A place for community interaction triggered by the care of children with SMID and their families

Children with SMID（severe motor and intellectual disabilities） is a child with severe limb and intellectual disabilities who requires medical care on a daily basis. And their families are responsible for 24-hour medical care at home.

This plan was initiated by a doctor who has worked with children with SMID for many years and a staff member who is involved in their daily care, with the belief that creating a place where families can open up and talk, and where families can look forward and try to live, is what is needed in the care of children with SMID.

The first step was to respect diversity and eliminate prejudice, so that the presence of Children with SMID would become an everyday occurrence. We created an open structure that welcomes diverse people and opens to the community, a corridor-like space under the eaves, a grass-roofed terrace, and a garden for strolling, creating a place where people, including local residents, can spend their time freely and without a center.

At the same time, a talking room was created in a quiet environment where family members can receive and look forward to their concerns. A kitchen are located near the street, encouraging interaction. And we aimed to create a space where individuals can control their distance from others.

As for the environment for children with SMID, we considered enriching the "upward gaze" because they ride in a sleeping position in their wheelchairs. We designed a space that stimulates the senses and is rich in variety: a grass roof seen through a high window, the daily smell of grass and flowers and wind, and a structure with depth made of layered wood.