The Philadelphia Transition Center for ASD
from Master's Thesis with advisees Severino Alfonso, Rachel UpDegrove, and Lisa Phillips
The Philadelphia Transition Center for ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a place for individuals to gradually enter the world of independence and new learning opportunities. It is a place of education, engagement, and activism within the community of Port Richmond, Philadelphia. With different programmatic zones acting as a set of zoning rules for each building, the user can better focus and alleviates confusion. This center will be used as a model that can be used nationwide and globally.
Through design, it’s imperative to bridge the gap between the ASD community and the neurotypical community while also considering design as a tool to control the sensory experience of ASD, creating a more suitable learning experience. |
Peter Fulton
M. Architecture '21 Listening to Family Mann by the Fleetwood Mac Design is about solving problem solving. I want to use my degree to help solve the world's problems through good design. We can solve more issues in this world than most people think through thoughtful design. The fact that empathy can create inspiration which in turn will motivate action is powerful and can start us on the right path to change. |
What made you chose this topic for your Capstone project?
The ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) community is largely unheard which was a main motivator for me in this project. We need to educate our society on the behavioral differences of ASD as well as invest in these individuals future to set them up for success in the future. What is your design process? Starting out with small sketches and parti diagrams always get the creative process flowing for me. Experimental modeling with balloons gave me my latest spark of inspiration. What experiences in your life have shaped your designs? Traveling has been very beneficial towards influencing and progressing me as a designer. I think there is so much out there that we should be open to exploring when it comes to design. |
"Design is about solving problems and the best way to gain other perspectives is to show your work to your community, friends, or family." |