The Jacoubsen, Independent Living Apartments
Project Type: Residential (Dawson College – final thesis project)
Size: 3,720 m2

Role:

Designer

Responsibilities:

Design concept; functional space program; design drawings (floor and ceiling plans, elevations, construction detailing, and 3D illustrations); materials and finishes, furnishings and lighting selection; critical presentation and public exhibition at the year end final exposition.

Project Descript:

“Barrier-free design is not barrier to style”

The Jacoubsen addresses the need for quality living amongst the physically disabled by offering accessible and secure, functional and modern apartment suites in the heart of vibrant Mille-End, Montreal. The residential building also responds to the alienation of all city dweller living in an urban environment.

The project converts the Luke Callahan Memorial School into spaces that are both public (a café, a medical office and a general store) and private (20 apartments, an aqua-therapy room, an exercise room, a laundry lounge and atrium and a library).

The public café/lounge opens up the central core of the first and second floors, is fully accessible from the main street entrance, and includes a universally design bar. An accessible ramp curves around the café up to multi level eating areas and a top viewing point. The glass enclosed private laundry facility on the third floor is adjacent to a 6m high atrium with windows facing the morning sun. The library/reading room on the fourth floor provides a peaceful and calm space with comfortable seating required for quiet retreat time.

The Jacoubsen was developed as a final thesis design project inspired by my friend Harley Jacoubsen, who passed away in October 2004 due to a physically disabling condition called neurofibromatosis.