New York, New York, USA
By fusing playful shapes, dramatic spaces, large windows, reflective materials, and stimulating light and shadow, Xuefeng Li’s design of a family house in upstate New York, creates a sensory-rich experience that can help the child recover and flourish.
The inspiration for the design comes from the playful experience of blowing bubbles, capturing the essence of childhood wonder and joy.
For its conceptual design, the Healing Bubblescape has been awarded a historic Good Design award for 2023 by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Center of Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies.
The shape of bubbles is incorporated into the design through curved voids that capture sunlight and cast unique shadows in the interior spaces.
Large windows flood the interior spaces with natural light, providing the child with ample sunlight exposure.
Sunlight exposure has been shown to have a positive impact on children with ASD, improving mood, behavior, and cognitive function.
The natural light and shadow created by the unique shapes of the interior spaces are undefinable and constantly changing, adding a layer of interest and excitement to the environment for the child.
The design features a special game room that serves as a space for the child to engage in therapeutic activities.
Research has shown that sensory-rich experiences can benefit children with ASD.
The openings on the wall with stained glass can turn sunlight into interesting reflections and sensory colors throughout the day, creating an engaging and stimulating environment.
The design includes several other features to create a healing and inspiring environment for the child.
For example, the materials used throughout the interior are selected for their calming and soothing properties, and the color palette is carefully chosen to create a sense of serenity and tranquility.
The layout of the spaces provides clear circulation paths and areas designated for specific functions, such as relaxation, play, and therapy.
The exterior of the building uses reflective materials, making it appear as it blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
This design also gives rise to an ever-changing facade that responds dynamically to the evolving natural light and surrounding environment.
Project: Healing Bubblescape
Designer: Xuefeng Li
Manufacturer: Everest Group
