Tahanang Walang Hagdanan renovation project features barrier-free designs
The Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHI), a non-government organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities (PWDs), recently received a facelift through the borderless renovation project of young student-artists.
Established in 1973, the institution provides training, educational, mobility and aid assistance, plus livelihood support to PWDs, most especially orthopedically challenged individuals.
Motivated to reinforce inclusivity within the community, the budding innovators from the graduating batch of the Interior Design Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Environment and Design (SED) focused on implementing sustainable and adequate environment for wheelchair users and persons with restricted mobility.
Entitled AKAY, the initiative refurbished the 54-square-meter office which included the conference room, lounge and reception areas, as well as its history wall.
For quick and convenient access, push-to-open mechanisms were incorporated for the cabinets, while lever-type knobs, grab bar and kick plates were added to doors. Round-edged furniture pieces were specially chosen for the built-in media console, tables and swivel chairs to eliminate physical barriers.
The counters and the built-in coffee bar likewise come with open spaces underneath, as well as a pull-out cabinet on the side. All elements were also adjusted based on the height of the end-users’ eyesight.
A motion sensor lighting system was integrated to help turn the lights on and off with ease.
Wide pathways were applied for comfortable wheelchair maneuvering, clear passage and better sightlines. Obstructions such as rugs, extra fittings, or free-standing lamps were also omitted to avoid limitations in movement and to provide smooth transitions between each space.
The AKAY team was comprised of Lorenz Mico Masangcay, Sandra Marie Cabili, Margaret Therese Hagad, Maxinne Celinna Mangoba, Andrea Mae Bactol, Patti Dy, Iris Andreana Bernabe, Nuri Hong, Micah Agatha Mendiola, Kevin Julius Mondero, Kristen Marie Asuncion, Mark Jayvee Begaso, and Nicole Anne Marasigan.
They were mentored by IDr. Candice Arboleda and IDr. Iza Sim.
The three-month project was turned over at the end of the year.
For more information about AKAY, visit their Facebook Page on https://www.facebook.com/project.akay2022.
Learn more about Benilde Interior Design Program through https://www.benilde.edu.ph/undergraduate-interior-design/.
