
Online
Date/Time:
February 12, 2025 | 1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Credits:
Attendees can Earn 1.0 AIA/CES HSW LUs, 1.0 PDH credit or 0.10 ICC credit and 1 hour of ADA and Barrier-Free Design CE

Speaker

Brendan Connolly, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Mithun

Brendan is a design leader and managing partner at Mithun. He has led the firm’s education and cultural practice for two decades, with projects ranging from K-12 schools to universities, environmental education centers and museums. In all projects, he seeks to advance sustainable performance and enhance human experience through the legible application of biophilic design, mass timber, and living building, passive house, and zero carbon and energy solutions.

Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth / Mithun / Photo Lara Swimmer