JohnyBear, Debra

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University of New HampshireUniversity of New Hampshire Scholars' RepositoryMedia Relations Administrative Offices1-8-2008UNH Engineering, Occupational TherapyStudents Design Space For Exeter HealthCareDebra JohnyBearUNH College of Engineering and Physical SciencesFollow this and additional works at: https://scholars.unh.edu/newsThis News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Administrative Offices at University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository. It hasbeen accepted for inclusion in Media Relations by an authorized administrator of University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository. For moreinformation, please contact nicole.hentz@unh.edu.Recommended CitationJohnyBear, Debra, "UNH Engineering, Occupational Therapy Students Design Space For Exeter HealthCare" (2008). UNH Today.300.https://scholars.unh.edu/news/3009/6/2016 UNH Engineering, Occupational Therapy Students Design Space for Exeter HealthCarehttp://www.unh.edu/delete/news/cj_nr/2008/jan/dj08exeter.cfm.html 1/3UNH Media Relations UNH Engineering, Occupational Therapy StudentsDesign Space For Exeter HealthCareContact:  Debra JohnyBear 603­862­3102College of Engineering and Physical SciencesJanuary 8, 2008DURHAM, N.H. — An unlikely alliance of University of New Hampshire students – civilengineers and occupational therapists – has designed an environmentally sensitive atriumspace to bring natural beauty to patients rehabilitating from major medical services in Exeter.The 14 students and their faculty mentors, associate professor of civil engineering CharlesGoodspeed III and associate professor of occupational therapy Lou Ann Griswold, presentedtheir proposed atrium design to Exeter HealthCare in December and will continue to move theproject toward completion during the spring semester.The project, which the students undertook for course credit, matched the structuralengineering skills of the engineering students with the therapeutic insights of the OT studentsto create a space that is functional, accessible, safe and "so beautiful that I could cry,"according to Exeter HealthCare occupational therapist Annie Harris, who initiated thecollaboration. Exeter HealthCare provides comprehensive sub­acute skilled care, includingrehabilitative and complex medical services during the transition from hospital to home,outpatient therapy services, and driver training and adaptation programs.The students were tasked with designing a beautiful area for Exeter HealthCare residents toretreat to, regardless of temperature or allergens. From the perspective of the occupationaltherapy students, building parameters included optimal functionality, aesthetics, heat andhumidity, lighting, space, and accessibility factors. Many Exeter HealthCare patients are long­term and require ventilator care, and some have severe behavioral issues.Engineering challenges included structural issues related to the unique framing of thestructure and shear loadings from wind. In addition, students sought to design a space thatwould qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification, thenationally accepted benchmark for the design construction and operation of high­performancegreen buildings.The end design integrated therapy and architecture by optimizing the large open space,surrounding it with oversized large windows to amplify the natural lighting. The designprovides secure access to outdoor gardens, a gas fireplace lined on both sides with acascading waterfall, and art and performance space. Floor heat uses a piping system thattransmits hot air upward resulting in uniform efficient heating.Exeter HealthCare's Harris gives the design – and the student designers – high marks. "Thephysical and emotional needs of the people who will be using this building have indeed beenaddressed ­ this gives the structure a soul," she said.For the students, the opportunity to work not only outside their disciplines but also outsidethe university community was rewarding. "This project represented a unique opportunity toblend structural engineering with the human emotions of hope and vision in order to create abuilding that truly has a soul and a great purpose," said civil engineering student Jack Welchof Boston.9/6/2016 UNH Engineering, Occupational Therapy Students Design Space for Exeter HealthCarehttp://www.unh.edu/delete/news/cj_nr/2008/jan/dj08exeter.cfm.html 2/3"It was inspiring to join forces with the engineering team to deliver the beginnings of such animportant community­based project," said occupational therapy student Rachel Bradt of Rye."The heart of this atrium project is securely based in the core tenets of occupational therapy ­­ enabling and empowering individuals so they can participate in meaningful day­to­dayactivities."Most of the students who worked on this project plan to stay with it through the 2008 springsemester. Spring semester's objective will be to further detail the current design, provideExeter HealthCare with a complete bid package and associated costs.Civil engineering students involved in the project were:Jillian Sanctuary of MilfordJ.R. Collins of WeareBrittany File­Huntsberger of Kennebunk, MaineRyan Kline of WolfeboroHeather Newton of SharonMichael McGurl of Arlington, Mass.Craig Shillaber of DeerfieldAdam Spraque of EpsonJack Welch of BostonJohn Westover of ConcordOccupational therapy students involved in the project were:Lindsey Napurano of Blairstown, N.J.Rachel Bradt of RyeLindsey Parent of WalpoleBeth Geyer of Newmarket­30­HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS/CAPTIONS:http://www.ceps.unh.edu/images/atrium1high.jpgExterior of proposed atrium, designed by University of New Hampshire civil engineering andoccupational therapy for Exeter HealthCare in Exeter, New Hampshire.http://www.ceps.unh.edu/images/atrium2high.jpgInterior of proposed atrium, designed by University of New Hampshire civil engineering andoccupational therapy for Exeter HealthCare in Exeter, New Hampshire.http://www.ceps.unh.edu/images/atrium3high.jpgFor comfort there is a warm and tranquil gas fireplace lined on both sides with a cascadingwaterfall. Included also is space to display local art.http://www.ceps.unh.edu/images/atrium4high.jpgMany of the Exeter HealthCare residents are long­term and require ventilator care. Logisticalissues along with some severe behavioral issues strengthened the argument to create aspacious calming therapeutic environment.http://www.ceps.unh.edu/images/atrium5high.jpgThe atrium design includes space to display local art as well as a performing artist area.http://www.ceps.unh.edu/images/atrium6high.jpgLarge open space amplifies the natural lighting in the UNH­proposed design of the ExeterHealthCare atrium. The design also features secure access to the aesthetically pleasing andtherapeutic gardens.9/6/2016 UNH Engineering, Occupational Therapy Students Design Space for Exeter HealthCarehttp://www.unh.edu/delete/news/cj_nr/2008/jan/dj08exeter.cfm.html 3/3email this page!

UNH Engineering, Occupational Therapy Students Design Space For Exeter HealthCare

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UNH Engineering, Occupational Therapy Students Design Space For Exeter HealthCare

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