The role of the pod...An Occupational Therapist's perspective

Interview with Yael Rosman, OT on planning and Facilities required:

After reviewing the feedback from Draft one, I directed this interview to answer some of my pending questions. Such questions included the appropriateness of a linear progression through the building and the necessity to narrow down the type of user and hence target one kind of ability level or group.....

Who will benefit most?
There is a range of skill levels that OTs have to work with. Some clients are more high functioning than others, but in a facility like this, there is no need to provide for a selected group. Rather Yael encouraged a series of adaptations and variations available in each space to provide for a range of skill levels. These changes are at a level where the rooms function can be slightly manipulated depending on the specific client.

What would be the best way to move through the space after the client has arrived?
For an OT, the best scenario would be being able to meet with the client in a more neutral space and then move on the "PODS" that are best for that days activity.

Would it be best if the client entered the same way as they left?
It is important for the client to recognize and understand arrival and departure, especially if the rooms themselves are changing, then the one very stable element is arrival and departure. Yael recommended the same route be taken for both arrive and departure.

Would it be ok to use the paths between the PODS as learning spaces too?
Yes, that is fine, in practice OTs tend to use tricycles, scooter boards, balls, hopping, skipping and galoping. These skills are great for gross motor development and should be encouraged.

POD ideas....
Sensory PODS - I positioned a series of ideas that I had been thinking about and Yael basically added what she felt would enhance the space or would allow the client's maximum benefit

1. audio and light - make these two able to work independent of each other in the one space and also together so that both low and high function clients can use them
2. Mirror room - great space to encourage wet and dry activities
3. Tactile - make this space an area where kids can enter bare foot and feel the surface changes all around them
4. Water room/sand - great for fine motor skills
5. Climbing wall - great for higher functioning kids
6. Swings - this is very important and used in a lot of OT practices. The swings need to be able to be changed. There are a series of hammocks and swings that are used for gross motor development.
7. Trampoline room - Yael suggested this space as there are a lot of skills that can be taught in the type of setting.
8. Work room - Yael mentioned there needs to ne a neutral room with tables for activities and minimal distraction. This is vital for fine more skills and probably one of the best places for assessment for the client.

PUBLIC SPACES
1. Basketball Court (multi-purpose hall)
2. Foam Pit
3. Library
4. giant steps (spaces to jump down)

SUMMARY
Now, i think that a linear movement would not be the best idea in practice. The concept should be room goal oriented, tailored specifically to each child/client's needs. that is, instead of trying to move through the entire building and have a sense of accomplishment, the process of moving from one pod to another and the activity inside the pod is the important factor. This changes the rationale for the planning strategy of the building, emphasizing the need to have easy access to all the pods and avoid long journeys to each POD of development.

I will need to select the most effective POD ideas and possibly join some of the suggested POD functions together. I feel Yael is effectively a prospective client for the design of this kind of facility and hence may continue to work closely with her until its completion.