ASPIRE Supported Residence Hall Design Competition

Overview

Overview

st alberts hall

In Fall 2022, the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support will be offering a residential option for students enrolled in the ASPIRE Program. The Residence Hall will be an additional support option for students in the ASPIRE Program who choose to begin their college careers living in a community with others on the spectrum prior to living in a fully integrated residence hall.

In the year leading up to the new residence hall opening, the Kinney Center has partnered with the Interior Design Program, College of Architecture, and the Build Environment at Thomas Jefferson University design program to create a comfortable and functional space that suits the unique needs of individuals on the spectrum. Eight teams will compete to have their design chosen, and YOU can help choose the winner. 

The interior design studio run by Severino Alfonso and Loukia Tsafoulia will be conducted in collaboration with the Synesthetic Research and Design Lab at the College of Architecture and the Built Environment and with Dr. Wendy Ross, director of the Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, Jefferson Health as well as the Kinney Center's ASPIRE Program team.

Meet the Design Teams


team1

Kathleen Gross, Jennifer Conard, and Caitlyn Shauger

You can make a house feel more homey by adding...
Kathleen: Plants
Jennifer: Pets and Plants
Caitlyn: By throwing blankets everywhere


team2

Sarah Callahan and Maylene Reyes

What is your favorite element of design?
Sarah: Being able to figure out the conceptual phase and then actually bring that concept to life within a space.
Maylene: Process and concept.


team3

Mallory Katen and Kaylie Siwy

You can make a house feel more homey by adding...
Mallory: Your own personal touches, including elements that you like will make you feel more comfortable in a space.
Kaylie: Comfortable and cozy materials as well as warm lighting.
 


team4

Abby Stubb and Marykate Weller

What do you want to be when you "grow up"...
Abby: I'd like to be at a place where I'm passionate, creating, and inspired. I want to be an advocate and revolutionize the definition society holds of Interior Design.
Marykate: A vet/designer/lawyer.
 


team5

Tuan Nguyen, Taylor Maroon, and Connor Gray

What is your favorite element of design?
Taylor: Lighting and color
Connor: I really like color theory and working with different colors and textures.
 


team6

Haley Lalanya Chason and Tabassum Aminur

You can make a house more homey by adding...
Haley: Plants
Tabassum: A bit of your personality
 


team7

Victoria Verrekia and Caylin Munn

What do you want to be when you "grow up"?
Caylin: An Interior Designer
 


team8

Nicole Gonzalez-Cruz and Beatriz Reboucas da Silva

You can make a house feel more homey by adding...
Beatriz: Love
Nicole: Books, art, plants
 

Criteria

Design Rubric

  • The design takes into account the unique abilities and challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum.

  • The design accounts for, and serves a variety of student needs and requests including but not limited to: relaxation, socialization, and studying.

  • The design incorporates Saint Joseph's University pride.

  • The design is scalable and executable within the proposed budget and timeline.

  • The design is visually pleasing and creatively executed.