Sunday, October 26, 2008

"The success of the masterpieces seems to life not so much in their freedom from faults - indeed we tolerate the grossest errors in them all - but in the immense persuasiveness of a mind which has completely mastered its perspective."
-Virginia Woolf, "The Death of the Moth"

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Occupational Therapist, Yael Rosman on the definition of fine and gross motor skills

Importance of developing good fine motor skills:
-Fine motor skills refers to one's ability to use the fingers and hands to manipulate objects effectively, with both speed and accuracy. It also relates to grasp, finger isolation, in-hand manipulation and finger and hand strength. Fine motor skills are essential for most activities of daily living e.g. holding utensils for independent feeding, dressing (being able to manipulate buttons/zips and coordinate hand movements for accurately putting clothes on limbs and pulling them up/down/on/off). It is essential for school/work related activities such as writing/drawing and being able to grasp, manipulate and control a pencil.

Importance of gross motor skills:
- 'Gross motor skills' is a term which incorporate areas such as balance, bilateral hand coordination, eye-hand coordination, smooth fluid movements, sequencing movements, planning body movements in space and in relation to other objects. Effective gross motor skills are essential so that individuals can navigate their environment in a safe and effective way. Difficulties in these areas may affect basic developmental milestones such as walking/crawling/standing. In young children difficulties may be seen with activities such as hopping, skipping, marching, scissor jumps, star jumps as these are more complex activities requiring coordinated body movements. Difficulties in these areas may be related to 'praxis' which refers to motor planning and one's ability to plan and coordinate what body parts are required to produce certain movements, and in what sequence these movements are required. These kids are often simply thought to be 'uncoordinated', 'floppy' or a 'bit all over the place' however there is often an actual underlying problem with motor planning and motor coordination. Obviously these can later on affect their ability (and confidence) to participate in sporting activities with peers.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Suburban Precedent Reconfigured in Urban Setting

The research undertaken at The Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield, Michigan and The CREATE Centre, Bristol, London are just two sources which allow continual evaluation of facilities and hence, further development targeting the user's needs.

Both are located in suburban settings and hence are formally quite different to that of a building performing a similar role in an urban setting.




This project aims to adapt the village-like approach taken by the original designers into a more civic oriented, urban setting on the basis of Ron Herron's Archigram work in the 60s.

Details

Roof Frame



Wall Frame



Interior application of translucent tile




Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Plan of tiled tracks on site

Perspective of tracks

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Harnesses for exposed PODS




The more exposed PODS are used as a tool to teach older kids confidence with heights and open spaces. This Harness is one of many is used internationally for kids at rock climbing centres. The children who seem able to cope with this kind of activity, after assessment will then be able to use the below POD for a series of swing based gross motor skills.